Hexagram 29: The Water (坎为水)

Hexagram 29, The Water (坎为水), also known as Kan over Kan (坎为水), is the twenty-ninth hexagram of the 64 Hexagrams of the I Ching. Comprised of the Trigram Kan (坎) above and below, it is a pure hexagram, symbolizing repeated danger, perilous pits, water flowing unceasingly, hardship, obstacles, and constant challenge. It represents the imagery of stacked pitfalls, one wave of Water (水) following another, signifying layers of difficulty. The core teaching is "Water flows on repeatedly. In the constant peril, the exemplary person abides in lasting virtue and practices the affairs of education." It governs maintaining composure in danger, acting with integrity amidst peril, adhering to constancy while learning, and overcoming adversity to achieve safety. Categorized as moderately auspicious, it reveals the patterns of layered danger, traversing peril with enduring virtue, and advancing through hardship without losing one's trustworthiness.

The Hexagram and Hexagram Statement

The Hexagram

The Water (坎为水)

Hexagram 29 · Upper Kan Lower Kan · Water flows repeatedly

Upper Trigram: Kan ☵Lower Trigram: Kan ☵Five Elements: Water Water (Kan belongs to Water)

Symbolizing the Way as shown by The Water hexagram.

The Hexagram Statement

Constant Peril (习坎): Possessing sincerity, the mind is maintained. Success. Action is exalted.

Interpretation: The Constant Peril (习坎) symbolizes repeated danger and pitfalls. If one's heart holds sincerity, progress is smooth and successful, and one's actions will be respected. This signifies that when in profound peril, only by maintaining sincerity can one advance through danger and find success.

The Line Statements

• First Six: In constant peril, one falls into a pit. Pitfall.

  Constant Peril (习坎), one falls into a pit (入于坎窞). Pitfall.Interpretation: The difficulty is layered; one has fallen into the deepest recess of the chasm. This bodes ill. It symbolizes the beginning of being in danger, not recognizing its depth, and plunging blindly, leading to entrapment in a desperate situation.

• Second Nine: In peril there is danger. Seek small gains.

  In peril there is danger (坎有险). Seek small gains (求小得).Interpretation: Within the pitfall lies danger. Do not seek great achievements; be content with small gains. This signifies that while in a perilous situation, one must not be greedy or overambitious. Preserve a moderate position, seek small stability, and one may find temporary safety.

• Third Six: Coming and going, both fraught with peril. Peril rests upon peril. One falls into a pit. Do not act.

  Coming and going, both fraught with peril (来之坎坎). Peril rests upon peril (险且枕). One falls into a pit (入于坎窞). Do not act (勿用).Interpretation: Advancing and retreating are both perilous. Dangers are piled upon dangers. One has fallen into the pit's depths. Do not take action. This signifies a loss of proper ground for advance or retreat, deep immersion in danger, with no choice but to remain still and act not.

• Fourth Six: A bowl of wine and two bowls of food, offered in earthenware vessels, presenting the pledge plainly through the window. In the end, there is no fault.

  A bowl of wine and two bowls of food (樽酒簋贰), offered in earthenware vessels (用缶), presenting the pledge plainly through the window (纳约自牖). In the end, there is no fault (终无咎).Interpretation: A simple offering of a jug of wine and two dishes, contained in coarse earthenware, conveyed sincerely through a window. Ultimately, there is no calamity. This signifies that in times of danger, one should treat others with simplicity and integrity, eschewing extravagance, and use sincerity to transform peril.

• Fifth Nine: The pit is not full. It is only level with the ground. No fault.

  The pit is not full (坎不盈). It is only level with the ground (祗既平). No fault (无咎).Interpretation: The Water (水) of the pit does not overflow; it merely reaches a level state. There is no calamity. This symbolizes being in a respected position amidst danger, maintaining strength and moderation, neither brimming nor overflowing, allowing the difficulty to gradually subside.

• Top Six: Bound with black cords, placed among thick thorns. For three years one does not attain. Pitfall.

  Bound with black cords (系用徽纆), placed among thick thorns (置于丛棘). For three years one does not attain (三岁不得). Pitfall (凶).Interpretation: Bound with ropes and placed amidst thorn bushes, unable to escape for three years. This bodes ill. It signifies the pinnacle of being in peril, persisting in confusion, deeply entangled in bondage, and facing prolonged, unfortunate hardship.

Core Symbolism

The Kan (坎) hexagram, with Water (水) above and below, signifies stacked dangers, continuous flow without drowning. It symbolizes the exemplary person facing repeated perils who can still hold sincerity in heart, adhere steadfastly to virtue, practice handling affairs within adversity, and navigate danger steadily. Corresponding to human affairs filled with layered predicaments, overlapping crises, trials of character, and ventures into peril, it governs maintaining sincere heart, navigating danger with moderation, and practicing constancy without confusion. It warns that plunging deep into danger leads to misfortune, while holding to the center and seeking correctness brings safety.

