Hexagram 2 · 坤 · Kūn
The Receptive
- Element:
- Earth
- Key themes:
- receptivity, nurturing, patience, adaptability, support
Image
The earth, symbolizing nurturing, stability, and the capacity to receive and support.
Overall message
Hexagram 2 emphasizes the importance of receptivity, patience, and adaptability. It encourages you to nurture and support others, act with humility, and align yourself with the natural flow of life. Success comes from being open and responsive to the world around you.
Embrace receptivity and patience. Be open to receiving guidance and support. Act with humility and adaptability, and align yourself with the natural flow of life.
Classical text (Legge, 1882)
Judgment. 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.
Image. The (capacity and sustaining) power of the earth is what is denoted by Khwăn. The superior man, in accordance with this, with his large virtue supports (men and) things.
From James Legge's translation of the I Ching (Sacred Books of the East, vol. XVI, 1882). Public domain.
The six lines
Line 6 · Dragons Fight in the Meadow
The receptive energy has reached its limit. Conflict may arise if you push too hard or act with arrogance.
Avoid confrontation and remain flexible. Seek harmony rather than dominance.
Line 5 · Yellow Skirt
The receptive energy is in harmony. This is a time of balance and success, achieved through humility and adaptability.
Act with grace and humility. Success comes from aligning with the natural flow.
Line 4 · Tied Sack
The receptive energy is restrained. Be cautious and avoid unnecessary risks.
Exercise restraint and avoid overextending yourself.
Line 3 · Hidden Lines
The receptive energy is hidden. This is a time for introspection and patience. Avoid taking the lead.
Remain humble and patient. Focus on inner growth rather than outward action.
Line 2 · Straight, Square, and Great
The receptive energy is strong and balanced. You are in a position to act with integrity and achieve success.
Act with honesty and fairness. Stay grounded and true to your principles.
Line 1 · Frost on the Ground
The receptive energy is just beginning to manifest. Be cautious and attentive to subtle signs.
Proceed carefully and pay attention to details.
Related hexagrams
Opposite: If every line of this hexagram were inverted (yang to yin and vice versa), you would have Hexagram 1 · 乾 · Qián. This is the hexagram's structural counterpart — the situation it could become if every dynamic flipped.
Nuclear: The hexagram hidden inside this one, built from lines 2-3-4 and 3-4-5, is Hexagram 2 · 坤 · Kūn. The nuclear hexagram describes the inner pattern that produced this situation — what is going on underneath.
If only one line of this hexagram changed in your cast, you would arrive at:
- Line 1 changing → Hexagram 24 · 复 · Fù
- Line 2 changing → Hexagram 7 · 师 · Shī
- Line 3 changing → Hexagram 15 · 谦 · Qiān
- Line 4 changing → Hexagram 16 · 豫 · Yù
- Line 5 changing → Hexagram 8 · 比 · Bǐ
- Line 6 changing → Hexagram 23 · 剥 · Bō