Hexagram Analysis

I Ching Hexagram 2 : 坤 K'un / The Receptive

The hexagram before us is composed solely of broken lines, symbolizing the dark, yielding, and receptive primal force of yin. Its defining characteristic is devotion, and its image is that of the earth. It is not the opposite of THE CREATIVE, but rather its perfect complement, as the Receptive does not oppose the Creative but rather completes it. It represents nature in contrast to spirit, earth in contrast to heaven, space as opposed to time, and the maternal-feminine as opposed to the paternal-masculine. However, this principle of complementary relationships is not limited to the interaction between man and woman, but also applies to the relationship between ruler and subject, and between parent and child. In fact, this duality is present within each individual, as the spiritual realm coexists with the physical world. Strictly speaking, there is no true dualism at play here, as there exists a clear hierarchical relationship between the two principles. While the Receptive is just as important as the Creative in and of itself, its attribute of devotion defines its place in relation to the Creative. The Receptive must be activated and guided by the Creative in order to be productive, and only when it attempts to stand as an equal alongside the Creative does it become malevolent. This results in opposition and conflict with the Creative, which is detrimental to both forces.

The Judgment

Sublime success is achieved through the Receptive, with the help of a persevering companion. When a person of high standing takes charge and tries to lead, they often lose their way. However, if they follow the guidance of others, they will find success. It is beneficial to make friends in the west and south, while avoiding those in the east and north. Quiet perseverance will lead to good fortune.

The Creative and the Receptive both embody four fundamental aspects, including "sublime success" and "furthering through perseverance." However, the Receptive's perseverance is more specifically defined as that of a horse. While the Creative represents spiritual potentiality, the Receptive represents spatial reality. The addition of "of a mare" to the idea of perseverance symbolizes the strength and swiftness of the horse combined with the gentleness and devotion of the cow, representing the vast expanse of the earth. Nature corresponds with the Creative's impulses to make them real, nourishing and prospering all living things with its power to give beauty and splendor. The hexagram indicates action in conformity with the situation, with the person acting as an assistant rather than a leader. The superior person lets themselves be guided by fate and learns from the situation to follow the right path. To accomplish the task at hand, friends and helpers are needed during the time of toil and effort, symbolized by the west and south. Without mobilizing all one's powers during this time, the work will not be done. Solitude is needed during the time of planning, symbolized by the east and north, where a person receives orders from their master and reports on their progress. During this sacred hour, companions should be avoided to maintain the purity of the moment without fictional biases.

The Image

"The state of the planet is one of openness to dedication. Therefore, an individual with a wide-ranging personality can influence the external environment."

Just as there is only one sky, there is also only one ground. The sky's hexagram represents the passage of time through the doubling of the trigram, while the earth's hexagram represents its ability to support and preserve all living things through the doubling of its trigram. The earth is devoted to carrying everything, both good and bad, without exception. Similarly, a person of great character possesses breadth, purity, and strength, allowing them to support and endure people and situations.