This line represents the perfect expression of Kun's receptive, nurturing, and supportive nature. "Straight" signifies inner integrity and correct intention. "Square" signifies outer righteousness, firm principles, and proper conduct. "Great" is the natural consequence of possessing these qualities—a magnanimous character that needs no artificial effort.
I choose Line 1 of the Kun hexagram. Symbolic Meaning: This line symbolizes that when one steps on hoarfrost, it indicates that solid ice is即将到来. It warns people to be aware of the subtle signs of change and take preventive measures in a timely manner, as small changes can gradually develop into major ones.
Influence of Position: In the Kun hexagram, the初六爻 is a yin爻居阳位, which is not in a proper position. It is at the beginning of the hexagram, representing the initial stage of the development of yin energy. The fact that it is not in a proper position implies that one should be particularly cautious at the beginning, as the foundation is not yet stable, and a wrong step could lead to problems.
I choose first. key Characteristics: This line symbolizes the importance of recognizing subtle, initial signs, as they foreshadow major developments. Its position at the bottom of the hexagram emphasizes the need for caution and discernment at the very beginning of an endeavor.
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.
The second line of Kun, advising one to be "str aight, square, great" and that while "without p urpose, yet nothing is not beneficial," symboliz es achieving influence through inner virtue and receptive yielding rather than forceful action. It s position as a yin line in a yin place makes it t he perfect, correct expression of the Earth prin ciple, representing strength through devoted st ability. When this line changes, it transforms K un into Hexagram 7, "The Army," revealing tha t the inner integrity cultivated here is actually t he essential foundation for effective and righte ous action in the world, showing that true pow er is grounded in receptive virtue.
The changes in the six lines of the Kun hexagram depict the complete journey of the power of receptivity—from initial caution and latency, through adaptable accommodation in the middle phases, to ultimately achieving harmonious unity with the creative. At its core, it reveals the wisdom of following natural trends and bearing all things, emphasizing the accumulation of strength through alignment until a qualitative transformation from subordination to synergy is realized.
Kun Hexagram Line 1 ("Treading on hoarfrost; hard ice comes")
1. Key Characteristics
Symbolism: Hoarfrost = early subtle signs; warns to predict future (hard ice) via small clues.
Position Impact: Bottom Yin line (start of events, weak but trend-hidden); Yin aligns with Kun’s "yielding"—here means "prepare early", not passively follow.
2. Alternating Hexagram
New Hexagram: Yin → Yang; Kun (2) → Fu (24, "Return").
Meaning Link: Fu = "yang returns, gradual recovery"; deepens Line 1: prepare steadily (like yang grows slowly), matching "hoarfrost → hard ice" progre
Alternative Paraphrase: Line 5 of Kun Hexagram (English Version)
Core Traits of the Line
- Symbolic Implication: It embodies a tender, compliant yet dignified and balanced force. Picture a sagacious, unassuming leader who earns admiration via subtle influence instead of forceful tactics.
- Impact of Position: As a yin line situated in the fifth place—the position of sovereignty within the hexagram—it carries special significance in the I Ching. The fifth position links to authority, and a yin line here indicates that authority is wielded through tenderness, concord, and openness. This blend defines the line as a virtuous, competent leader who governs with compassion and teamwork.
Link to Its Transformed Hexagram
- Resulting Hexagram Post-Change: When Line 5 undergoes a transformation (shifting from yin to yang), the Kun Hexagram evolves into Hexagram 31 (Xian, or "Influence/Courting").
- Relevance to the Original Theme: Hexagram 31 centers on attraction, unification, and forging bonds. The original Line 5 of Kun highlights receptive leadership and harmonious impact. The transformed hexagram, Influence, expands on this concept by focusing on the strength of allure—illustrating how the virtuous, receptive energy of Line 5 can draw people in, nurture relationships, and form beneficial partnerships, much like a popular leader instinctively garners loyalty and collaboration.
Six Five: "Yellow lower garment. Great good fortune." Yellow is the color of harmony, and the lower garment represents the position of a subject. This line implies that even if one is in a high position, one should still maintain humility and assist with softness without overstepping one's bounds, so as to obtain great good fortune.
