Symbolic meaning: It represents a state of gentle progress and adaptation, like a female horse that is obedient and moves steadily.
As a yin line in the second position, it signifies a harmonious, balanced, and cooperative attitude in following and supporting.
When Line 2 changes, Kun becomes Hexagram 35 (Progress).The new hexagram "Progress" relates to the original line by developing the idea of steady advancement. The obedient and steady nature of Line 2 in Kun, when transformed, leads to a hexagram that emphasizes smooth progress and moving forward in a positive direction.
Taking the sixth line of the Kun Hexagram, "The dragons fight in the wilderness, their blood is dark and yellow", as an example, it symbolizes that when things develop to an extreme, yin and yang conflict fiercely, resulting in a dangerous and chaotic situation. As the topmost yin line of the Kun Hexagram, it represents the extreme prosperity of yin, which then contends with yang, and its position determines the interpretation of "extreme yin leading to change". When this line changes, the Kun Hexagram transforms into the Bo Hexagram (Hexagram 23, Mountain over Earth). The Bo Hexagram implies peeling off and decline, and its meaning is connected to the original line: the "dragon fight" in the original line reflects the conflict between yin and yang when yin is at its peak, while the new hexagram further shows the result of this conflict, i.e., the beginning of yin's decline, which deepens and develops the original line's implication of "extreme prosperity leading to decline".
Key Characteristics & Symbolic Meaning:
This line represents the perfect expression of receptive virtue — being naturally upright (直), principled (方), and magnanimous (大). It signifies that by aligning sincerely with one’s innate nature (like the Earth’s nurturing quality), one achieves harmony effortlessly (“without practice”). It emphasizes authenticity over forced action, implying that true success comes from being genuinely virtuous, not from striving or manipulation.
Symbolic meaning: It represents excessive passivity, indulgence in inertia, and being mired in negativity, leading to humiliation or setbacks.
Position influence: As the topmost yin line in Kun (all yin lines), it embodies the extreme of yin’s passivity, lacking upward momentum or positive change, thus falling into a stagnant and problematic state.
- Symbolic Meaning: This line symbolizes the ultimate state of yin energy—profound, still, and all-encompassing. It represents a stage of full submersion or withdrawal, yet one that carries no blame, implying a natural and inevitable cycle of yin’s culmination.
- Position Influence: As the topmost line of the Kun hexagram (a fully yin hexagram), Line 6 sits at the peak of yin’s expression. Its “all sixes” nature (all lines being yin) reinforces the idea of complete yielding, depth, and the potential for transformation as yin reaches its extreme.
2. Connection to Its Alternating Hexagram
- Hexagram After Change: When Line 6 changes (from yin to yang), Kun transforms into Hexagram 1: Qian (The Creative).
- Relationship to the Original Line’s Message: Qian is the fully yang hexagram, representing creativity, initiative, and cosmic force. This transformation illustrates the cyclical nature of yin and yang—when yin reaches its extreme, it gives rise to yang. The original Line 6’s “dragons in the deep” (a state of deep yin) thus seeds the emergence of Qian’s dynamic, active energy, showing how stillness and submission can ultimately lead to new creation and movement.
I want to choose Line 5 of Kun Hexagram to discuss:
Key Characteristics of the Line
• Symbolic Meaning: It symbolizes a gentle, yielding yet noble and central force. Imagine a wise, humble leader who gains respect through soft power rather than aggression.
• Position Influence: It is a yin line in the fifth position (a ruler’s position in the hexagram). In I Ching, the fifth position is associated with authority, and a yin line here means authority is exercised through gentleness, harmony, and receptiveness. This combination makes the line represent a virtuous, effective leader who rules with empathy and collaboration.
Connection to Its Alternating Hexagram
• Hexagram After Change: When Line 5 changes (from yin to yang), Kun becomes Hexagram 31 (Courting).
• Relationship to Original Message: Hexagram 31 is about attraction, union, and building connections. The original Line 5 of Kun emphasizes receptive leadership and harmonious influence. The new hexagram, Courting, develops this idea by focusing on the power of attraction—how the virtuous, receptive energy of Line 5 can draw others in, foster relationships, and create fruitful alliances, just as a well-liked leader naturally attracts loyalty and cooperation.
-Symbolic Meaning: It symbolizes a state of being sincere and gentle, like a cow that is docile and can lead the way. It represents a kind of virtuous conduct that is submissive yet firm.
