Oppression

困 (kùn)
Hexagram 47 • Binary: 011010

Trigrams

Upper: Lake

Attribute: Joyous
Element: Metal
Direction: West
Family: Youngest Daughter

Lower: Water

Attribute: Abysmal
Element: Water
Direction: North
Family: Middle Son

Palace

Dui Palace

Element: Metal
Ruling Trigram: lake

Judgment

Oppression means that successful progress is still possible. The perseverance of the truly great man brings good fortune without error; but if he relies on words, no one will believe them.

Image

An abyss beneath the marsh that drains its water -- the image of Oppression. Thus the superior man will sacrifice his life to attain his purpose.

Lines

1

Position 1: Bare Buttocks yin

The first line, magnetic, shows its subject with bare buttocks straitened under the stump of a tree. She enters a dark valley, and for three years has no prospect of deliverance.

2

Position 2: Straitened Amidst Plenty yang

The second line, dynamic, shows its subject straitened amidst his wine and viands. There come to him anon the red knee-covers of the ruler. It will be well for him to maintain his sincerity as in sacrificing. Active operations on his part will lead to evil, but he will be free from blame.

3

Position 3: Frowning Rock yang

The third line, magnetic, shows its subject straitened before a frowning rock. He lays hold of thorns. He enters his palace, and does not see his wife. There will be evil.

4

Position 4: Slow Progress yin

The fourth line, dynamic, shows its subject proceeding very slowly to help the subject of the first line, who is straitened by the carriage adorned with metal in front of him. There will be occasion for regret, but the end will be good.

5

Position 5: Mutilated but Satisfied yang

The fifth line, dynamic, shows its subject with his nose and feet cut off. He is straitened by his ministers in their scarlet knee covers. He is leisurely in his movements however, and is satisfied. It will be well for him to be as sincere as in sacrificing to spiritual beings.

6

Position 6: Bound by Creepers yin

The sixth line, magnetic, shows its subject straitened, as if bound with creepers; or in a high and dangerous position, and saying to herself: "If I move, I shall repent it." If she does repent of former errors, there will be good fortune in her going forward.