Hexagram 2 坤 changing to hexagram 1 乾
Changing lines (counted from the bottom): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
What to read
All six lines change in Kun: read the extra text “use of sixes”. (Rule set out by Zhu Xi in the Yixue qimeng.)
Hexagram 2: use of sixes
利永貞。
(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.
The two hexagrams
Hexagram 2 坤 — judgment
元亨。利牝馬之貞。
Khwăn (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 advantageousness will be seen in his getting friends in the south-west, and losing friends in the north-east. If he rest in correctness and firmness, there will be good fortune.
Hexagram 1 乾 — judgment
元亨。利貞。
Khien (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and firm.
The changing lines of hexagram 2
| Line | Chinese | Legge |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 履霜，堅冰至。 | In the first line, divided, (we see its subject) treading on hoarfrost. The strong ice will come (by and by). |
| 2 | 直方大，不習无不利。 | The second line, divided, (shows the attribute of) being straight, square, and great. (Its operation), without repeated efforts, will be in every respect advantageous. |
| 3 | 含章，可貞。或從王事，无成有終。 | 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. |
| 4 | 括囊，无咎无譽。 | The fourth line, divided, (shows the symbol of) a sack tied up. There will be no ground for blame or for praise. |
| 5 | 黃裳，元吉。 | The fifth line, divided, (shows) the yellow lower garment. There will be great good fortune. |
| 6 | 龍戰于野，其血玄黃。 | The sixth line, divided, (shows) dragons fighting in the wild. Their blood is purple and yellow. |
English: James Legge (1882), public domain. Chinese: Zhou Yi.
Data: English Wikisource (Public domain texts; transcription CC BY-SA 4.0); Chinese Wikisource (Public domain texts; transcription CC BY-SA 4.0). Retrieved 2026-10-22.