Kun · Exhaustion
困卦 · 泽水困
- Being stuck
- Hardship
- Endurance
- Actions over words
The Judgment
In (the condition denoted by) Khwan there may (yet be) progress and success. For the firm and correct, the (really) great man, there will be good fortune. He will fall into no error. If he make speeches, his words cannot be made good.
困。亨，贞，大人吉，无咎。有言不信。
The Image
The lake has no water: exhaustion. The noble one, in the same way, stakes their life on fulfilling their purpose.
泽无水，困。君子以致命遂志。
Plain-language reading
Your situation
You may feel trapped: resources are scarce, your efforts get no response, and even what you say is not believed. Kun (Exhaustion) is a lake without water, a symbol of poverty and confinement. This kind of situation wears you down, but what it really tests is your character in adversity.
Where to put your effort
Explain less and do more; let results speak for you. Hold on to your purpose and your principles; even in hardship, do not give up what you must stand for. Focus on what you can control and wait for things to loosen. A person of true character can stay composed, and even at peace, in the midst of hardship.
Four areas of life
- Career
- Both you and your reputation are trapped; better to accept your lot.
- Wealth
- Funds are short and the position is risky; better to head home.
- Family
- Safety first; a sign of widowhood.
- Health
- Kidney energy depleted; danger is close.
Health notes come from traditional texts and are cultural reference only. If you feel unwell, please see a doctor.
The six lines
Read from the bottom up: the first line is at the bottom, the top line is at the top. Open each line for details.
Nine in the second placeThe second line, undivided, shows its subject straitened amidst his wine and viands. There come to him anon the red knee-covers (of the ruler). It will be well for him (to maintain his sincerity as) in sacrificing. Active operations (on his part) will lead to evil, but he will be free from blame.Moving
九二：困于酒食，朱绂方来，利用享祀。征凶，无咎。
Image：Trapped amid wine and food: there is celebration at the centre.
- Career
- Fame and profit, but you end up being used.
- Wealth
- A fortune built through trade; pressing on is risky.
- Family
- A wealthy family worships; a marriage is about to happen.
- Health
- Uncontrolled eating and drinking; rein yourself in and pray.
Nine in the fourth placeThe fourth line, undivided, shows its subject proceeding very slowly (to help the subject of the first line), who is straitened by the carriage adorned with metal in front of him. There will be occasion for regret, but the end will be good.Moving
九四：来徐徐，困于金车，吝，有终。
Image：Coming very slowly: the will is set on those below. Though out of place, there is support.
- Career
- In the wrong position, looked down on by others.
- Wealth
- Goods lost; quick action can save them.
- Family
- Move in slowly; things will come together in time.
- Health
- Long-term exhaustion; a grave risk.
Nine in the fifth placeThe fifth line, undivided, shows its subject with his nose and feet cut off. He is straitened by (his ministers in their) scarlet aprons. He is leisurely in his movements, however, and is satisfied. It will be well for him to be (as sincere) as in sacrificing (to spiritual beings).Moving
九五：劓刖，困于赤绂。乃徐，有说，利用祭祀。
Image：Nose and feet cut off: the aim is not yet achieved. Slowly joy comes: through being central and upright. Favourable to make offerings: blessings are received.
- Career
- Too much rigidity breaks; be careful to avoid disaster.
- Wealth
- Clear your stock and sell it slowly.
- Family
- Trouble with the nose or feet; doubt first, then success.
- Health
- Head and foot problems; rest and pray.
Related hexagrams
Judgment and line texts from the public-domain translation by James Legge (1882). Readings by DeepHeart AI.
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