Kun Hexagram (䷁): Sixth Yin Line in the Fifth Position – "Yellow Lower Garment, Supreme Auspiciousness"
I. Core Characteristics of the Line
1. Symbolic Meaning: "Yellow" is the color of Earth in the Five Elements, representing central harmony; "lower garment" symbolizes modesty and restraint. This line embodies the essence of Kun (containment and nourishment) through inner virtue (not ostentation), serving as a model of flexible leadership with integrity.
2. Influence of Position:
- Yin-Yang Dynamic: It is a yin line in a yang position (the 5th position, an odd number, is inherently yang), creating a "flexibility in a position of firmness" dynamic that reflects adaptable and collaborative leadership.
- Location Significance: The 5th line is the peak of the upper trigram (Kun) and the central position of the entire hexagram, corresponding to the "ideal leader figure". However, its yin nature softens authority, emphasizing that "supreme auspiciousness" is achieved through humility and self-cultivation.
II. Connection to the Changed Hexagram
1. Resulting Hexagram: When the 6th yin line in the 5th position turns to yang, Kun transforms into Hexagram 35 Jin (Progress) (䷢), consisting of the upper trigram Li (Fire, radiance) and the lower trigram Kun (Earth, stability).
2. Thematic Development:
- Message of Jin: Jin symbolizes "bright progress" (like the sun rising over the earth), emphasizing growth driven by sincerity and foresight.
- Link to Kun’s 5th Line: The "inner virtue" of Kun’s 5th line becomes the foundation for Jin’s "external progress". The shift from yin to yang represents a transition from "reserved containment" to "proactive practice" – the essence of humility remains unchanged, yet transforms into purposeful action.
The second line of Kun, advising one to be "straight, square, great" and that while "without purpose, yet nothing is not beneficial," symbolizes achieving influence through inner virtue and receptive yielding rather than forceful action. Its position as a yin line in a yin place makes it the perfect, correct expression of the Earth principle, representing strength through devoted stability. When this line changes, it transforms Kun into Hexagram 7, "The Army," revealing that the inner integrity cultivated here is actually the essential foundation for effective and righteous action in the world, showing that true power is grounded in receptive virtue.
"Dragons fight in the wild; their blood is dark yellow" symbolizes extreme yin clashing with yang, warning extremes harm. Changing it makes Bo Hexagram (decline), deepening the "extremes cause trouble" message.
Nine in the Second Place : The line statement is "Straight, square, great. Without purpose, yet nothing remains unhurt." This line represents the state of following the correct path. Being straight and square symbolizes integrity and correctness, and "great" means having great virtue. Without a specific purpose, everything can develop smoothly. If this line changes, the original hexagram turns into the Lin Hexagram , which symbolizes approaching and guiding.
Kun (Earth) is the ultimate yin principle: receptive, devoted, nurturing, humble, and supportive. It represents the quality of perfect followership that allows the creative (Qian/Heaven) to flourish.
Line 2 of Kun embodies the hexagram’s core virtues: receptivity, integrity, and effortless action. Its alternation to Tai (Peace) illustrates how cultivating Kun’s qualities leads to a harmonious, prosperous state, demonstrating the interconnectedness of yielding and balance in the I Ching.
Choose the second line of the Kun hexagram as an example:
Key Characteristics of the Line
Symbolic Meaning: It symbolizes gentle compliance with centrality and righteousness, like the earth that bears all things with great virtue, staying true and maintaining integrity.
Position Influence: As a yin line in the second position, it occupies the central and correct position, reflecting a gentle and righteous character, which is favorable for a woman to stay chaste.
Connection to Its Alternating Hexagram Alternating Hexagram: When the second line of Kun changes, it becomes the Lin hexagram.
Meaning Relation: The Lin hexagram implies supervision and benefiting others. It develops from the gentle centrality and righteousness of the second line of Kun to the connotation of ruling with gentle virtue and benefiting all things.
Let's take the second line of the Kun hexagram as an example for analysis.
