Hexagram 47 困 changing to hexagram 12 否
Changing lines (counted from the bottom): 2, 6.
What to read
Two changing lines: read both line texts of the original hexagram; the upper one is the main one. (Rule set out by Zhu Xi in the Yixue qimeng.)
Hexagram 47 困, line 6
困于葛藟,于臲卼,曰動悔。有悔,征吉。
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.
Hexagram 47 困, line 2
困于酒食,朱紱方來,利用亨祀,征凶,无咎。
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.
The two hexagrams
Hexagram 47 困 — judgment
亨,貞大人吉,无咎,有言不信。
In (the condition denoted by) Khwăn 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.
Hexagram 12 否 — judgment
否之匪人,不利君子貞,大往小來。
In Phî there is the want of good understanding between the (different classes of) men, and its indication is unfavourable to the firm and correct course of the superior man. We see in it the great gone and the little come.
The changing lines of hexagram 47
| Line | Chinese | Legge |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 困于酒食,朱紱方來,利用亨祀,征凶,无咎。 | 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. |
| 6 | 困于葛藟,于臲卼,曰動悔。有悔,征吉。 | 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. |
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.