Oppression
"The lake has dried up. Words are not believed. Persistence is required."
The Judgment
Oppression. Success. Perseverance. The great man brings about good fortune. No blame. When one has something to say, it is not believed.
Original Text
亨，贞，大人吉，无咎，有言不信。
The Image
There is no water in the lake: The image of Exhaustion. Thus the superior man stakes his life on following his will.
Original Text
泽无水，困；君子以致命遂志。
The Lines
Six at the Beginning初六
"One sits oppressed under a bare tree and strays into a gloomy valley. For three years one sees nothing."
Discouragement leads to isolation. Do not give up hope.
Original: 臀困于株木，入于幽谷，三岁不觌。
Nine at the Place 2九二
"One is oppressed while at meat and drink. The man with the scarlet knee bands is just coming. It furthers one to offer sacrifice. To set forth brings misfortune. No blame."
Help is coming. Be patient and sincere.
Original: 困于酒食，朱绂方来，利用享祀，征凶，无咎。
Six at the Place 3六三
"A man permits himself to be oppressed by stone, and leans on thorns and thistles. He enters his house and does not see his wife. Misfortune."
Stubbornness and wrong choices make the situation worse.
Original: 困于石，据于蒺藜，入于其宫，不见其妻，凶。
Nine at the Place 4九四
"He comes very quietly, oppressed in a golden carriage. Humiliation, but the end is reached."
Wealth and position can be a burden, but help will come.
Original: 来徐徐，困于金车，吝，有终。
Nine at the Place 5九五
"His nose and feet are cut off. Oppression at the hands of the man with the purple knee bands. Joy comes softly. It furthers one to make offerings and libations."
Even in severe oppression, spiritual strength brings release.
Original: 劓刖，困于赤绂，乃徐有说，利用祭祀。
Six at the Top上六
"He is oppressed by creeping vines. He moves uncertainly and says, "Movement brings remorse." If one feels remorse at this and makes a start, good fortune."
The worst is over. Take action to free yourself.
Original: 困于葛藟，于臲卼，曰动悔。有悔，征吉。