Hexagram 47 of 64
Oppression
kun · 困
TL;DR
- ◈Hexagram 47, Oppression, is summarized by the Judgment: Oppression. Success. Perseverance. The great man brings about good fortune. No blame. When one has something to say, it is not believed.
- ◈Its structure is Lake above Water; read the trigram interaction before treating it as a simple label.
- ◈Core keywords: exhaustion, oppression, endurance, adversity.
By the Numbers
- #47
- King Wen Order
- Oppression in the 64-hexagram sequence.
- 2
- Trigrams
- Lake above Water.
- 6
- Lines
- Each hexagram is read from bottom to top.
Classical Context
Hexagram 47, Kùn (困), is the hexagram of Oppression — the state when all outer resources are exhausted, leaving only inner strength. Composed of Duì (☱ Lake) above and Kǎn (☵ Water) below: the lake's water has leaked away below — the lake is dry. This is the image of depletion, exhaustion, being at the end of one's resources.
This expanded note is adapted from the long-form hexagram draft as cultural and textual context; a live reading still depends on the question, changing lines, and the full transformation pattern.
Six-Line Theme Map
I Ching lines are read from the bottom upward. This map runs from the initial line to the top line so the Judgment, Image, and moving-line position can be read together.
- L1
初六 · 臀困于株木
Buttocks trapped in a tree stump
- L2
九二 · 困于酒食
Oppressed amid wine and food — opportunity
- L3
六三 · 困于石据于蒺藜
Trapped on stone, sitting on thorns
- L4
九四 · 来徐徐
Coming slowly — help arrives late
- L5
九五 · 劓刖困于赤绂
Nose and feet cut off — trapped by obligations
- L6
上六 · 困于葛藟
Trapped in creeping vines — regret then change
Deep Reading
When words are not believed
Kùn describes depletion so severe that persuasion loses force. The Judgment says words are not believed, so the reading turns attention toward conduct, endurance, and the protection of inner purpose when outer resources are thin.
Purpose without romanticizing suffering
The Image is severe, but it should not be read as a command to endanger oneself. In this page, carrying out purpose means preserving what is essential, seeking real support when needed, and not letting exhaustion define the whole person.
Reading Kùn in a live question
- Burnout or depletion
- Reduce nonessential demands and protect basic capacity. If safety or health is involved, seek appropriate real-world help.
- Constrained work
- When persuasion fails, let records, steady delivery, and concrete actions speak.
- Relationships under pressure
- Do not mistake silence for resolution. Use careful action to restore trust, and name limits clearly.
Source Notes
- Primary text
- The interpretation follows the Zhouyi Judgment, Image, and line statements for Kùn, with harsh images treated as symbolic pressure states.
- Zhouyi: Kùn Judgment, Image, and line statements
- Method boundary
- Oppression is not medical, legal, or safety advice. It should not be used to normalize abuse, self-harm, or avoidable danger.
- CosmicTao editorial method note
Interpretation
No. Exhaustion and limitation — rest and regroup.
Upper Trigram
Lake
Lower Trigram
Water
The Judgment (King Wen)
Oppression. Success. Perseverance. The great man brings about good fortune. No blame. When one has something to say, it is not believed.
The Image
There is no water in the lake: the image of Exhaustion.
Keywords
FAQ
What is Hexagram 47 (Oppression)?
Oppression. Success. Perseverance. The great man brings about good fortune. No blame. When one has something to say, it is not believed.
What is the geometric structure of Hexagram 47?
Hexagram 47 acts with the upper trigram Lake and the lower trigram Water.
What are the core themes of Oppression?
The core themes and meanings include: exhaustion, oppression, endurance, adversity.