48. Ching / The Well

 
 above K'an The Abysmal, Water
 
 
 below Sun The Gentle, Wind
 

The Judgement

The Well. The town may be changed,
But the well cannot be changed.
It neither decreases nor increases.
They come and go and draw from the well.
If one gets down almost to the water
And the rope does not go all the way,
Or the jug breaks, it brings misfortune.

The Image

Water over wood: the image of The Well.
Thus the superior man encourages the people at their work,
And exhorts them to help one another.

The Lines

Nine in the second place means:
At the well hole one shoots fishes.
The jug is broken and leaks.

Nine in the third place means:
The well is cleaned, but no one drinks from it.
This is my heart's sorrow,
For one might draw from it.
If the king were clear-minded,
Good fortune might be enjoyed in common.

Six at the top means:
One draws from the well
Without hindrance.
It is dependable.
Supreme good fortune.

20. Kuan / Contemplation (View)

 
 above Sun The Gentle, Wind
 
 
 below K'un The Receptive, Earth
 

The Judgement

Contemplation. The ablution has been made,
But not yet the offering.
Full of trust they look up to him.

The Image

The wind blows over the earth:
The image of Contemplation.
Thus the kings of old visited the regions of the world,
Contemplated the people,
And gave them instruction.