I'll choose Line 3 of the Kun hexagram, which says: "Containing beauty, one can be steadfast; perhaps following the king's affairs, without success but with a good end." This line symbolizes the idea of holding inner virtue or talent quietly, staying firm, and being content with contributing without seeking personal glory. As a yin line in the third position (the top of the lower trigram), it reflects a gentle and receptive nature that is cautious and humble, often associated with a transitional phase where one should avoid arrogance.
Let’s focus on Line 2 of the Kun Hexagram: “Upright, straightforward, and magnanimous; even without deliberate practice, there is no harm.”
Key Characteristics
- Symbolic Meaning: It’s all about staying true to your inner integrity, acting with fairness, and keeping an open heart. You don’t have to force or overthink things—when you align with what’s genuine and just, good results follow naturally. It’s like Kun’s way of saying “be solid in your goodness, and life won’t trip you up.”
- Influence of Its Position: This is a yin line sitting right in the middle of the lower trigram—think of it as a “sweet spot” of balance. Being “middle and proper” here means Kun’s core virtue (harmony with the natural order) is fully alive. You’re not rushing or holding back; you’re just steady, building up goodness quietly, and that’s where real strength lies.
Connection to Its Alternating Hexagram
- What It Changes Into: When Line 2 shifts, Kun (Earth) becomes Hexagram 7: The Army (Earth over Water). Picture water hidden under the earth—calm on the surface, but purposeful underneath. It stands for acting with a just cause, leading gently but firmly, and solving problems without force.
- How the New Meaning Develops: The original line is about nurturing your inner goodness; the Army hexagram takes that a step further. It says, “Now take that integrity and use it.” You’re no longer just “being good”—you’re putting that goodness into action: leading others fairly, standing up for what’s right, or handling tough situations with heart. It’s Kun’s virtue moving from “staying steady” to “making a difference.''
Choosing the First Line of Kun Hexagram (Treading on Hoarfrost):It takes hoarfrost as an omen, warning of the beginning of gradual change; as a yin line at the bottom of the hexagram, it reveals the latent change at the initial stage. It emphasizes that one should detect the slightest sign, retreat to conserve strength and prepare for change.
Line 2 says: “Straight, square, great—without artifice; all is beneficial.” It shows true receptivity: simple, upright, and natural. This yin line sits in the central, proper place, the most balanced position in Kun. When it changes to yang, Hexagram 2 (Earth) becomes Hexagram 7 (Shi, The Army). The shift means that sincerity and openness, once activated, become discipline and collective strength. Receptivity thus provides the moral foundation for rightful leadership.
For the second six, Kun alternates to Multitude, which means a lot of stuff. I think it refers to plenty of opportunity, just like the Yao Text saying "Nothing is unfavorable". Do a lot to be straight, square, and great. It's a time of gathering and collection.
The changes in the six lines of the Kun hexagram depict the complete journey of the power of receptivity—from initial caution and latency, through adaptable accommodation in the middle phases, to ultimately achieving harmonious unity with the creative. At its core, it reveals the wisdom of following natural trends and bearing all things, emphasizing the accumulation of strength through alignment until a qualitative transformation from subordination to synergy is realized.
The fifth line is the central place of the upper Gus;a yellow garment is used.The line indicates that the time to send an expedition against the Tyrant of Shang was near.
I will choose Line 2 of the Kun Hexagram.This line represents the perfect, active expression of the Receptive principle.
It is not passive weakness but potent, virtuous strength through alignment with the correct path ——the Creative, Qian. "Straight" signifies inner correctness and directness of character.
In Kun, the fifth line is also a yin line, meaning there is no strong, active ruler. Therefore, Line 2 becomes the de facto leader of the situation. Its strength comes not from commanding, but from its perfect embodiment of Earth's virtue. It is in the right place, with the right attributes, acting with perfect timing.
I will take 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: Line 2 symbolizes a state of gentle submission and proper conduct in the midst of Yin energy. It represents someone who follows the natural order, acts with humility and sincerity, and is in a harmonious position within a Yin-dominated environment.
Influence of position: Kun Hexagram is composed of six Yin lines. Line 2 is in the second position, which, in the I Ching, is often a position of balance and appropriateness (especially for Yin lines, as the second position is a Yin position in a Yin hexagram). This alignment reinforces the idea of smoothness, adherence to the natural flow, and the ability to achieve progress through gentle and compliant actions.
- 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.
