48. Jǐng 井
THE WELL, THE SOURCE
Key Concepts:
replenishment, quenching (spiritual) thirst, community, connection, renewal
Remember your inner source of strength, inspiration, and joy, and care for it. Work creatively with all your might, for the joy of creation is the spring of life.
Above is the trigram Kan (Water), below is the trigram Sun (Wind). The metaphorical image of this hexagram is a source that supports our spirit. Just as our body needs clean water, our spirit needs spiritual water. The water nourishing the spirit, like the real water from a well, is located beneath the surface of our lives. The I Ching reminds us that our deepest needs must be nourished just as our mind and body's needs.
If the well is poorly maintained or allowed to be polluted, no one will drink from it. This hexagram reminds us of the need to keep in good condition what nourishes us in a spiritual, material, and energetic sense. The sources of our strength, inspiration, and joy need our constant care, the path of endless consumption without care leads to the depletion of resources.
Moreover, the I Ching relates the well to education, another inexhaustible source of energy replenishment for everyone. Just as we must not ignore our need for water, we must not ignore our need for unclouded wisdom and knowledge. The hexagram calls on us to work creatively with all our might, for the joy of creation is the spring of life. Success does not come suddenly. The well as a symbol of inexhaustible life energy is an extremely favorable omen.
If the well is poorly maintained or allowed to be polluted, no one will drink from it. This hexagram reminds us of the need to keep in good condition what nourishes us in a spiritual, material, and energetic sense. The sources of our strength, inspiration, and joy need our constant care, the path of endless consumption without care leads to the depletion of resources.
Moreover, the I Ching relates the well to education, another inexhaustible source of energy replenishment for everyone. Just as we must not ignore our need for water, we must not ignore our need for unclouded wisdom and knowledge. The hexagram calls on us to work creatively with all our might, for the joy of creation is the spring of life. Success does not come suddenly. The well as a symbol of inexhaustible life energy is an extremely favorable omen.
I Ching Talking
Water is drawn from the well. Do not close it. For the one possessing truth – initial happiness
Hexagram Line Descriptions
There is mud in the well - it cannot nourish.
With the neglected well, there will be no liveliness.
Stagnation can be overcome by spiritual revival
The water in the well drops.
Fish are visible at the bottom. The bucket is old, and it leaks.
Problems arise because you have not developed your best qualities
The well is cleansed, but from it, they do not drink.
This is the sorrow of my soul.
For it could be drawn from.
If the king were enlightened,
all would find their well-being.
An obvious source of livelihood is ignored
The well is lined with tiles.
There will be no slander.
Now is a good time for spiritual self-analysis and bringing oneself up to standard
The well is clean, as a cold spring.
From it, they drink.
Worldly success depends on a well-nourished spirit
Water is drawn from the well. Do not close it. For the one possessing truth – initial happiness.
Prosperity has come to all