Symbolic Meaning: It symbolizes recognizing early subtle signs (like hoarfrost) that foreshadow a larger change (e.g., approaching cold), warning people to be alert and prepare in advance.
Position Influence: It is a yin line in the bottommost position of the hexagram. As the "initial" line, it represents the start of a process; its yin nature aligns with Kun’s theme of "yielding," reminding one to act with caution rather than impulsiveness at the early stage.
Connection to Its Alternating Hexagram：
Changed Hexagram: When this yin line turns to yang, Kun becomes Hexagram 24 ("Returning" / Fu).
Meaning Relationship: The original line’s warning of "preparing for change" connects to Returning’s core message of "returning to order" or "correcting early deviations." Returning emphasizes that recognizing early signs (as Line 1 suggests) allows one to adjust in time and return to a stable, proper path—further developing the line’s advice of cautious preparation into actionable guidance for course correction.
Shàng Liù is the topmost line of Kun. As a yin line at the hexagram’s peak, it signifies that yin energy has reached its zenith. Here, the balance between yin and yang collapses. Its position at an “extreme” spot in the hexagram emphasizes that “extremes lead to change” and highlights the tension of yin-yang rivalry.
Yao Text: "Straight, square, great; without effort, nothing is unfavorable."
Symbolic Meaning: Represents the virtues of the earth: uprightness, integrity, and expansiveness. By following one's innate nature without forced effort, everything naturally proceeds smoothly.
Influence of Position: As a yin line in a yin position (the second place), it symbolizes a soft, harmonious, and centered attitude. This position embodies the core virtue of the Kun hexagram: humble devotion and correct alignment.
Connection to Its Alternating Hexagram
Alternating Hexagram: When this line changes, Kun becomes Hexagram 35 (Jìn / Progress).
Relationship of Meanings: The inner virtues cultivated in Line 2 ("straight, square, great") directly lead to the smooth advancement emphasized in Hexagram 35. This shift illustrates a causal relationship: by embodying Kun's receptive purity, one naturally achieves progress and illumination.
the Sixth Line of Hexagram Kun 1.Symbolic Meaning: Things develop to an extreme, with intense confrontation between yin and yang, leading to a tense and dangerous situation. It warns against excessive conflict to prevent a lose-lose outcome. Influence of Position: As the last line of Hexagram Kun (composed entirely of yin lines), yin energy is overly abundant and unchecked, which will inevitably conflict with yang energy—just as people who act extremely are prone to opposition. 2. Connection to the Changed Hexagram- Result of the Changed Hexagram: When this line changes, Hexagram Kun becomes Hexagram Pi. Meaning Connection: Hexagram Pi symbolizes an unfavorable state where heaven and earth are isolated and all things fail to grow. It further highlights the negative impact of disharmony between yin and yang, warning that one must respond cautiously and resolve conflicts flexibly. This deepens the meaning of the original line.
1.Symbolic: A yielding person in an improper position, hesitant/passive due to lack of centrality/correctness, risking dilemma.
2.Position: Yin line in yang position, end of Kun’s lower trigram (not central/upright), causing behavioral indecision.
二、Changing Hexagram Connection
1.Hexagram: Becomes Tun (Difficulty at the Beginning).
2.Relation: Tun’s initial hardship reflects that Line 3’s improper-position-induced hesitation, if changed, leads to chaotic new starts—highlighting the need for balance between yielding and breakthrough.
This line represents the purest and most perfect virtue of the Earth (Kun): docile, central, upright, and inner abundance.
A yin line occupies a yin position (the second line is a yin position): This is "in its proper place" or "correct position," indicating that the soft and yielding force is in the most appropriate and comfortable position, allowing it to fully express its inherent nature.
This is about exploring changes in a single line of the Kun Hexagram from the I Ching. The Kun Hexagram, symbolizing earth with pure yin lines, has each line's change creating new hexagrams and related remarks, reflecting ancient philosophical thoughts on nature and life.
Here, I choose Line 2 of the Kun hexagram for analysis.
