井

The Well

HEXAGRAM 48 · JǏNG

ABOVE☵坎Water

BELOW☴巽Wind

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 has almost reached the water but the rope does not go all the way, or the jug breaks: misfortune.

THE IMAGE

Above the wood is water: the image of the Well. Thus the noble one encourages the people at their work, and exhorts them to help one another.

THE LINES

Six at the beginningIn the mud of the well one does not drink. To an old well no creatures come.

Nine in the second placeIn the hollow of the well one shoots arrows at fish; the jug is cracked and leaks.

Nine in the third placeThe well is cleaned and no one drinks from it: this is my heart’s sorrow. One could draw from it: were the king enlightened, all would share the blessing.

Six in the fourth placeThe well is lined with stone: no blame.

Nine in the fifth placeIn the well a spring, clear and cold: one drinks from it.

Six at the topOne draws from the well without hindrance: it is dependable. Supreme good fortune.

KEYWORDS

sourcenourishmentdepthservicecommunity