【第
二
卦】
坤
坤為地
坤上坤下
坤：元
亨
利牝馬之貞
君子有攸往
先迷後得主
利西南得朋
東北喪朋
安貞
吉
初六：履霜，堅冰至。
六二：直，方，大，不習無不利。
六三：含章可貞。或從王事，無成有終。
六四：括囊；無咎，無譽。
六五：黃裳，元吉。
上六：戰龍於野，其血玄黃。
用六：利永貞。
Translation: (Earth is) the commencement and the order. One benefits from honor, similar to that of a female horse. A man of virtue seeks his goal. He will fail if he advances prematurely by himself, but he will gain if he follows behind another. Heading southwest acquires friendship; heading northeast deprives friendship. Peace and honor can earn prosperity.
Translation: Laying one’s feet upon frost indicates the advent of frigid ice.
Analysis: The first Yin signifies the impending forces of Yin. This means ice is not easily obtained without a progress from lesser forms. An old Chinese proverb says, “Three feet of ice does not come from the iciness of one day.”
Translation: Straight. Square. Great. Even without purpose, everything remains furthered.
Analysis: Squareness describes the body of Earth. Greatness describes the employment of Earth. Combined with the position at the center of the lower portion, the femininity constructs straightness and greatness for this segment.
Translation: Embedded with the beauty of masculinity, one can continue persevering. Or, one can serve a king, but must not seek success. As a result, one can bring one’s task to completion.
Analysis: The lower portion indicates the level of follower and service, yet it stays on top of the lower portion. Consequently, one must be careful and not seek success or fame. If one is obsessed with one’s own celebrity, avarice will cover one’s comprehension of oneself. In short, one must vigilantly weight one’s ability.
Translation:
Analysis:
Translation:
Analysis:
Translation:
Analysis: