Among the 64 hexagrams of the I Ching, the second hexagram, "Chong Di Kun" (重地坤) or "Kun Wei Di" (坤爲地), symbolizes "receptivity" and "the earth." This hexagram is a complete expression of Yin energy, characterized by its receptive, gentle, and responsive qualities.
Chong Di Kun (重地坤) / Kun Wei Di (坤爲地): The Second Hexagram of the I Ching
Philosophical Background: Chong Di Kun in Taoism and Confucianism
The hexagram Chong Di Kun (重地坤) is composed entirely of broken lines, representing pure Yin energy. In both Taoism and Confucianism, this hexagram signifies principles of receptivity, gentleness, and the foundation of all existence.
The Core Teachings of Receptivity and Flexibility in Chong Di Kun
When the hexagram Chong Di Kun appears, it generally indicates that receptivity and flexibility are crucial at this moment. This hexagram offers insights into inherent potential and infinite possibilities.
- The Importance of Receptivity: Emphasizes the ability to listen to others and adapt to new circumstances.
- The Role of Flexibility: Success follows when one quickly adapts to change.
- Inherent Potential: Receptivity and flexibility allow this potential to be fully realized.
- Feminine Principle: Represents the feminine aspect (Yin) in the balance of Yin and Yang.
Application of Chong Di Kun in Personal and Professional Contexts
This hexagram has significance in various aspects, from personal development to professional fields. It highlights the importance of receptivity and flexibility in situations and relationships.
Conclusion: The Wisdom and Timeless Value of Chong Di Kun
Chong Di Kun provides a fundamental understanding of receptivity and flexibility. These principles are not merely passive traits but represent strength derived from the ability to adapt. This hexagram offers guidance on how to embody these principles, which hold timeless wisdom applicable to both personal life and professional domains.
Original Text of "Chong Di Kun" (重地坤), the Second Hexagram of the I Ching
"Kun is great, prosperous, and beneficial. It represents the firmness of a mare. The actions of a noble person are indicated by it. At first, one may be perplexed, but eventually, one will gain. It is beneficial to stay in the South and West, where friends are found, and it is not beneficial to move East and North, where friends are lost. Staying firm and steady brings good fortune."
Line Interpretations of Chong Di Kun (重地坤)
First Line: "Treading on frost, it leads to firm ice."
- Commentary: "Treading on frost leads to firm ice" signifies the initial freezing of Yin energy, which, through cultivation, solidifies into firm ice.
Second Line: "Straight, square, and great; without practice, there is nothing unfavorable."
- Commentary: "The movement of the second line is straight and square. The path of the earth shines brightly, ensuring that everything is favorable."
Third Line: "Holding back brightness, one can be upright. Following the king’s affairs, there may be no achievement but there will be completion."
- Commentary: "Holding back brightness, one acts in due time. Following the king's affairs shows that one’s wisdom shines and is great."
Fourth Line: "Tying up the sack; no blame, no praise."
- Commentary: "Tying up the sack means avoiding harm by being cautious."
Fifth Line: "A yellow skirt brings great good fortune."
- Commentary: "A yellow skirt symbolizes great good fortune as it represents the beauty that lies within."
Top Line: "Dragons fight in the field; their blood is black and yellow."
- Commentary: "The dragons' battle in the field indicates the end of their path."
Use of the Sixth Line: "It is beneficial to remain correct and upright."
- Commentary: "Using the sixth line to stay correct and upright brings a great conclusion."
Conclusion: Studying the I Ching
The best way to study the I Ching is to directly draw the hexagrams and observe how they relate to life’s questions as they change. Combining this with the study of the original text is essential. Many scholars of the I Ching, including Professor Hwang Tae-yeon and the philosopher Do-ol, advocate this approach. Below, I’ve provided a link to an explanation of how to cast the I Ching, which you can use as a reference to find answers to your life's questions through the I Ching.
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