Key Characteristics of the Line
- Symbolic Meaning: The second line's statement is "Straight, square, great. Without practice, there is no不利." It symbolizes integrity, righteousness, and greatness. "Straight" implies purity and no deviation; "square" represents being upright and calm; "great" signifies the capacity to embrace all. This line encourages people to possess a pure heart, an upright behavior, and a broad mind
Let's take Line 2 of the Kun hexagram as an example:
1. Key Characteristics of the Line
• Symbolic Meaning:
The line text is “Straight, square, great. Without practice, there is no disadvantage.” It symbolizes the qualities of the earth—straightness, squareness, and vastness. It embodies the virtues of being gentle, upright, inclusive, and magnanimous, just like a noble person who upholds integrity, uprightness, and grandeur, and can achieve success without deliberate practice.
• Influence of Its Position:
In terms of yin-yang, it is a yin line, consistent with the overall “yin and gentle” nature of Kun. In terms of its location in the hexagram, it occupies the central position of the lower trigram. The “centrality” implies adherence to moderation and righteousness. So, this line is interpreted as being gentle yet upright, and capable of manifesting justice through inclusiveness.
2. Connection to Its Alternating Hexagram
• Which Hexagram Kun Becomes:
When Line 2 (a yin line) changes to a yang line, Kun (☷) transforms into Lin (䷒, ☊ ☷).
• Relation of the New Hexagram’s Meaning to the Original Line:
Hexagram Lin means “presiding over” or “supervising”. It conveys the idea of governing people with virtue. The original Line 2 emphasizes the virtues of being gentle, upright, inclusive, and magnanimous. The new hexagram Lin extends this idea, showing that such virtues can be used to preside over and guide others. It is an expansion of the original line’s virtues from self-cultivation to practical governance.
Symbolism: Yin energy reaches an extreme, clashing fiercely with Yang, signifying a risky, lose-lose conflict.
Positional Influence: As a Yin line in the top Yin position (Upper Six, the peak of Kun), excessive Yin energy inevitably collides with Yang, warning of an extreme, unsustainable.
Changed Hexagram: Bo symbolized by "Mountain over Earth".
Meaning Extension: The original line warns of Yin-Yang conflict from excessive Yin; Bo further develops this by representing decline and collapse—showing that unbalanced Yin leads to ruin, urging adjustment for balance.
• Symbolic Meaning: It symbolizes the extreme of yin energy, leading to a fierce confrontation between yin and yang—described as “dragons fighting in the wilderness, their blood dark yellow”. It implies that when yin reaches its peak, change and conflict inevitably arise.
• Positional Influence: As a yin line at the topmost position of the Kun hexagram, it represents the culmination of yin. Its upper location and yin nature mean that this extreme yin will trigger a reaction from yang, reflecting the philosophy of “extremes beget reversals”.
2. Connection to Its Alternating Hexagram
• Alternating Hexagram: When this line changes, Kun transforms into Xū (Hexagram 5, “Waiting”).
• Meaning Relationship: Xū emphasizes patience, nourishment, and careful waiting. After the intense conflict depicted in Kun’s sixth line, the shift to Xū suggests that one should pause, accumulate strength, and proceed with caution—developing the idea that extreme conflict necessitates a period of restraint and preparation.
The first line of the hexagram Kun in the I Ching is the first line of the hexagram Kun. Its line statement reads, "Treading on frost, the thick ice is coming." It means that when one treads on thin frost, it can be inferred that thick ice is about to form. This is a metaphor for the gradual development of things, emphasizing the importance of perceiving the subtle signs and taking preventive measures before problems arise.
Meaning: When softness goes to the extreme, it leads to conflict (dragons fight in the wild), and both sides lose.
Warning: Don't be too weak/submissive, or it will cause big trouble.
Changing Hexagram: If this line changes, the whole hexagram becomes Qian (Hexagram 1, The Creative).
Relationship: It changes from "conflict" to "strength and initiative." The message is: Stop internal fighting, and learn to be strong and proactive like Qian.
Nine in the Third Place (六三): The line statement is "Hidden lines. One is able to remain persevering. If by chance you are in the service of a king, seek not works, but bring to completion." This line implies that although one is in a hidden state, they should maintain perseverance. When serving a king, one should not seek personal achievements but focus on completing tasks. If this line changes, the original hexagram turns into the Qian Hexagram , which symbolizes modesty and humility.
Take the sixth line of the Kun hexagram as an example: Key characteristics: A Yin line in a Yin position, which is correct. It symbolizes being gentle and upright, remaining humble and inclusive even in a high position, like the earth that supports all things without arrogance. Hexagram transformation connection: The transformed hexagram is the Yu hexagram (the 16th hexagram). The Yu hexagram represents "joy" and "preparation", reflecting the development from the gentle and upright nature of the Kun hexagram to finding peace and joy through uprightness and then being well-prepared. It emphasizes the positive development brought about by uprightness.
The sixth line of the Kun hexagram serves as a stark reminder that extreme passivity can lead to conflict. It underscores the importance of balance—neither dominating nor submitting completely, but finding harmony between Yin and Yang. This line challenges us to reflect on when to yield and when to stand firm, ensuring that our receptivity does not turn into weakness.
Symbolic meaning: It represents a state of caution and self - discipline in a complex situation, like being careful in interactions and maintaining inner stability.
As a yin line in the third position, which is a transition point, it implies the need to be vigilant and handle affairs with prudence while adapting to changes.
When Line 3 changes, Kun becomes Hexagram 16 (Enthusiasm). The new hexagram "Enthusiasm" relates to the original line by developing the idea of positive action. The cautious and self - disciplined nature of Line 3 in Kun, when transformed, leads to a hexagram that emphasizes taking active and passionate steps forward with a positive mindset.
I choose to analyze Line 6 of the Kun Hexagram (Hexagram 2).
Line Text (Literal Translation): "Dragons fight in the wild. Their blood is dark and yellow."
Key Characteristics of the Line
· Symbolic Meaning: This line depicts a climactic and destructive conflict. The "dragons," which are potent symbols of yang power usually associated with the Qian (Heaven) hexagram, are here engaged in a fierce battle on Kun's terrain ("in the wild"). The "dark and yellow" blood signifies a mixing and spilling of the essences of Heaven (dark/black, the color of the sky) and Earth (yellow). This symbolizes a state where the natural, harmonious relationship between the receptive, yielding Earth (Kun) and the creative, active Heaven (Qian) has broken down completely. It is a warning of the ultimate consequence of extreme passivity or receptivity: it creates a vacuum that allows competing, aggressive forces to arise and clash, leading to chaos and ruin for all.
· Influence of Position:
· Yin/Yang: This is a yin line (broken) in a yin position (the top, sixth place). In the I Ching, the top line often represents the extreme culmination or the "overstepping" of the hexagram's core idea. Here, the supreme yin of Kun has been taken to such an extreme that it has lost its nurturing, supportive quality. It has become inert and stagnant, unable to properly partner with or ground yang energy. This imbalance forces the yang forces (the dragons) to turn on each other.
· Location: As the top line, it represents the final outcome of the path of pure receptivity without conscious direction. It is the warning of what happens when one is too yielding, too passive, or fails to provide a stable foundation, leading to a complete loss of peace and stability.
· Alternating Hexagram: When the sixth line of Kun changes from a yin (broken) line to a yang (solid) line, Kun becomes Hexagram 23, Bō (Splitting Apart / Flaking Away).
· Relationship of Meanings: The connection is profound and direct.
· The original Line 6 of Kun describes the violent, chaotic result of a foundation that has decayed: a bloody battle between primal forces.
· The alternating hexagram, Bō (Splitting Apart), describes the process that leads to that result. It is an image of something rotting, crumbling, and falling away piece by piece (like plaster flaking off a wall). It counselsto accept a period of decline and not to try to take forceful action, as the situation is not stable.
· Therefore, the message develops as follows: The extreme passivity of Kun (Line 6) is not a stable state but is actually a process of internal decay (Bō). This internal weakness and fragmentation is what inevitably invites the catastrophic conflict described by the "fighting dragons." The alternating hexagram shows the hidden, internal corrosion, while the original line shows the external, violent eruption that is its ultimate consequence. The lesson is that to avoid the chaos of the "fight," one must be vigilant against the silent, creeping decay of Splitting Apart.
Taking the Sixth Line of the Kun Hexagram as an example:
Key Characteristics of the Line
Symbolic Meaning: It depicts a fierce confrontation between yin and yang forces in the wilderness, symbolizing conflict and transformation when things reach an extreme. It also implies the turning point where yin (the extreme of passivity) gives rise to yang.
Influence of Position: As the topmost line of Kun (all yin lines), it represents the extreme of yin. When a thing reaches its extreme, it reverses—this extreme yin thus triggers a collision with yang, driving a shift in the overall situation.
