2 · 坤

Judgment

元亨，利牝馬之貞。君子有攸往，先迷後得主，利西南得朋，東北喪朋。安貞，吉。

用六：利永貞。

《周易》通行本

Line texts

1. 初六：履霜，堅冰至。
2. 六二：直，方，大，不習无不利。
3. 六三：含章可貞。或從王事，无成有終。
4. 六四：括囊；无咎，无譽。
5. 六五：黃裳，元吉。
6. 上六：龍戰于野，其血玄黃。

Tuan commentary

至哉坤元，萬物資生，乃順承天。坤厚載物，德合无疆。含弘光大，品物咸亨。牝馬地類，行地无疆，柔順利貞。君子攸行，先迷失道，後順得常。西南得朋，乃與類行；東北喪朋，乃終有慶。安貞之吉，應地无疆。

维基文库 · 周易 · 坤

Great Image commentary

地勢坤，君子以厚德載物。

Small Images · bottom to top

用六永貞，以大終也。

1. 履霜堅冰，陰始凝也。馴致其道，至堅冰也。
2. 六二之動，直以方也。不習无不利，地道光也。
3. 含章可貞，以時發也。或從王事，知光大也。
4. 括囊无咎，慎不害也。
5. 黃裳元吉，文在中也。
6. 龍戰于野，其道窮也。

Traditional source · editorial summary in Chinese

Working translation of this site’s Chinese summaries based on traditional sources, not verbatim quotations from the commentator or a translation of the classical text. Native-language review is incomplete. Traditional imagery is not medical, legal or other professional advice.

朱熹《周易本義》

維基文庫 · 周易本義（四庫全書本）卷一

Judgment exegesis

Zhu Xi explains Kun as the utmost of yielding responsiveness through its six pure yin lines. The mare combines responsiveness and vigor; wherever one proceeds, maintain yielding conduct and rest in correctness.

Traditional source · editorial summary in Chinese · Line texts

All six yin lines change to yang. Through change, yielding responsiveness can maintain correctness over time, so Use Six emphasizes benefit through lasting steadfast correctness.

1. When yin energy first arises, its signs are slight but its tendency gradually deepens. Discern matters early while their beginnings are still subtle.
2. Yielding, centered correctness embodies inner straightness, outward squareness and extensive virtue and accomplishment. With this virtue, nothing is unfavorable without forced practice.
3. Hold fine virtue within and maintain correctness. Participate in the affairs of those above without claiming credit; although not completing a work as one's own, one can bring it to a sound conclusion.
4. Repeated yin lacks the center. Carefully draw inward as though tying a sack shut; this avoids blame without seeking esteem.
5. Yielding strength holds an honored, central position. Inner centered responsiveness appears outwardly, like yellow at the center and the lower garment keeping its place; hence primal auspiciousness.
6. Yin reaches its extreme and contends with yang. Both suffer injury, showing that this course has reached its limit.

Plain-language reading

Working translation of this site’s Chinese editorial reading, not an edition of the classical text, a verbatim quotation from a commentator or a prediction. Native-language review is not yet complete.

Judgment introduction

Kun’s six yin lines express bearing, adapting and bringing things to completion. The mare is both receptive and vigorous: yielding is not passivity, but lasting correctness once the direction is clear.

Plain-language reading · Line texts

When all six lines change, the emphasis is lasting correctness, keeping receptiveness steady without losing principles.

1. At the first frost underfoot, anticipate solid ice. Notice a trend as soon as change begins to show.
2. Inner uprightness, outward squareness and broad capacity to bear things allow fitting conduct without contrivance.
3. Keep talent within and remain correct. Take part without claiming the achievement, while still bringing the task to completion.
4. Restrain speech and conduct like tying a bag shut. This can avoid faults, without making reputation the aim.
5. At an important position, centrality, correctness and receptiveness are like the understated, fitting yellow lower garment, hence the text describes great auspiciousness.
6. Yin reaches its extreme and contends with yang. Both are hurt, showing confrontation has reached its limit.

Read the source

• 中国哲学书电子化计划 · 周易
• 维基文库 · 朱熹《周易本义》（四库全书本）卷一