Hexagram 29
坎 Kǎn
The Abysmal (Water)
坎
Kan — Abysmal
Water · Middle Son
坎
Kan — Abysmal
Water · Middle Son
The Abysmal repeated. If you are sincere, you have success in your heart, and whatever you do succeeds.
Water flows on and reaches the goal: the image of the Abysmal repeated. Thus the superior person walks in lasting virtue and carries on the business of teaching.
Repetition of the Abysmal. In the abyss one falls into a pit. Misfortune.
The abyss is dangerous. One should strive to attain small things only.
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.
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.
The abyss is not filled to overflowing, it is filled only to the rim. No blame.
Bound with cords and ropes, shut in between thorn-hedged prison walls: for three years one does not find the way. Misfortune.