Connection to Its Alternating Hexagram
1.Alternating Hexagram: When this line changes, Kun becomes Hexagram 36 (Míng Yí, "Darkening of the Light").
2. Meaning Relation: The core of Míng Yí is "light is damaged but hides to await revival". This echoes the idea of Shàng Liù—after the fierce transformation (dragons fighting in the wilderness), there is temporary hardship (damaged light), but essentially, it is accumulating strength in (dormancy) for a new developmental phase. It extends and develops the original message of "extremes lead to reversal, and transformation breeds new opportunities".
- Symbolic Meaning: Yin forces clash fiercely, like dragons fighting in the wild, signifying extreme conflict.
- Position Influence: It’s a yin line at the topmost position, representing the peak of yin’s power and its inevitable clash.
Connection to Alternating Hexagram
- New Hexagram: When 上六 changes to yang, Kun becomes Qian Hexagram (乾, Heaven).
- Relation: Qian stands for yang’s dominance. The conflict in the original line leads to yang taking control, showing the cycle from extreme yin to yang.
1. First Yin (初六): Tread on frost, and hard ice is on the way.
Stepping on frost underfoot indicates that the severe winter (with hard ice) is approaching. The core is to perceive the minute and foresee the general trend, reminding one to detect tendencies in advance, make preparations, and avoid acting imprudently.
2. Second Yin (六二): Be upright, square, and great; even without deliberate learning or imitation, there will be no disadvantage.
Maintain an upright, proper, and broad-minded character. Even if you do not deliberately learn or imitate others, you will not encounter adverse situations. The core is to uphold integrity and stay balanced, conforming to the essence of Kun Dao (gentleness and uprightness) to achieve natural smoothness.
3. Third Yin (六三): Conceal one's talents and uphold the Dao; if assisting the ruler in affairs, do not take credit for achievements, and there will be a good end.
Harbor talents in the heart without showing them off, and adhere to the right path. If you assist the monarch in handling matters and do not take pride in your contributions, you will eventually achieve a good result. The core is to hide one's abilities and know one's place, acting in a low-key manner and focusing on the process rather than empty fame.
4. Fourth Yin (六四): Tie up the bag (metaphor for restraining words and deeds); there will be no blame or praise.
Restrain your words and deeds as if tying up a bag tightly, avoiding disasters and not seeking praise. The core is to be cautious in words and actions; when in a key position (the first line of the upper trigram), maintain a low profile to avoid risks.
5. Fifth Yin (六五): Wear yellow lower garments; great auspiciousness.
Wearing yellow lower garments (yellow symbolizes "moderation" and "righteousness") brings great auspiciousness. The core is to stay in the middle and uphold integrity; holding a high position with the virtue of gentleness, not overstepping one's bounds or being arbitrary, will naturally lead to auspiciousness.
6. Top Yin (上六): Dragons fight in the wilderness, and their blood is dark yellow.
Dragons fight in the wild, and dark yellow blood flows out. The core is that extreme yin turns to yang; when the gentleness of Kun Dao reaches an extreme, it will instead conflict with yang (firmness). This reminds that the development of things must avoid extremism, for "when a thing reaches its extreme, it reverses".
Kun Hexagram Line 6: "Dragons fight in the meadow. Their blood is black and yellow."
This line symbolizes a climactic, destructive conflict between primal forces (yin/yang). As the top line, it represents the ultimate extreme of Kun’s receptive yin energy, which can no longer maintain its yielding nature and instead clashes violently.
When this line changes, Kun becomes Hexagram 1, Qian (The Creative). This alternation reveals that the conflict resolves by transforming pure receptivity into pure creativity, suggesting that a difficult struggle is necessary to break a stagnant situation and reassert assertive, dynamic action.
Characteristics: the yin is in the wrong position in the yang position, and the middle position in the upper divination is the virtue of "softness in the middle" -Symbolic meaning: the words "Huang Shang, Yuanji" are yellow and neutral, and the dress symbolizes modesty, symbolizing that those who hold a high position with softness and virtue are lucky by virtue of modesty, reflecting the matching of virtue and position. -Influence of location: it occupies a superior position, so it emphasizes acting with gentleness and modesty, echoing the ninth five-year plan, highlighting the principle of inheriting heaven's virtue, and the location makes the virtue of "softness and neutrality" more exemplary.
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