It symbolizes recognizing early signs to warn of impending crises; as a yin line in the initial (lowest) position (weak strength, starting phase), it means the crisis has just emerged and requires early preparation. When this line changes, Kun becomes Fu Hexagram (Return), which focuses on "returning to the origin and restarting"—echoing the line’s warning by emphasizing restraining oneself, returning to the right path, and preparing for subsequent opportunities after detecting the crisis.
I will analyze Line 6 of the Kun Hexagram ： "Dragons fight in the meadow. Their blood is black and yellow.
Analysis of Kun Hexagram, Line 6
Key Characteristics of the Line
Symbolic Meaning: This line depicts a violent, climactic struggle between two mighty forces . In the context of Kun, the ultimate yin hexagram, these dragons are best interpreted as yin forces contending with each other, or a yin force reaching its extreme and provoking a conflict with a latent or opposing yang principle. It symbolizes the end of pure, passive receptivity. When yin is pushed to its absolute limit, it ceases to be yielding and transforms into its opposite: aggressive contention. The result is a destructive and ultimately lose-lose situation, as signified by the bloodshed.
Connection to Its Alternating Hexagram:
Alternating Hexagram: When the sixth line of Kun changes from a yin line to a yang line, the entire hexagram transforms into Hexagram 23.
It warn that one's talents shouldn't be over exploited when he or she is too young. At that time one should get closer to nature to preserve the talents for future use.
I select the first line as an example for a detailed explanation:
The main characteristics of the line and its symbolic meaning: In the "I Ching", each line (yao) of a hexagram has its specific symbolic meaning. The first line "Stepping on frost, solid ice is coming" symbolizes that when things develop to a certain stage, obvious signs have emerged, indicating that significant changes are about to occur. Just as in cold weather, stepping on frost means that solid ice will appear soon, reminding people to be alert to the upcoming changes.
· Position and influence: This line is at the bottom of the hexagram and belongs to the yin yao. In the yin - yang concept of the "I Ching", the yin yao represents characteristics such as gentleness, passivity, and introvers
When this line changes, which hexagram will Kun turn into?
The hexagram image of Kun consists of six yin yao (☷). When the first line (yin yao) changes, the yin yao turns into a yang yao, and at this time, the hexagram image becomes the Tai hexagram of Earth over Heaven (☰☷).
How does the meaning of the new hexagram relate to or develop from the information of the original line?
· Relevance: The original line "Stepping on frost, solid ice is coming" emphasizes the signs of change and the impending transformation, while the Tai hexagram represents the interaction between heaven and earth and the harmony of yin and yang. Both involve the change and development of things. The warning of the original line paves the way for the transformation to the harmonious state represented by the Tai hexagram. When people realize the changes predicted by "Stepping on frost, solid ice is coming", they can adjust their behaviors and attitudes to adapt to these changes, thus achieving the harmonious and smooth state symbolized by the Tai hexagram.
When the Six in the Second Place of Kun changes (from a yin line to a yang line), Kun becomes the Shi hexagram (Hexagram 7).
The Shi hexagram signifies military operations, leadership, and discipline, emphasizing organization and authority. Originally, the "straight, square, great" of the Six in the Second Place of Kun embodies inner virtue and inclusiveness. When transformed into Shi, this virtue is converted into organizational and leadership power, meaning that when one possesses the virtue of centrality and inclusiveness, they can effectively organize resources and lead people, playing a role in scenarios similar to military or collective actions. This is a practical development of the original line's implied virtue, extending from inner virtue to the manifestation of external organizational and leadership capabilities.
Hexagram Kun Line 6 (Dragons fight in the meadow, their blood is black and yellow)
Key characteristics of the line:
This line symbolizes the extreme flourishing of Yin energy, which ultimately triggers intense conflict with Yang (the dragon fight). The black and yellow blood represents the mutual harm of Heaven and Earth, and the chaos of mixed Yin and Yang. As the top line of the Kun hexagram, it reflects the inevitable outcome of soft and receptive energy pushed to its limit—extremity leads to reversal, and submission turns into struggle.
