☱

Oppression

困 (Kùn)

Hexagram #47

Hexagram Structure

Yin Line

Yang Line

Yin Line

Yang Line

Yin Line

Upper Trigram

Lake

Lower Trigram

Water

Core Essence

Keywords

adversityexhaustionperseveranceinner strength

Meaning

Represents times of oppression and exhaustion that test inner strength and resolve.

Guidance

Persevere through difficult times. Your inner strength will see you through adversity.

Classical Texts

Judgment

Oppression. Success. Perseverance. The great man brings about good fortune. No blame. When one has something to say, it is not believed.

困：亨，贞，大人吉，无咎，有言不信。

Image

There is no water in the lake: the image of Exhaustion. Thus the superior man stakes his life on following his will.

泽无水，困；君子以致命遂志。

Hexagram Story & Origin

The Oppression hexagram symbolizes perseverance in adversity. 'Kun' means distress and siege, like being trapped in a well. King Wen being imprisoned yet composing the I Ching embodies the spirit of the Kun hexagram - not forgetting one's mission in adversity. The Kun hexagram teaches us: adversity is life's touchstone; we should maintain faith in adversity and seek opportunities in adverse circumstances.

Detailed Analysis

**Hexagram Composition:** Upper Trigram: Lake Lower Trigram: Water **Judgment Analysis:** Oppression. Success. Perseverance. The great man brings about good fortune. No blame. When one has something to say, it is not believed. 困：亨，贞，大人吉，无咎，有言不信。 **Image Wisdom:** There is no water in the lake: the image of Exhaustion. Thus the superior man stakes his life on following his will. 泽无水，困；君子以致命遂志。 **Modern Application:** In today's society, the wisdom of Oppression can guide us: • Persevere through difficult times. Your inner strength will see you through adversity. • Keywords: adversity, exhaustion, perseverance, inner strength • Core Concept: Represents times of oppression and exhaustion that test inner strength and resolve.

Chat with AI Master

Explore the wisdom of Oppression hexagram with our AI I Ching master