Classical Text 古典文獻 · I Ching 易經
Hexagram 2 — Earth over Earth (坤為地) - The Receptive
坤
Upper Canon 上經
Hexagram Symbol & Trigrams
卦象與八卦
Judgment
卦辭
坤：元，亨，利牝馬之貞。
The Receptive brings about sublime success, furthering through the perseverance of a mare.
Image
象傳
象曰：地勢坤，君子以厚德載物。
The earth's condition is receptive devotion. Thus the superior man who has breadth of character carries the outer world.
Interpretation
詮釋
坤卦代表純陰與柔順。象徵地，具備包容與承載的德行。暗示著應以柔克剛，跟隨而非領導。
The Receptive represents pure Yin and docility. It symbolizes Earth, possessing the virtue of inclusion and support. It suggests yielding and following rather than leading.
Six Lines
爻辭
Six at the beginning
初六
履霜，堅冰至。
When you walk on frost, solid ice is not far off.
踩到霜，預示寒冰將至。微小的跡象預示大變化，應早作準備。
Walking on frost warns that ice is coming. Small signs indicate major changes ahead. Prepare early.
Six in the second place
六二
直，方，大，不習，無不利。
Straight, square, great. Without purpose, yet nothing remains unfurthered.
正直、方正、廣大。順其自然而無所不利。
Upright, square, and vast. Acting naturally without ulterior motives brings success in all things.
Six in the third place
六三
含章可貞，或從王事，無成有終。
Hidden lines. One is able to remain persevering. If by chance you are in the service of a king, seek not works, but bring to completion.
含蓄美德而堅守。輔佐君王不居功，終有善果。
Harbor virtue and remain steadfast. Serve without seeking credit, and good results will follow.
Six in the fourth place
六四
括囊，無咎，無譽。
A tied-up sack. No blame, no praise.
閉口如囊，謹言慎行。雖無榮譽但也無過錯。
Keep your mouth shut like a tied bag. Be cautious. Though there's no praise, there's no blame either.
Six in the fifth place
六五
黃裳，元吉。
A yellow lower garment brings supreme good fortune.
黃色下裳象徵中正謙遜。居高位而守中道，大吉。
The yellow skirt symbolizes balance and humility. Holding a high position while maintaining the middle way brings great fortune.
Six at the top
上六
龍戰於野，其血玄黃。
Dragons fight in the meadow. Their blood is black and yellow.
陰極生陽，兩龍相爭。矛盾激烈，兩敗俱傷。
Extreme yin generates yang. Two dragons fight. The conflict is fierce, and both sides suffer.
Source: I Ching (易經), Hexagram 2