It symbolizes yin energy developing to its extreme, triggering a conflict with yang energy. Just as dragons clash in the wilderness, their “blood” (a metaphor for the energy of yin-yang struggle) takes on a dark-yellow hue (representing the fusion of heavenly and earthly forces, i.e., yin and yang). It implies that when yin becomes overly dominant, confrontation and transformation ensue, warning that “extremes beget change”—excessive yin will spark conflicts, so one must know when to advance or retreat.
The text of the second line of the Kun hexagram is "Upright, square, and great; without practice, there is no disadvantage", symbolizing the virtues of the earth being straight, square, and vast. It embodies a trait of conforming to nature, upholding the right path, and being inclusive and broad.
2. Influence of Position on Interpretation
From the perspective of yin-yang attributes, all lines of the Kun hexagram are yin lines, and the second line is a yin line, which conforms to the overall characteristics of the Kun hexagram such as "yin softness" and "obedience". In terms of its position in the hexagram, the second line is in the middle position of the lower trigram. In The Book of Changes, the "middle" position often implies being upright and appropriate. Therefore, this line not only embodies the nature of yin softness and obedience but also has the characteristics of being upright and moderate due to being in the middle position. This means that while conforming to the laws, one can act in accordance with the upright path, hence "without practice, there is no disadvantage", that is, following the true and upright state, one can proceed smoothly without deliberate effort.
Symbolic meaning: It refers to a state of gentle progress and adaptation.
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 directio
Core meaning: Conceal one's talents without flaunting; assist in the king's affairs without claiming credit; adhering to the right path will ultimately lead to a good outcome.
After the line change (Lin hexagram, ninth-third)
The sixth-third yin line of the Kun hexagram changes to a yang line, forming the Lin hexagram.
Line text: 咸临,贞吉。
Core meaning: Approach with sincerity and harmony; adhere to the right path and there will be good fortune.
Connection between the two
1. Change in attitude: from "reserved and supportive" to "proactive and influencing through virtue."
2. Unchanging core: both emphasize that "adhering to the right path" is the key to achieving good results (有终 / 贞吉).
Line 6 of Kun highlights the dangers of unchecked passivity, urging awareness of when submission turns into struggle. Its change to Tai (Peace) reinforces that true harmony comes from balancing receptivity with action, not from extremes.
Based on the I Ching (Book of Changes) and its interpretations, I choose Line 6 (上六) of the Kun hexagram (地势坤, pure Earth):
"Dragon struggles in the field; its blood is dark yellow" (龍戰于野,其血玄黃).
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Key Characteristics of the Line
1. Symbolic Meaning:
- This line represents extreme Yin energy (the apex of passivity or receptivity) leading to conflict. The "dragon" (Yang) fighting in the "field" (Yin) symbolizes a clash between opposing forces—here, unchecked Yin energy provoking Yang, resulting in destructive consequences ("blood").
- It warns against excess, rigidity, or over-reliance on passive strategies, as Yin without balance collapses into chaos.
2. Positional Influence:
- Highest position (6th爻): At the peak of the hexagram, it marks the culmination of Yin energy. In Kun (pure Yin), this extremity exhausts its nurturing potential, causing internal strife.
- Yin in Yang position: The line is Yin (broken) in the 6th position (traditionally Yang), creating disharmony. This misalignment amplifies instability, reflecting imbalance in action or authority.
First, its characteristics: It symbolizes being gentle and upholding righteousness, just like the earth that embraces all things. In dealing with people and doing things, it emphasizes the golden mean and overcoming rigidity with softness. It's a yin line and sits in the second position. Being in the middle makes it more stable, meaning one should act with integrity and steadiness.
Then, looking at the changing hexagram, when the Liuer Yao changes, the Kun hexagram becomes the Qian hexagram (Hexagram 15). The Qian hexagram is about humility, which is in line with the gentleness and righteousness of the Liuer Yao of the Kun hexagram. It just emphasizes more on being humble when dealing with people and doing things on the basis of the original, so that life goes more smoothly.
Symbolic Meaning: "Yellow skirt, great good fortune". It symbolizes the noble virtue of staying centered and upright, being humble and courteous. It implies that adhering to the right path with gentleness leads to great good fortune.
Position Influence: It is a yin line in the fifth position (near the sovereign’s position). Staying in a high position with a yin and gentle posture while remaining humble and upright reflects the gentleman’s style of not overstepping one’s authority and keeping to one’s duty.
Connection to Its Alternating Hexagram
Alternating Hexagram: When this line changes, the Kun hexagram becomes Hexagram 13 – T’ung Jen (Fellowship with Men).
