Home › I Ching · 64 hexagrams › Hexagram 47
James Legge, 1899 (public domain)
In (the condition denoted by) Khwan there may (yet be) progress and success. For the firm and correct, the (really) great man, there will be good fortune. He will fall into no error. If he make speeches, his words cannot be made good.
Khwan — a lake drained of its water — is straitness, yet the oracle opens with progress and success: for the firm and correct, the really great man, good fortune and no error. Oppression tests what you keep. Straitened under a tree stump in a dark valley; straitened amid wine and viands as the red knee-covers arrive; straitened before a frowning rock, holding thorns — the outer state is no measure of the man. Move slowly to help another. Be leisurely and satisfied even when scarlet aprons confine. At the rugged height, where to move seems repentance, repent of former errors and go forward: good fortune. In straits, lose neither sincerity nor the ground of success: what is kept carries you through.
Line 1
The first line, divided, shows its subject with bare buttocks straitened under the stump of a tree. He enters a dark valley, and for three years has no prospect (of deliverance).
Line 2
The second line, undivided, 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.
Line 3
The third line, divided, 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.
Line 4
The fourth line, undivided, 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.
Line 5
The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject with his nose and feet cut off. He is straitened by (his ministers in their) scarlet aprons. 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).
Line 6
The sixth line, divided, shows its subject straitened, as if bound with creepers; or in a high and dangerous position, and saying (to himself), 'If I move, I shall repent it.' If he do repent of former errors, there will be good fortune in his going forward.