ChineseStudy

47. Kun | Oppression

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Kun / Oppression: Oppression can move forward under a true and steady course. The rightly guided path is fortunate and blame-free, though words may not be trusted.

This is the judgment of Kun (Oppression), setting the overall situation and guiding principle for the whole hexagram. “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time; “no blame” means avoiding fault, not necessarily winning great success; “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.

First Six: One is trapped and brought into a dark valley, lodged against wood and root, with no meeting or contact for three years.

The first line is the lowest position, where a situation is just beginning and its strength is still forming. The image should be read as a concrete way of describing the situation before choosing how to act.

Second Nine: Being trapped in wine and food, and with ceremonial red robes coming forward, sacrifice is appropriate. Marching is perilous, but it brings no blame.

The second line often suggests a central and emerging position: no longer hidden, but not yet in command. “no blame” means avoiding fault, not necessarily winning great success; “misfortune” marks serious risk.

Third Six: Trapped among stone and thorns, one enters an inner home yet does not see one’s spouse. This is a dangerous situation.

The third line stands at the end of the lower trigram, where effort and pressure increase and caution becomes important. “misfortune” marks serious risk.

Fourth Nine: Progress comes slowly and is restrained by the gilded chariot; there is regret and constraint, but it eventually has an end.

The fourth line enters the upper trigram and marks a threshold between holding back and advancing. “regret” or “difficulty” points to trouble caused by an ill-measured action.

Fifth Nine: Punishments are severe, shown by nose and leg mutilation, while bound in red robes there is hard strife, then some relief comes slowly. Proper sacrifice is appropriate.

The fifth line is near the honored position, where influence can be exercised if power remains aligned with what is right. The image should be read as a concrete way of describing the situation before choosing how to act.

Top Six: Entangled in bindweed and awkward movement, action can bring regret upon regret, yet when movement is made, it is favorable.

The top line is the end of the hexagram's movement, often warning about excess, culmination, or the need to change course. “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction; “regret” or “difficulty” points to trouble caused by an ill-measured action.

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