Hexagram 48 · 井 · jǐng
Hexagram 48. Jǐng · The Well
☵☴ Water over wind: Kǎn above, Xùn below.
(Looking at) Bing, (we think of) how (the site of) a town may be changed, while (the fashion of) its
(Looking at) Bing, (we think of) how (the site of) a town may be changed, while (the fashion of) its
Towns are moved; the well remains: there are sources — knowledge, tradition, the deep nature of people — untouched by changes of structure. Return to your source and clear it. But remember: water is useless if the rope does not reach — carry the work all the way down to the water itself.
The Image
Water beneath the tree rises through its veins: the well is a structure giving all access to the depth. Towns are moved; the well remains: there are sources — a craft, a tradition, people's deep needs — that outlive every reorganization. Return to your source, clear it, and carry the work 'down to the water itself': a rope that almost reaches has reached nothing.
Interpretation of hexagram 48
XLVIII. The Bing Hexagram. to render it help; hence comes the unfavourable auspice. ‘Three years ’ is used, as often, for a long time.
The lines of hexagram 48
First line
The first line, divided, shows a well so muddy that men will not drink of it; or an old well to which neither birds (nor other creatures) resort.
The three strong lines in the figure (2, 4, and 5) are all held to represent ‘ superior men and their being straitened is not in then- persons or estates, but in their principles which are denied develop¬ ment. Hence the subject of 2 is straitened while he fares sumptu¬ ously. His correlate in g, though not quite proper, occupies the ruler’s place, and comes to his help. That it is the ruler who comes appears from his red or Vermillion knee-covers, different from the scarlet knee-covers worn by nobles, as in paragraph 5. Let 2 cultivate his sincerity and do the work of the hexagram as if he were sacrificing to spiritual beings; and then, if he keep quiet, all will be well.
Second line
The second line, undivided, shows a well from which by a hole the water escapes and flows away to the shrimps (and such small creatures among the grass), or one the water of which leaks away from a broken basket.
For ‘a full explanation’ of paragraph 3 Au IIsi refers his readers to what Confucius is made to say on it in Appendix III, ii, 35. The reader, however, will probably not find much light in that passage. The Khang-hsl editors say here:—‘ The subjects of the three divided lines (1, 3, and 6) are all unable to deal aright with the straitened state indicated by the figure. The first is at the bottom, sitting and distressed. The second, occupies the third place, where he may either advance or retreat; and he advances and is distressed. Wounded abroad, he returns to his family, and finds none to receive him; so graphically is there set forth the distress which reckless action brings.’
Third line
The third line, undivided, shows a well, which has been cleared out, but is not used. Our hearts are sorry for this, for the water might be drawn out and used. If the king were (only) intelligent, both he and we might receive the benefit of it.
Line 4 is the proper correlate of 1, but it is a strong line in an even place, and its assistance is given dilatorily. Then 1 is over¬ ridden by 2, which is represented by ‘a chariot of metal.’ It is difficult for the subjects of 1 and 4 to come together, and effect much; but 4 is near g, which is also a strong line. Through a
Fourth line
The fourth line, divided, shows a well, the lining of which is well laid. There will be no error.
sect. ii. the Bing hexagram. 165
Fifth line
The fifth line, undivided, shows a clear, limpid well, (the waters from) whose cold spring are (freely) drunk.
wells undergoes no change. (The water of a well) never disappears and never receives (any great) in¬ crease, and those who come and those who go can draw and enjoy the benefit. If (the drawing) have nearly been accomplished, but, before the rope has quite reached the water, the bucket is broken, this is evil.
Top line
The topmost line, divided, shows (the water from) the well brought to the top, which is not allowed to be covered. This suggests the idea of sincerity. There will be great good fortune.
common sympathy, the subject of 5 will have a measure of suc¬ cess. So the symbolism of this line has been explained,—not very satisfactorily.
Did hexagram 48 come up in your reading? The oracle itself gives the full reading, with changing lines and the second hexagram.
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