Connection to its alternating hexagram:
When this line changes, Kun (䷁) transforms into Hexagram Bo (䷖ - Splitting Apart). Bo signifies decay and collapse, echoing the energy dissipation after the "dragon fight": extreme conflict results in the breakdown of the overall structure, emphasizing that prosperity at its peak leads to decline, and struggle inevitably brings harm.
The third line means “hiding excellence,” which represents humility. In other words, one who has talent should shield his excellence and stay modest.
When the line changes into a solid line, this gua alternates to Humbleness(the 15th Hexagram, Qian). This means that one is supposed to present himself and hold on straight to the end when encountering the right time.
Symbolic meaning of the line: Line 5 in Kun symbolizes a noble and virtuous person who embodies the essence of yin energy in a balanced and exalted way. It represents a state of gentle leadership, harmonious influence, and the ability to achieve great things through yielding and cooperative means, much like a wise ruler or a person of high moral standing who guides with kindness and humility.
Influence of its position: In the I Ching, the fifth line is traditionally the "ruler's line" or the position of highest honor and authority within a hexagram. Since Kun is a hexagram of pure yin lines, Line 5, being a yin line in this exalted position, indicates that the power and influence here come not from force or aggression but from the positive qualities of yin—flexibility, receptivity, and the ability to nurture and support. It shows that even in a position of great importance, one can maintain a gentle and yielding nature to achieve harmony and success.
Symbolic meaning：Kun line symbolizes that the pure yin of Kun has reached an extreme, and there is a fierce confrontation with yang. It reminds people that things will turn into their opposite when they reach an extreme, and one should be alert to the coming of danger.
Influence of position: As the top - most line of the Kun hexagram, it is in an extreme position. Kun is all yin, and the upper - six is the end of the development of yin.
Changed hexagram: When the upper - six of Kun hexagram changes, Kun hexagram becomes Qian hexagram. Qian is pure yang, and Kun is pure yin. The change of the upper - six of Kun to yang makes the whole hexagram change from pure yin to pure yang.
Relationship between the meanings: The original line of the upper - six of Kun shows that the extreme of yin leads to a conflict with yang, indicating the end of the development of yin. After changing to Qian hexagram, it represents the extreme of yang. This reflects the transformation law of "yin and yang alternate, and things will turn into their opposite when they reach an extreme" in the Book of Changes. The upper - six of Kun implies the end of the old state, and the changed Qian hexagram represents the birth of a new state, which is a continuation and development of the meaning of "things will turn into their opposite when they reach an extreme" in the original line.
Take Line 6 of Kun Hexagram ("All sixes: Dragon in the abyss; no blame"). It symbolizes the ultimate realization of yin’s potential, a transformative state where deep yin energy achieves balance without fault. As a yin line in the sixth position (the apex of the hexagram), its interpretation is shaped by this climactic, transcendental role. When this line changes, Kun becomes Hexagram 2 (The Receptive), and the new hexagram’s emphasis on boundless receptivity and nurturing power develops the original line’s message by highlighting the full fruition of yin’s supportive and transformative nature.
The symbolic meaning of this line is being gentle, yielding, balanced, and appropriate. It indicates that people can act smoothly and effectively by following the proper way.
Connection to Its Alternating Hexagram:
When the second line of the Kun hexagram changes (from yin to yang), the Kun hexagram becomes the "Lin" hexagram. The meaning of the "Lin" hexagram is related to closeness and influence. The original second line of the Kun hexagram emphasizes smooth and appropriate yielding. The new "Lin" hexagram expands on this idea, suggesting that through such proper and harmonious yielding, people can approach others and exert positive influence, uniting people in an orderly and harmonious manner.
Take the 5th line of the Kun Hexagram as an example:
Key Characteristics of the Line:①Symbolic Meaning: It is extremely compliant yet can hold a noble position, with the image of "Yellow Skirt, Great Good Fortune". It represents adhering to the right path, staying centered, being humble and taking responsibility, thus achieving great auspiciousness.②Influence of Position: As a yin line in the middle position of the upper trigram, it is yin and compliant, occupies the correct position, and is below the noble position. It not only shows compliance and due conduct but also has stability due to being centered and correct.
