The Receptive
坤 (Kūn)
Hexagram #2
Hexagram Structure
Upper Trigram
Earth
Lower Trigram
Earth
Core Essence
Keywords
Meaning
Represents pure receptive energy, the power of earth, and feminine principle. It signifies patience, nurturing, and supportive strength.
Guidance
Practice patience and receptivity. Support others and allow situations to unfold naturally.
Classical Texts
Judgment
The Receptive brings about sublime success, furthering through the perseverance of a mare.
坤：元、亨、利牝马之贞。
Image
The earth's condition is receptive devotion. Thus the superior man who has breadth of character carries the outer world.
地势坤，君子以厚德载物。
Hexagram Story & Origin
The Receptive hexagram embodies the character of Mother Earth. The ancients observed that earth carries all things, embraces everything, and gives silently without seeking return. The I Ching says 'Earth's condition is receptive devotion, thus the superior man who has breadth of character carries the outer world.' The legend of Nüwa mending the sky perfectly embodies the spirit of Kun - overcoming hardness with softness, transforming people through virtue, carrying and nourishing life. Ancient wise mothers like Mencius's mother moving three times exemplify Kun's educational wisdom; when Yu the Great controlled floods, he also followed the terrain, embodying Kun's philosophy of following natural flow.
Detailed Analysis
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