Meaning Relation: The original line emphasizes being gentle, upright and abiding by the right path. T’ung Jen means "harmony with others". It shows that on the basis of maintaining one's own humility and uprightness (like Line 5 of Kun), one can further pursue harmonious coexistence with others, developing from one's own cultivation of the right path to harmonious progress with others.
When the initial line of the Kun hexagram changes from a yin line to a yang line, the Kun hexagram becomes the Fu hexagram (䷗). The Fu hexagram symbolizes the return of yang energy and the revival of all things. It reflects the change from the pure yin state of the Kun hexagram to the emergence of yang energy, indicating a trend of transformation from stillness to movement and from yin to yang.
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,
Analysis of the Second Yin Line (Line 2) of Kun Hexagram
1. Key Characteristics
- Symbolic meaning: Represents a person with good qualities—integrity, uprightness, and a broad mind, just like the earth that embraces all things.
- Influence of position: As a yin line in a yin position (proper placement), these good qualities are stable. The person doesn’t need deliberate effort to act well.
2. Connection to the Changed Hexagram
- Changed hexagram: When Line 2 changes, Kun Hexagram becomes Lin Hexagram (Hexagram 19), which stands for "drawing near" and "influencing others".
- Relationship: Line 2 focuses on inner good qualities; Lin Hexagram shows that with these qualities, one can naturally get close to others and influence them—putting inner virtues into interpersonal interactions.
Kun hexagram six lines: "Dragons fight in the wild; Their blood is black and yellow\"\\n\\nKey characteristics: extreme yin and yang conflict (excessive submission leads to mutual destruction); The top black line (the peak of yin, about to reverse). \\n\\nChange hexagram: Bo (hexagram 23
- **Symbolic meaning**: The line reads “Hidden dragons do not fight. Good fortune.” This line symbolizes a time of modesty, restraint, and the ability to bide one's time. It suggests that even though one may have great potential and power (represented by the dragon), it is wise not to be overly aggressive or hasty in using that power. Instead, it is better to keep a low - key and wait for the right moment.
- **Influence of position**: In the hexagram, it is a yang line in a yin position. This non - congruence indicates a situation where one has the energy and drive (yang), but the environment or circumstances call for a more gentle and yielding approach (yin). The third position is often a place of transition and challenge. It is in the middle of the lower trigram, and one is starting to move up in the hexagram, but there are still many uncertainties. So, the line's message of restraint is fitting as it helps navigate this potentially tricky stage.
### Connection to Its Alternating Hexagram
- **New hexagram**: When Line 3 of the Kun hexagram changes, it becomes the Tai hexagram (Hexagram 11). Tai represents peace, harmony, and the smooth flow of things. It is a hexagram of good fortune and the successful interaction between heaven and earth.
- **Relation to the original line**: The message of the original line about restraint and not over - reaching is related to the new hexagram. By being patient and not engaging in unnecessary battles in the Kun line 3, one can create the conditions for the harmonious and prosperous situation represented by the Tai hexagram. The restraint in the original line paves the way for the positive transformation and the arrival of a more favorable state.
Now, I'm curious. Do you want to explore another line of the Kun hexagram or have me analyze a different hexagram?
· Symbolic Meaning: This line depicts a dramatic and violent conflict between two powerful forces (symbolized by dragons) in a wide, open space (the meadow). The "dark and yellow" blood signifies a mixing of their essences—yellow is the color of the earth (Kun) and dark/black is the color of heaven (Qian). This line represents the culmination of the pure yin principle. Having followed its receptive nature to the extreme (the top line represents the ultimate expression of the hexagram's theme), it has now exhausted its path of pure submission and has come into a direct, contentious clash with the primal yang principle. It is no longer about nurturing or following, but about a struggle for dominance that results in a stalemate and mutual injury.
· Influence of Position:
· Yin/Yang: This is a yin (broken) line in a yin position (the sixth place is even, and thus a yin position). This means it is "correct" and in its proper place, which in the context of Kun signifies it is fully embodying the receptive, yielding, earthly principle.
· Location in the Hexagram: As the topmost line, it represents the culmination, the extreme end, or the final stage of the situation. In Kun, the theme is supreme receptivity. Pushing any virtue to its extreme can lead to its opposite. Here, extreme yin ceases to be yielding and instead enters into a futile and destructive struggle with yang.
The core of the second Yin line (Liu Er) in the Kun Gua (Hexagram of the Earth) is to comply with the laws of nature and proceed smoothly without effort. After the transformation to a different hexagram (Shi Gua/Hexagram of the Army), it shifts to taking proactive actions.
1. The initial nine (Yin line) of Kun Gua (the Receptive Hexagram): It’s like stepping on thin frost on the ground. It doesn’t seem serious at first, but it’s a sign that the weather will get colder and colder, and thick ice will eventually form. This reminds us not to ignore small initial changes.