- Symbolic meaning: Represents a state of profound yin energy reaching its peak, yet with no fault, signifying a transformative potential.
- Position: It’s a yin line at the topmost position of Kun (a fully yin hexagram), indicating the culmination of yin, where transformation into yang is imminent.
- Connection to Alternating Hexagram:
- When this line changes, Kun becomes Qian (Hexagram 1).
- Qian, the hexagram of pure yang, develops the message by showing the transition from the deepest yin to the fullest yang, embodying the cyclical nature of change and the emergence of active, creative energy from a state of passive fullness.
I choose Line 6: "Dragons fight in the meadow. Their blood is black and yellow."
Characteristics: This line signifies a destructive, ultimate conflict between yin forces (dragons). Its top position represents the culmination of Kun's passive energy turning aggressive.
Connection: Changing this line creates Hexagram 7, The Army. This shift connects the internal conflict within Kun (the earth) to the necessity for disciplined, organized action to resolve the struggle.
Take the second line of the Kun hexagram as an example: Its key characteristics are being gentle, compliant, central and correct, symbolizing great virtue that embraces all things and appropriate conduct. Its position (yin line, the middle position of the lower trigram) makes it correct and auspicious. The alternating hexagram is Shi (Hexagram 7), and the centrality and compliance of the original line develop into leading people with the right path, like a wise general leading an army.
Positional Influence: As the first line (a yin line at the bottom of the hexagram), it represents the very beginning or foundation of a situation. Its position emphasizes a time of potential that is still latent. Being a yin line in Kun (the quintessential yin hexagram), it reinforces the need for receptive awareness and careful, non-forceful action at this initial stage.
Relationship and Development: The message of the original line is developed by the theme of Hexagram 24. Line 1 warns us to recognize the first signs of change, while Hexagram 24 provides the strategy for response: a period of retreat, reflection, and return to one's core principles to gather strength. The "impending change" signaled by the frost leads naturally to the idea of a "return" to prepare correctly, emphasizing that caution involves strategic withdrawal rather than direct confrontation.
The line 3 text of the Kun Hexagram is: "With inner excellence, one remains correct. If one serves the king in some capacity, there is no claim to achievement, yet there is a good end."
It implies containing excellence and virtue without flaunting them. When engaging in royal affairs, one doesn't take credit for success but ensures a good conclusion. As a yin line in a yang position, at the junction of the lower and upper trigrams, it reflects a balance of initiative (from the yang position) and compliance (from the Kun Hexagram's yin nature), so one acts without seeking glory.
When line 3 of Kun changes to a yang line, Kun becomes the Qian Hexagram (Hexagram 15, Modesty). Qian symbolizes humility and reverence.
The original line emphasizes not taking credit, and the Modesty Hexagram extends this idea, promoting humility in all aspects of life. While the Kun line 3 focuses on humility in serving others, Qian emphasizes a pervasive, inherent humility that brings harmony and smooth progress.
I choose to analyze the second line (Six in the Second Place) of the Kun Hexagram.
The second line (Six in the Second Place) symbolizes being gentle, compliant, and upright, just like the earth that bears all things with great virtue. It has the qualities of tolerance, humility, and integrity, representing a compliant force in the Kun Dao that is in a correct and balanced position. Acting appropriately, it can achieve stability.
In terms of yin-yang attribute, it is a yin line. In terms of its position in the hexagram, it is in the middle position of the lower trigram. A yin line in a yin position and at the center enables its gentle and compliant nature to be exerted in a correct and balanced way, implying proper conduct, gentle and appropriate behavior, and thus bringing good fortune. When the second line changes, the Kun Hexagram becomes Hexagram 19 (Lin, “Approaching”). Hexagram 19 implies supervision, governance, and personal presence, emphasizing the use of a gentle and compliant approach to oversee and manage.
Chosen line: Kun’s top six, “Dragons battle in the field, azure blood spills.”
Key traits: Yin at the extreme (position 6) overflows; weak force tries to act like yang, so conflict and damage appear. The image warns that when passivity over-reaches, it invites collision with true strength.
After change: the line turns yang, hexagram 24 Fu “Return.”
Link: The wild clash exhausts dark energy; once the yin line flips, pure yang re-enters below, growth restarts. The teaching: stop clinging, retreat early, let the new cycle emerge; Return turns destruction into revival.