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坎 29 · Kǎn · The Abyss
Water over Water — upper Kǎn 坎 (deep, dangerous, flowing); lower Kǎn 坎 (deep, dangerous, flowing)
Hexagram 29, The Abyss (Kǎn, 坎), is Water over Water. Water doubled. Repeated danger; sincerity within keeps the heart steady.
The situation
Water doubled. Repeated danger; sincerity within keeps the heart steady.
The counsel
Flow like water: fill the low places, do not struggle. Keep your heart constant.
The six lines
Line 1 — Pit within pit. Misfortune.
Line 2 — The abyss is dangerous. Seek only small gains.
Line 3 — Forward and back, abyss. Pause; do not act.
Line 4 — A jug of wine and bowl of rice passed through the window. Simplicity.
Line 5 — The abyss is not overfilled. Danger passes.
Line 6 — Bound with cords among thorns. Three years lost.