# Hexagram 2 · Kūn (坤) · Earth's Receptivity

> **GuaCard #2 (Steady)**: Let things grow; support is your power. / 让事物自然生长，支持本身就是力量。

Six open lines make this the hexagram of the earth: receptive, supportive, and patient. This is a time to cooperate and build quietly rather than take the lead. Follow a sound direction, take care of what is in front of you, and let your strength accumulate. Steadiness matters more than speed.

_Editorial summary_

## Judgment

坤：元亨。利牝馬之貞。君子有攸往，先迷後得主。利西南得朋，東北喪朋。安貞，吉。

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.

## Line 1

初六：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).

## Line 2

六二：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.

## Line 3

六三：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.

## Line 4

六四：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.

## Line 5

六五：黃裳，元吉。

The fifth line, divided, (shows) the yellow lower garment. There will be great good fortune.

## Line 6

上六：龍戰于野，其血玄黃。

The sixth line, divided, (shows) dragons fighting in the wild. Their blood is purple and yellow.

## Sources

- [周易 · 中文原文（Ruism Digital Library）](https://ruism.org/library/classic-of-changes/2#2.1)
- [James Legge, The Yî King (1882), Sacred Books of the East, XVI](https://ruism.org/library/classic-of-changes/2#2.1)