Connection to Its Alternating Hexagram:①Alternating Hexagram: Bo Hexagram (the 23rd hexagram).②Relation of Meanings: The compliant bearing of the original line, due to the change of one line, presents a trend of yin flourishing and stripping yang, reflecting the possible transformation of things from stability to decline, which is another developmental aspect of the compliance of the original line in an extreme situation.
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.
Sixth Line: Dragons fight in the meadow. Their blood is black and yellow.
Key Characteristics:
This line symbolizes that when yin energy reaches its extreme, it provokes a clash with yang energy, suggesting that extreme passivity will eventually lead to conflict.
Connection to Its Alternating Hexagram:
When this line changes, Kun becomes Mountain over Earth (Hexagram 23: Splitting Apart). The original line emphasizes the inevitability of conflict, while the new hexagram further reveals the decline and decay that follows—warning against allowing yin forces to expand unchecked and highlighting the need to maintain balance to prevent collapse.
The symbolic meaning is a critical warning about the danger of “exceeding one's proper role”.
This line depicts a dramatic and violent conflict between dragons ("Long zhan yu ye"). In the context of Kun, the ultimate yin hexagram, this imagery is shocking. Kun is characterized by docility, receptivity, and nurturing earth, yet here it is engaged in a fierce struggle.
If all six lines of Kun are changing,then the entire hexagram transforms into its opposite, Qian.This represents a total and complete transformation from ultimate receptivity to ultimate creativity.
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.
I choose the first line of the Kun hexagram, "初六: 履霜, 坚冰至" for analysis .
1.Key Characteristics of the Line
(1)Symbolic Meaning: The symbolic meaning of "履霜, 坚冰至" is that when one steps on the frost, it indicates that the arrival of solid ice is not far off.
(2)- Influence of Position: As the first line of the Kun hexagram, 初六 is located at the beginning of the hexagram, and it is a yin yao in a yang position.
2.Connection to Its Alternating Hexagram
(1) Changed Hexagram: When the first line of the Kun hexagram changes, the hexagram becomes the Fuxiang hexagram.
(2)Relationship between the Meanings: The original line of the Kun hexagram, it focuses on the awareness of the gradual development of things.
I choose to analysis the Second Line of the Kun Hexagram;"Straight, square, great. Without purpose, yet nothing is not beneficial."
Symbolic meaning:This sentence reflects a person's noble qualities, such as integrity, firm belief and generosity. It emphasizes that when a person reaches such a state, they will do things smoothly and effortlessly, and ultimately achieve the best results.
Influence of Position:
The position of this line is crucial to its supreme positive meaning.
Yin/Yang: It is a yin (broken) line, which is correct for the Kun hexagram.
Location: It is the second line, which is the position of an official or minister in the lower trigram. This is a key position of power and responsibility.
I choose Line 1 of the Kun Hexagram.
Symbolic Meaning: The line is “Treading on frost, hard ice is about to come”. It symbolizes perceiving the subtle signs at the beginning of a development and foreseeing the subsequent major changes, emphasizing the importance of foresight and preparedness.
Influence of Position: It is a yin line located at the bottom of the Kun Hexagram. As a yin line, it embodies the nature of softness and compliance. Its position as the initial line of the hexagram indicates the start of a process, where the yin energy is just accumulating. This position makes the line a harbinger, showing that even a small initial sign (like frost) can indicate a significant future development (like hard ice), highlighting the role of the initial stage in revealing the trend of things.
"Dragons fight in the meadow. Their blood is dark and yellow."
This line symbolizes a climactic, destructive conflict resulting from passive yielding pushed to its extreme. Its position as the top yin line signifies the end of flexibility, turning into violent struggle.
When this line changes, Kun becomes Qian (Heaven, #1), shifting from ultimate receptivity to pure creative force. This transformation dictates that resolution requires assertive strength, not more passivity, to overcome the chaos.
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