䷁ Kun kūn
Core Meaning
The Kun hexagram symbolizes the earth's inclusiveness and capacity to bear, emphasizing the qualities of gentleness, humility, and carrying things with thick virtue. In contrast to the Qian hexagram's strength, Kun values compliance, bearing, and nurturing all things. This hexagram tells us that the soft overcomes the hard; overcoming the hard with softness is wisdom.
The Judgment
Primal, sublime success, advantageous for the constancy of a mare. The noble person has somewhere to go; at first misguided, later gains a master, it is beneficial. In the southwest, friends are gained; in the northeast, friends are lost. Resting in constancy, auspicious.
Interpretation:
The Kun hexagram symbolizes the embracing and bearing capacity of the great earth, like a mare, gentle and firm. When a noble person proceeds, although confused at first, they will eventually find their direction. Gaining friends in the southwest is beneficial, but not so in the northeast. Abiding in the correct path brings auspiciousness.
The Image
The Earth's potential is Kun; the noble person carries things with thick virtue.
Structure
All six lines are yin, a pure yin hexagram, reaching the utmost gentleness.
The Lines
The six lines are read from bottom to top, representing the progression from the foundation to the culmination.
Initial Six: Treading on frost, solid ice is coming.
Six in the Second Place: Straight, square, great. Without practice, nothing is not beneficial.
Six in the Third Place: Holding a beautiful inner pattern, capable of firm correctness. Or following the king's work, without achieving success in the beginning, yet having a good end.
Six in the Fourth Place: Tied up like a purse; no blame, no praise.
Six in the Fifth Place: Yellow lower garment, supremely auspicious.
Top Six: Dragons fighting in the wilderness, their blood is dark yellow.
Special Line
Using Six: Beneficial for perpetual constancy.
Modern Interpretation
💼 Career & Business
Suitable for assisting others and teamwork. Do not rush to lead, but play the role of support and cooperation. Treading on frost, solid ice is coming, a minor oversight can lead to disaster; pay attention to details at work.
❤️ Relationships
Gentle and inclusive, good at listening and understanding. Play the role of a supporter in relationships, resolving conflicts with tenderness. However, also maintain your boundaries and principles.
🎯 Decision Making
Do not try to strongly lead; instead, follow the natural course. Like the earth bearing all things, face various situations with an inclusive attitude. Abide by the right path, with softness within strength.
⚠️ Warning & Caution
Excessive gentleness will lead to losing oneself. Treading on frost, solid ice is coming; small problems not dealt with in time can lead to disaster. Maintain vigilance within gentleness and do not blindly comply.
Applicable Scenarios
The Kun hexagram can provide guidance and inspiration when you encounter the following situations:
Historical Context & Cultural Heritage
Tsinghua University's motto, 'Thick virtue carries things,' comes from the Image commentary of the Kun hexagram: 'The earth's potential is Kun; the noble person carries things with thick virtue.' This embodies the spirit of inclusiveness, bearing, and nurturing emphasized by the Kun hexagram, and is an important moral concept in Chinese culture.
Related Hexagrams
Based on the connections between hexagrams, the following are also worth exploring:
Deepen Your Understanding
This interpretation provides a foundational understanding of the Kun hexagram. For a deeper comprehension, consider:
- • Reading commentaries from classical scholars and modern interpreters
- • Studying the hexagram's position within the overall sequence of the 64 hexagrams
- • Reflecting on how its wisdom applies to your current life situation
- • Exploring the changing lines and their resulting hexagrams in divination
Authoritative Resources
Want to explore the I Ching more deeply? These authoritative resources provide scholarly perspectives: