Hexagram 47 · 困

The lake is above water, with its supply pictured as drained below. Openness at the surface meets difficulty underneath. Kun means constraint or exhaustion, using a different character from the receptive earth of hexagram 2. The image asks what remains dependable when resources and recognition are restricted.

1. Line 1 · 初六

   臀困于株木，入于幽谷，三歲不覿。

   The buttocks are constrained against a bare stump. Entering a dark valley, one sees no one for three years.

   Six in the first place is yin withdrawn into an obscured position. The Small Image stresses lack of light, like retreating into solitary worry instead of telling a trusted colleague that a workload has become unmanageable.

2. Line 2 · 九二

   困于酒食，朱紱方來，利用亨祀，征凶，无咎。

   Constrained amid wine and food. The scarlet ceremonial knee covering is approaching. It is beneficial to make an offering. Advancing brings misfortune, but no blame.

   Nine in the second place is central yang with inner value despite outward constraint. The Small Image finds benefit within that center, like a capable employee using a quiet review meeting to seek help rather than forcing immediate promotion.

3. Line 3 · 六三

   困于石，據于蒺蔾，入于其宮，不見其妻，凶。

   Constrained by stone, leaning on thorny plants. Entering the palace, one does not see one's wife. Misfortune.

   Six in the third place is yin resting on firm resistance without reliable support. The Small Image highlights this poor footing, like persisting with an unsuitable alliance while neglecting dependable relationships at home or work.

4. Line 4 · 九四

   來徐徐，困于金車，吝，有終。

   Coming slowly, hindered by a golden carriage. Humiliation, but there is completion.

   Nine in the fourth place is yang seeking the first yin through an obstructed connection. The Small Image acknowledges that support exists, like help arriving slowly because a colleague must first navigate cumbersome procedures.

5. Line 5 · 九五

   劓刖，困于赤紱，乃徐有說，利用祭祀。

   The nose and feet are cut off; constraint comes through the red ceremonial knee covering. Gradually there is release. It is beneficial to make an offering.

   Nine in the fifth place is central yang whose purpose is obstructed despite official standing. The Small Image finds gradual relief through uprightness, like a responsible manager rebuilding workable cooperation under restrictive policies.

6. Line 6 · 上六

   困于葛藟，于臲卼，曰動悔。有悔，征吉。

   Constrained by creeping vines, in an unsteady place. One says, 'Movement brings regret.' Recognizing regret, advancing brings good fortune.

   Six at the top is yin caught partly by hesitation at constraint's limit. The Small Image allows movement after reconsideration, like accepting a practical new arrangement once fear of every possible mistake is examined.

Preserve the purpose that matters while reducing unnecessary strain. Let dependable actions speak, accept practical help, and reconsider hesitation that has become its own constraint.

• Nuclear家人37
• Inverted井48
• Opposite賁22
• Previous升46
• Next井48