Hexagram Analysis

I Ching Hexagram 47 : 困 K'un / Oppression (Exhaustion)

Above the waterless lake, a dark line dominates two lighter ones while a light line is trapped between two darker ones below. The upper trigram represents darkness while the lower represents light. This pattern symbolizes exhaustion and the oppression of superior individuals by inferior ones.

The Judgment

"Adversity. Achievement. Resilience. The remarkable individual manifests prosperity without fault. Expressions fall on deaf ears, regardless of their validity."

Challenging times may seem like the opposite of prosperous times, but they can actually lead to success if they happen to the right person. When a resilient individual faces adversity, they maintain a positive attitude despite the risks, and this positivity becomes the foundation for future accomplishments. It is a steadfastness that is more powerful than destiny. Those who allow themselves to be defeated by exhaustion will not achieve success. However, if adversity only bends a person, it instills in them the ability to respond, which will eventually reveal itself. This is a trait that only a remarkable person possesses, as they bring about good fortune and remain faultless. It is true that during difficult times, external influence may be limited, as words may not have an impact. Therefore, it is crucial to have inner strength and be mindful of what is said.

The Image

The lake is devoid of water, symbolizing depletion. Therefore, a wise person risks everything to pursue their desires.

As the water trickles away, the lake inevitably withers and fades. This serves as a metaphor for the unfavorable twists of fate that can occur in human existence. During these trying times, one must simply accept their destiny and stay true to their innermost self. This pertains to the very core of one's being, which surpasses any external forces of fate.