47. Kùn 困
EXHAUSTION, OPPRESSION, DRAINING, CUTTING OFF
Key Concepts:
collapse of efforts, depression, despair, resignation, limitation, extreme difficulties, not losing optimism
The goal is exhausted, self-pity and pessimism are dangerous, focus on your recovery. Learn to revive interest in life and find the new.
Above is the trigram Dui (Lake), below is the trigram Kan (Water). The metaphorical image of this hexagram is a completely drained lake, whose water has gone underground or into a lowland, or an empty reservoir. Such an image shows our feelings during a prolonged unpleasant situation, when we lose energy and faith in ourselves.
The sense of purpose is one of our most valuable assets. When it is exhausted, moving forward becomes not only impossible but even ceases to be desirable. Our worth is judged by our ability to respond to both these states with dignity.
Self-pity and pessimism are invariably dangerous, plunging us deeper into despair, whereas we should focus on regaining control over ourselves. If a solution to problems is needed, it is necessary to remain vigorous in the face of radical changes, poverty, and oppression.
As with an exhausted body, rest and nutrition replenish the depleted spirit. Kun suggests using these unfavorable times to learn and engage in the exploration of life, to revive our interest in it and prepare the way for future forward movement.
Remember that in difficult situations, one should rely only on oneself. Indeed, any crisis is an opportunity to look inside oneself and find new sources of moving forward. Remember, any difficult period will end, and you will become stronger, able to gain new meanings and perspectives. Possibly, this hexagram indicates that the direction you are currently moving in or the project you are working on will not be successful. It would be more beneficial to direct your energies to new beginnings, parting with the past without regret.
The sense of purpose is one of our most valuable assets. When it is exhausted, moving forward becomes not only impossible but even ceases to be desirable. Our worth is judged by our ability to respond to both these states with dignity.
Self-pity and pessimism are invariably dangerous, plunging us deeper into despair, whereas we should focus on regaining control over ourselves. If a solution to problems is needed, it is necessary to remain vigorous in the face of radical changes, poverty, and oppression.
As with an exhausted body, rest and nutrition replenish the depleted spirit. Kun suggests using these unfavorable times to learn and engage in the exploration of life, to revive our interest in it and prepare the way for future forward movement.
Remember that in difficult situations, one should rely only on oneself. Indeed, any crisis is an opportunity to look inside oneself and find new sources of moving forward. Remember, any difficult period will end, and you will become stronger, able to gain new meanings and perspectives. Possibly, this hexagram indicates that the direction you are currently moving in or the project you are working on will not be successful. It would be more beneficial to direct your energies to new beginnings, parting with the past without regret.
I Ching Talking
There will be difficulty in tangled thickets. In instability, you will cry: 'Movement to regret!'. And there will be regret. But the journey brings happiness.
Hexagram Line Descriptions
Sitting is difficult on a stump. You will enter the gloomy valley.
For three years, you will see nothing.
Be careful not to fall into depression and idleness
Difficulty with wine and food.
Suddenly a man in crimson knee-pads will come. Favorable to bring sacrifices.
The journey brings misfortune.
There will be no slander.
External luxury will not satisfy the soul
You will stumble over a stone.
You will cling to thorns and spikes.
You will enter your palace, but you will not see your wife. Misfortune.
Retreat and dependency will be fatal at
this moment
The arrival is slow-very slow.
You will have difficulty due to the metal carriage.
Regret. But you will finish the matter.
Due to indecision, there may be obstacles and difficulties in society
Execution, they will cut off the nose and legs.
There will be difficulty from the man in crimson knee-pads.
But gradually joy will come.
Favorable to bring sacrifices and prayers.
Despite the absence of human help,
higher powers are with you
There will be difficulty in tangled thickets.
In instability, you will cry: 'Movement to regret'.
And there will be regret. But the journey brings happiness.
Determination is important if you want to succeed