2. After transforming into Fu Gua (the Return Hexagram): It’s equivalent to the point where it’s extremely cold, and Yang Qi (a sense of warmth) begins to return. It’s like the end of winter when spring is about to come, meaning a bad state is about to turn for the better—making timely adjustments will set things on a positive course.
Symbolic meaning: Represents excessive passivity, even stagnation—like a dragon sinking deep, unable to act.
Position influence: It’s the top yin line of Kun, indicating the extreme of yin energy, where passivity becomes unproductive.
Relationship: Qian symbolizes pure yang, dynamic creativity. This contrast shows that moving from extreme passivity (Kun Line 6) to active creation (Qian) is a call to shift from inaction to proactive engagement.
Line 6 of Kun hexagram "Dragons fight in the wild; their blood is black and yellow"
Symbolically, it depicts a fierce battle between yin and yang, indicating that the pure yin of Kun hexagram has reached its extreme
When the Sixth Line of the Kun Hexagram (☷) changes, the Kun Hexagram transforms into the Bo Hexagram (with ☷ as the lower trigram and ☶ as the upper trigram).
Let's take the first line of the Kun hexagram, "初六,履霜,坚冰至" (At the beginning, when you step on the frost, the solid ice is coming), as an example for analysis . This line symbolizes that when one steps on the frost, it indicates that the solid ice is about to come. It implies the need to be vigilant and foresighted, as minor signs can foreshadow significant .As the first line of the Kun hexagram, it is in a low and initial position, representing the beginning of the development of yin energy . When the first line of the Kun hexagram changes, it becomes the hexagram Fù (地雷复), which is composed of the Zhen hexagram below and the Kun hexagram above.
When the fourth line changes into yang line, it becomes the "Yu" gua. It advocates us that we should restrain ourselves even though we are in an unfavorable situation, just like we tie up a heavy bag .
Symbolic Meaning: Line 3 of Kun ("Holding brightness within, one remains correct. Perhaps one serves the king’s affairs; without claiming achievement, there is a good conclusion.") symbolizes possessing talent while maintaining integrity, acting humbly without seeking credit, and thus achieving a favorable outcome.
"Dragons fight in the meadow. Their blood is black and yellow." (龙战于野,其血玄黄- Lóng zhàn yú yě, qí xuè xuán huáng)
· Influence of Position:
· Yin/Yang: This is a yin line (broken) in a yin position (the sixth place, which is typically the top, most authoritative position in a hexagram). This creates a situation of extreme, pure yin. However, in the Yijing, any extreme contains the seed of its opposite. By reaching its absolute peak, yin exhausts itself and can no longer maintain its position, forcing a violent reversal and the inevitable emergence of yang.
· Location in the Hexagram: As the top line, it represents the culmination, outcome, or final stage of the situation described by Kun. It is the final consequence of following the path of pure receptivity without wisdom or moderation. The hexagram's overall message of devoted following and nurturing has, through its extreme development, transformed into its opposite: stubborn contention.
Connection to Its Alternating Hexagram
· Alternating Hexagram: When the sixth line of Kun (a yin line) changes, it becomes a yang line. This transformation creates Hexagram 2, Kun (The Receptive) itself, but with a critical difference: it becomes its "Potential Hexagram" or opposite form. By changing the top line, Kun alternates into Hexagram 1, Qián (The Creative).
· Kun (地地地地地地) -> Change Line 6 from yin to yang -> Qián (地地地地地天)
· (Note: While the trigrams change from Earth/Earth to Heaven/Earth, which is Hexagram 11, Tài (Peace), the primary focus in line change interpretation is on the overall hexagram created by the single line alteration, which is Hexagram 1, Qián).
· Relationship and Development: The alternation from the extreme yin of Kun's top line to the pure yang of Qián is the resolution of the conflict described in the line text. The "fight" is the painful and necessary process of rebalancing.
· Kun Line 6 warns of the danger and chaos that result when the receptive force forgets its place and challenges the creative force. It is the crisis of imbalance.
· Hexagram 1, Qián (The Creative), represents the re-establishment of order, strength, and active principle. It is the resolution of that crisis. The message is that after the destructive conflict, the natural, strong, and creative force of yang re-emerges to lead and structure the world once more.
Therefore, the alternating hexagram develops the message by showing what comes next: the conflict cannot sustain itself. It must and will be resolved by a return to the complementary opposite, the creative power of heaven. The line warns of the battle, and the alternation reveals its inevitable outcome: the return of the yang principle. It teaches that true receptivity (Kun) knows its limits and understands that its greatness lies in partnership with the creative (Qián), not in competition with it.