The Abysmal (Water)
"Water flows on and on. Hold fast to your heart. Success if you are sincere."
The Judgment
The Abysmal repeated. If you are sincere, you have success in your heart, and whatever you do succeeds.
Original Text
习坎，有孚，维心亨，行有尚。
The Image
Water flows on uninterruptedly and reaches its goal: The image of the Abysmal repeated. Thus the superior man walks in lasting virtue and carries on the business of teaching.
Original Text
水流不盈，习坎；君子以常德行，习教事。
The Lines
Six at the Beginning初六
"Repetition of the Abysmal. In the abyss one falls into a pit. Misfortune."
You are getting deeper into trouble. Stop now.
Original: 习坎，入于坎窞，凶。
Nine at the Place 2九二
"The abyss is dangerous. One should strive to attain small things only."
Do not aim too high. Focus on small achievements to survive.
Original: 坎有险，求小得。
Six at the Place 3六三
"Forward and backward, abyss on abyss. In danger like this, pause at first and wait. Otherwise you will fall into a pit in the abyss. Do not act this way."
Any movement is dangerous. Wait for the situation to change.
Original: 来之坎坎，险且枕，入于坎窞，勿用。
Six at the Place 4六四
"A jug of wine, a bowl of rice with it; earthen vessels Simply handed in through the window. There is certainly no blame in this."
Simplicity and sincerity connect you to others even in hard times.
Original: 樽酒簋贰，用缶，纳约自牖，终无咎。
Nine at the Place 5九五
"The abyss is not filled to overflowing, it is filled only to the rim. No blame."
The danger is not yet over, but order is being restored.
Original: 坎不盈，祗既平，无咎。
Six at the Top上六
"Bound with cords and ropes, shut in between thorn-hedged prison walls: for three years one does not find the way. Misfortune."
You are trapped by your own actions. There is no escape for now.
Original: 系用徽纆，置于丛棘，三岁不得，凶。