䷮ Constraint kùn
Core Meaning
The hexagram Kun reveals the wisdom of adversity. Life inevitably brings difficulties, and the key is how to respond. Kun emphasizes: in adversity, uphold integrity, ''perseverance for the great person is auspicious' means only by adhering to the right path can one find good fortune'; in adversity, speak little, ''words are not believed' means the more you explain, the worse the situation becomes'; in adversity, be resolute, ''risking life to achieve aspiration' means achieving ideals at all costs'; in adversity, wait for the right moment, ''constrained by wine and food; a crimson robe is about to arrive' means opportunities will naturally come if you wait'; in adversity, repent, ''movement brings regret; there is regret; an expedition would be auspicious' means correcting mistakes leads to good fortune'. In modern society, difficulties are everywhere: career troughs, financial problems, interpersonal crises. The hexagram Kun tells us: difficulties are temporary, ''success' will eventually come'; maintain integrity in adversity, ''within danger, there is pleasure' means remaining joyful even in peril'; accumulate strength in adversity, ''risking life to achieve aspiration' means waiting for a turnaround'. The truly wise cultivate themselves in adversity and grow through hardship.
The Judgment
Success, perseverance. The great person is auspicious. No blame. Words are not believed.
Interpretation:
Success, uphold the right path. The great person is auspicious, no blame. Many words are not trusted.
The Image
There is no water in the marsh; constraint. The superior person risks their life to achieve their aspiration.
Structure
The hexagram Kun (Constraint) has Kan (Water) below and Dui (Marsh) above, forming the image of a marsh over water, which is constraint. When there is no water in the marsh, it is dry and constrained; this is the climate of 'constraint'. Constraint means being in straits, with the firm being covered by the yielding. The lower trigram Kan is danger, and the upper trigram Dui is pleasure, meaning joy within danger. The key to the hexagram Kun is: constrained but not losing aspiration, 'constrained but not losing its success'; constrained but upholding the right path, ''perseverance for the great person is auspicious' means holding firm to integrity'; constrained but speaking little, ''words are not believed' means many words are useless'; constrained but dedicated to purpose, ''risking life to achieve aspiration' means fulfilling one's ambitions at all costs'. Constraint is a test. A superior person maintains integrity in constraint, while a petty person loses virtue. The hexagram Kun emphasizes: adversity is a trial; one must hold firm to one's beliefs, speak less and do more, and wait for the right moment.
The Lines
The six lines are read from bottom to top, representing the progression from the foundation to the culmination.
Initial six: Buttocks constrained by a stump. Enters a dark valley. For three years, does not appear. (Initial Six: His buttocks are constrained by a stump; he enters a dark valley and for three years sees no one.)
Nine two: Constrained by wine and food. A crimson robe is about to arrive. It is beneficial to offer sacrifices. Expedition is inauspicious. No blame. (Nine Two: He is constrained by wine and food. A crimson robe is near. It is beneficial to offer sacrifices. To undertake an expedition would be inauspicious, but there will be no blame.)
Six three: Constrained by stone. Leans on thorny brambles. Enters his palace. Does not see his wife. Inauspicious. (Six Three: He is constrained by stone, leans on thorny brambles. He enters his palace, but does not see his wife. Inauspicious.)
Nine four: Comes slowly. Constrained by a golden carriage. Regret. There is a conclusion. (Nine Four: He comes slowly, constrained by a golden carriage. Regret, but there is a conclusion.)
Nine five: Nose cut off and feet amputated. Constrained by a crimson robe. Then gradually there is release. It is beneficial to offer sacrifices. (Nine Five: His nose is cut off and his feet amputated; he is constrained by a crimson robe. Then there is gradual release. It is beneficial to offer sacrifices.)
Top six: Constrained by creeping vines. In a precarious situation. Says movement brings regret. There is regret. Expedition is auspicious. (Top Six: He is constrained by creeping vines, in a precarious position. He says movement brings regret. There is regret. An expedition would be auspicious.)
Modern Interpretation
💼 Career & Business
In a career downturn, uphold integrity and wait for the right moment. ''Success; perseverance; the great person is auspicious' means difficulties will pass, and adhering to the right path will lead to good fortune'. ''Words are not believed', do not over-explain; speak less and do more'. Initial six: 'His buttocks are constrained by a stump' signifies the most difficult time, nowhere to settle; 'he enters a dark valley' means one can only withdraw; 'for three years, sees no one' means prolonged dormancy. Nine two: 'Constrained by wine and food' implies difficulty but hope; 'a crimson robe is about to arrive' means an appointment is coming; 'it is beneficial to offer sacrifices' means sincere devotion; 'expedition is inauspicious, no blame' means do not rush forward. Six three: 'Constrained by stone' is the most perilous; 'leans on thorny brambles' signifies being in a dilemma; 'does not see his wife, inauspicious' means isolated and helpless. Nine four: 'Comes slowly' means slow action; 'constrained by a golden carriage' means being blocked; 'regret, but there is a conclusion' means regretful but will eventually have a result. Nine five: 'His nose is cut off and his feet amputated' means suffering punishment, but 'then gradually there is release'. Remember: when in difficulty, uphold integrity, speak little, and wait for the right moment.
