48. THE WELL
Ching
The Judgement
THE WELL. The town may be changed, But the well cannot be changed. It neither decreases nor increases. They come and go and draw from the well. If one gets down almost to the water And the rope does not go all the way, Or the jug breaks, it brings misfortune.
The Image
Water over wood: the image of THE WELL. Thus the superior man encourages the people at their work, And exhorts them to help one another.
The Lines
Six at the top: One draws from the well without hindrance. It is dependable. Supreme good fortune.
The Image says: 'Supreme good fortune at the top.' This is a great achievement.
Nine in the fifth place: In the well there is a clear, cold spring from which one can drink.
The Image says: 'One can drink from the cold spring,' because it is in the middle and correct.
Six in the fourth place: The well is being lined. No blame.
The Image says: 'The well is being lined. No blame.' The well is being repaired.
Nine in the third place: The well is cleaned, but no one drinks from it. This is my heart's sorrow, for one might draw from it. If the king is enlightened, all may partake of the good fortune.
The Image says: 'The well is cleaned, but no one drinks from it.' This is a cause for sorrow. 'If one asks the king to be enlightened,' one receives blessing.
Nine in the second place: In the well shaft one shoots at the fishes. The jug is broken and leaks.
The Image says: 'In the well shaft one shoots at the fishes.' There are no companions.
Six at the beginning: One does not drink the mud of the well. No animals come to an old well.
The Image says: 'One does not drink the mud of the well,' because it is low. 'No animals come to an old well,' because the time has passed.