Home › I Ching · 64 hexagrams › Hexagram 2
James Legge, 1899 (public domain)
Khwan (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and having the firmness of a mare. When the superior man (here intended) has to make any movement, if he take the initiative, he will go astray; if he follow, he will find his (proper) lord. The advantage will depend on his seeking friends in the south-west, and losing friends in the north-east. If he rest in correctness and firmness, there will be good fortune.
Six broken lines: earth itself, the receptive power that carries everything. The oracle of Kun speaks to those who follow rather than lead — and it is exact about timing. Tread on frost, and know the strong ice is coming. Be straight and square, and everything works without effort. Serve the king’s business and bring it to a good issue, letting the record show the deed and not your name. Be a tied sack: safe, unpraised. Wear the yellow garment, plain and central: great good fortune. Dragons fight in the wild when yielding is pursued to its end. Initiate, and you go astray; follow, and you find your lord. Rest in correctness and firmness, and the good fortune stands.
Line 1
In the first line, divided, (we see its subject) treading on hoarfrost. The strong ice will come (by and by).
Line 2
In the second line, divided, (shows the attribute of) being straight, square, and great. (Its operation), without repeated efforts, will be in every respect advantageous.
Line 3
In the third line, divided, (shows its subject) keeping his excellence under restraint, but firmly maintaining it. If he should have occasion to engage in the king's service, though he will not claim the success (for himself), he will bring affairs to a good issue.
Line 4
In the fourth line, divided, (shows the symbol of) a sack tied up. There will be no ground for blame or for praise.
Line 5
In the fifth line, divided, (shows) the yellow lower garment. There will be great good fortune.
Line 6
In the sixth line, divided, (shows) dragons fighting in the wild. Their blood is purple and yellow.
All lines changing
(The lines of this hexagram are all weak and divided, as appears from) the use of the number six. If those (who are thus represented) be perpetually correct and firm, advantage will arise.