❤️ Relationships
In emotional difficulties, reflect and improve. ''Success; perseverance' means difficulties will pass, and upholding the right path is key'. ''Words are not believed', do not over-argue; action speaks louder than words'. Initial six: 'His buttocks are constrained by a stump' means the relationship has no foundation; 'he enters a dark valley' means separation; 'for three years, sees no one' means prolonged absence. Nine two: 'Constrained by wine and food' means material difficulties, but 'a crimson robe is about to arrive' means to maintain hope; 'it is beneficial to offer sacrifices' means to treat sincerity. Six three: 'Constrained by stone' is the worst; 'does not see his wife, inauspicious' means losing a partner; 'leans on thorny brambles' means unbearable pain. Nine four: 'Comes slowly' means hesitation; 'constrained by a golden carriage' means being obstructed; 'there is a conclusion' means there will eventually be a result. Nine five: 'Then gradually there is release' means gradually resolving difficulties. Top six: 'Movement brings regret; there is regret' means knowing mistakes and correcting them; 'expedition is auspicious' means moving forward auspiciously after correction. Remember: when in difficulty, reflect, improve, and persevere.
🎯 Decision Making
In decision-making dilemmas, exercise caution and wait. ''Constraint, where the firm is covered' means firmness is obscured and cannot be displayed temporarily'. One should ''persevere' by upholding the right path; ''the great person is auspicious' means waiting for a great person to appear; ''words are not believed' means it's best to speak little'. Initial six: 'Enters a dark valley' means temporarily retreating to build strength. Nine two is crucial: 'Constrained by wine and food' implies difficulty, but 'a crimson robe is about to arrive', meaning opportunity is coming; 'it is beneficial to offer sacrifices' means to prepare devoutly; 'expedition is inauspicious' means do not rush to act. Six three: 'Constrained by stone' is most dangerous; do not meet force with force. Nine four: 'Comes slowly' means proceeding cautiously; 'there is a conclusion' means there will be a result. Nine five: 'Then gradually there is release' means gradually resolving difficulties; 'it is beneficial to offer sacrifices' means to maintain piety. Top six: 'Movement brings regret; there is regret' means timely repentance; 'expedition is auspicious' means progressing after correction. Remember: when in difficulty, uphold integrity, speak little, wait for the right moment, and reflect.
⚠️ Warning & Caution
The greatest warning of the Kun hexagram is losing integrity and being restless. ''Words are not believed' is most important; arguing more in difficulty only worsens it'. Be alert: losing integrity in difficulty, arguing too much in difficulty, being hasty and rash in difficulty, not reflecting in difficulty, giving up aspirations in difficulty. Remember: in difficulty, one must ''persevere' and uphold the right path; one must ''words are not believed' and speak less and do more; one must ''risking life to achieve aspiration' and hold firm to ideals; one must ''within danger, there is pleasure' and remain joyful even in peril'. Initial six: 'Enters a dark valley; for three years, does not appear' warns that in extreme difficulty, one must retreat and build strength. Six three: 'Does not see his wife, inauspicious' is most dangerous, isolated and helpless. Top six: 'Movement brings regret; there is regret' is most wise; correcting mistakes is a great virtue. Difficulty is a test; the superior person 'constrained but not losing its success', maintaining a heart of success even in adversity. True wisdom is: upholding integrity and waiting for the right moment, speaking less and doing more, reflecting and improving, and holding firm to aspirations.
Applicable Scenarios
The Constraint hexagram can provide guidance and inspiration when you encounter the following situations:
Historical Context & Cultural Heritage
Confucius's predicament between Chen and Cai is a classic example of the Kun hexagram. Confucius traveled through various states and was besieged between Chen and Cai, 'constrained by wine and food' and without provisions for seven days. His disciples were hungry and distressed, but Confucius 'risked his life to achieve his aspiration', continuing to teach without interruption, finding 'joy within danger' even in peril. He 'words were not believed', not over-explaining, but proving himself through action. He ''perseverance for the great person is auspicious', upholding the path of benevolence and righteousness without change'. 'A crimson robe is about to arrive', meaning the difficulty would eventually pass. His disciples asked, 'Can even a superior person be in such straits?' Confucius replied, 'A superior person endures hardship, while a petty person falls into excess when in straits.' This is precisely 'constrained but not losing its success'. He did not abandon his path like the initial six 'entering a dark valley', nor did he lose his integrity like six three 'not seeing his wife'. Later, 'then gradually there is release', and he was gradually understood. This embodies the wisdom of the Kun hexagram: uphold the right path in difficulty, speak less in difficulty, hold firm to beliefs in difficulty, and wait for the right moment in difficulty. The difference between a superior person and a petty person lies in their conduct during adversity.
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 Constraint 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: