Hexagram 47 — Oppression (困)
A clear, modern reading of I Ching hexagram 47—Oppression (Kùn): Exhaustion — maintain inner truth.
Kun is oppression — lake without water, resources exhausted. Stake life on purpose; the great person endures though words aren't believed; steadfastness slowly brings release.
The Judgment
亨，贞，大人吉，无咎，有言不信。
Hēng, zhēn, dà rén jí, wú jiù, yǒu yán bù xìn.
“Success. Perseverance. The great person is fortunate, no blame. Words are not believed.”
In plain terms: Exhaustion — maintain inner truth.
The Image
泽无水，困；君子以致命遂志。
Zé wú shuǐ, kùn; jūnzǐ yǐ zhì mìng suì zhì.
“Lake without water — the noble person stakes life on fulfilling purpose.”
The Image invites us to translate the hexagram's symbolism into practical conduct—not superstitious fortune-telling.
Six Lines (Brief)
- Buttocks stuck on tree stump — entering dark valley; three years unseen.
- Stuck in food and wine — honor coming; sacrifice furthers.
- Stuck on rock, thorns — entering home, no wife. Misfortune.
- Coming slowly — stuck in golden cart; regret, but an end.
- Nose and feet cut off — stuck in red sash; slowly release comes.
- Stuck in vines on precarious height — moving brings regret yet going forth brings fortune.
In Daily Life
When Oppression appears in reflection, consider:
- Fulfill purpose even in exhaustion
- Words aren't believed — act more, speak less
- Slowly release comes — oppression turns
Practical scenarios:
- Resources dried up — fulfill purpose anyway
- Not understood — persevere; act over argue
- Desperate situation — going forth eventually succeeds
Spatial Note (Feng Shui)
In feng shui, Oppression is often associated with the North and the Water phase.
Lower Kan (north) and upper Dui (west). Lake without water — seek source in the north; don't let the west dry completely.
Related Hexagrams
A Closing Thought
Oppression reminds us: Exhaustion — maintain inner truth. What is this pattern asking of you right now?