29. THE ABYSMAL (WATER)
K'an
The Judgement
The Abysmal repeated. If you are sincere, you have success in your heart, And whatever you do succeeds.
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.
The Lines
Six at the top: Bound with black cords, hedged in by thorn bushes. For three years one does not find the way. Misfortune.
The Image says: The six at the top has lost the way. Misfortune for three years.
Nine in the fifth place: The abyss is not filled to overflowing, it is filled only to the rim. No blame.
The Image says: 'The abyss is not filled to overflowing.' The middle is not yet great.
Six in the fourth place: A jug of wine, a bowl of rice with it; earthen vessels simply passed through the window. There is certainly no blame in this.
The Image says: 'A jug of wine, a bowl of rice with it.' This is where the firm and the weak meet.
Six in the third place: 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.
The Image says: 'Forward and backward, abyss on abyss.' In the end there is no success.
Nine in the second place: The abyss is dangerous. One should strive to attain small things only.
The Image says: 'One should strive to attain small things only.' One has not yet got out of the middle.
Six at the beginning: Repetition of the Abysmal. In the abyss one falls into a pit. Misfortune.
The Image says: 'Repetition of the Abysmal. In the abyss one falls into a pit.' To lose the way brings misfortune.