What does the The Abysmal (Water) hexagram (坎為水) mean?

The Abysmal (Water) is hexagram #29 of the 64 I-Ching hexagrams. Repeated danger, like flowing water. Through sincere heart, action brings success.

What are the upper and lower trigrams of The Abysmal (Water)?

The upper trigram of The Abysmal (Water) is Kǎn (Water) (坎) — representing Water / The Abysmal, element Thủy. The lower trigram is Kǎn (Water) (坎) — representing Water / The Abysmal, element Thủy.

What is the mutual hexagram (互卦) of The Abysmal (Water)?

The mutual hexagram of The Abysmal (Water) is The Corners of the Mouth (Nourishment) (山雷頤). The mutual hexagram reveals the hidden inner dynamic and intermediate development of the situation.

What are the six line texts of The Abysmal (Water)?

Line 1: Line 1 yin: Repetition of the abysmal. In the abyss one falls into a pit. Misfortune. | Line 2: Line 2 yang: The abyss is dangerous. One should strive to attain small things only. | Line 3: Line 3 yin: 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. | Line 4: Line 4 yin: 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. | Line 5: Line 5 yang: The abyss is not filled to overflowing; it is only filled to the rim. No blame. | Line 6: Line 6 yin: Bound with cords and ropes, shut in between thorn-hedged prison walls. For three years one does not find the way. Misfortune.

Hexagram #29

The Abysmal (Water)

坎為水

Repeated danger, like flowing water. Through sincere heart, action brings success.

The Abysmal (Water) (坎為水, Hexagram 29) is the 29th of the 64 hexagrams in the I-Ching. It consists of the upper trigram Kǎn (Water) (坎, Thủy) over the lower trigram Kǎn (Water) (坎, Thủy). Repeated danger, like flowing water. Through sincere heart, action brings success.

Judgment (Thoán từ)

The Abysmal repeated. If you are sincere, you have success in your heart, and whatever you do succeeds.

Image (Tượng từ)

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 Six Lines

1
Line 1 yin: Repetition of the abysmal. In the abyss one falls into a pit. Misfortune.
2
Line 2 yang: The abyss is dangerous. One should strive to attain small things only.
3
Line 3 yin: 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.
4
Line 4 yin: 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.
5
Line 5 yang: The abyss is not filled to overflowing; it is only filled to the rim. No blame.
6
Line 6 yin: Bound with cords and ropes, shut in between thorn-hedged prison walls. For three years one does not find the way. Misfortune.

Nuclear Hexagram (互卦)

䷚

The Corners of the Mouth (Nourishment)

山雷頤

Frequently asked questions

What does the The Abysmal (Water) hexagram (坎為水) mean?: The Abysmal (Water) is hexagram #29 of the 64 I-Ching hexagrams. Repeated danger, like flowing water. Through sincere heart, action brings success.
What is the judgment text of The Abysmal (Water)?: The Abysmal repeated. If you are sincere, you have success in your heart, and whatever you do succeeds.
What is the image text of The Abysmal (Water)?: 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.
What are the upper and lower trigrams of The Abysmal (Water)?: The upper trigram of The Abysmal (Water) is Kǎn (Water) (坎) — representing Water / The Abysmal, element Thủy. The lower trigram is Kǎn (Water) (坎) — representing Water / The Abysmal, element Thủy.
What is the mutual hexagram (互卦) of The Abysmal (Water)?: The mutual hexagram of The Abysmal (Water) is The Corners of the Mouth (Nourishment) (山雷頤). The mutual hexagram reveals the hidden inner dynamic and intermediate development of the situation.
What are the six line texts of The Abysmal (Water)?: Line 1: Line 1 yin: Repetition of the abysmal. In the abyss one falls into a pit. Misfortune. | Line 2: Line 2 yang: The abyss is dangerous. One should strive to attain small things only. | Line 3: Line 3 yin: 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. | Line 4: Line 4 yin: 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. | Line 5: Line 5 yang: The abyss is not filled to overflowing; it is only filled to the rim. No blame. | Line 6: Line 6 yin: Bound with cords and ropes, shut in between thorn-hedged prison walls. For three years one does not find the way. Misfortune.

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