The six lines of the Kan (坎) hexagram unfold the principle of conducting oneself in danger. The First Six sinks deep into repeated peril, falling into the pit leads to misfortune. The Second Nine seeks small gains amidst danger, finding temporary safety. The Third Six finds both advance and retreat perilous, deeply mired, requiring inaction. The Fourth Six practices simplicity and integrity, using sincerity to transform danger. The Fifth Nine's danger does not overflow, staying level brings no fault. The Top Six is bound and trapped in peril, with prolonged misfortune. The overall core is maintaining sincere heart, proceeding through danger with constancy, and overcoming adversity to achieve safety.

Universal Correspondences

• Hexagram Nature: Pure hexagram, repeated dangers arriving in layers, unceasing flow of water, overlapping pits.
• Five Elements: Water Water
• Direction: North
• Seasonal Time: Mid-Winter, the height of Water (水) prosperity and hazardous cold.
• People: Those navigating peril, sincere exemplary persons, law enforcers, boatmen.
• Body: Kidneys, blood, ears; governs blood flow, water abundance, and mental unrest.
• Animals: Pig, aquatic beasts, hidden creatures.
• Objects: Wine vessels, earthenware jars, ropes, boats.
• Places: Deep abysses, rivers, prisons, perilous sites.
• Human Affairs: Multi-layered difficulties, venturing through danger, testing virtue, imprisonment.
• Colors: Black, dark hues.
• Flavors: Salty.
• Numbers: One, Six.

Original Texts

Hexagram and Line Statements (Original Chinese Text)

习坎： 有孚维心，亨。行有尚。 初六： 习坎，入于坎窞，凶。 九二： 坎有险，求小得。 六三： 来之坎坎，险且枕，入于坎窞，勿用。 六四： 樽酒簋贰，用缶，纳约自牖，终无咎。 九五： 坎不盈，祗既平，无咎。 上六： 系用徽纆，置于丛棘，三岁不得，凶。

The Tuan Zhuan (Commentary on the Hexagram)

《彖》曰： 习坎，重险也。水流而不盈，行险而不失其信。维心亨，乃以刚中也。行有尚，往有功也。天险不可升也，地险山川丘陵也，王公设险以守其国，险之时用大矣哉。

Interpretation: The Constant Peril (习坎) signifies dual danger. Water flows without filling, one proceeds through peril without losing integrity. That the heart is open and successful stems from being firm and centrally balanced. Action is praiseworthy, advancing will lead to achievement. Heaven's perils are too high to climb; Earth's perils manifest as mountains, rivers, and hills. Kings and dukes establish barriers to protect their domains—the timely application of peril is of great significance indeed!

The Xiang Zhuan (Commentary on the Symbol)

《象》曰： 水洊至，习坎。君子以常德行，习教事。

Interpretation: Water flows on repeatedly—this is the image of the Constant Peril (习坎). The exemplary person emulates this by constantly abiding in virtue and practicing educational duties.

《象》曰：

• 习坎入坎，失道凶也。
• 求小得，未出中也。
• 来之坎坎，终无功也。
• 樽酒簋贰，刚柔际也。
• 坎不盈，中未大也。
• 上六失道，凶三岁也。

Interpretation:

• Being in repeated peril and falling into the pit indicates losing the Way, leading to misfortune.
• Seeking small gains indicates not having strayed from the middle path.
• Both advance and retreat being perilous results ultimately in no achievement.
• Simple offerings of wine and food signify the point where firmness and yielding connect.
• The pit not being full indicates being centered but not inflated with importance.
• The Top Six loses the Way, resulting in three years of misfortune.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the Kan hexagram indicate good or bad fortune?

A: The Kan hexagram is moderately auspicious. It signifies layers of peril. With a heart full of sincerity and navigating danger by adhering to the proper way, fortune can be favorable. However, becoming deeply lost in delusion, forsaking the Way, and acting recklessly leads to misfortune.

Q: What does "possessing sincerity, the mind is maintained" (有孚维心) mean in the Kan hexagram?

A: It means holding sincerity in one's heart and using integrity to maintain resolve. This is the core principle for navigating peril. Only by preserving a sincere and steadfast heart can one proceed through danger and find success.

Q: What situations is the Kan hexagram suitable for?

A: It is suitable for situations of being in difficult predicaments, undertaking ventures involving risk, undergoing trials of character, and maintaining heart while awaiting the right time within perilous scenarios. It is not suitable for blindly rushing forward, delving deeply into treacherous situations, being greedy for achievement, and acting recklessly.

Q: What revelation does drawing the Kan hexagram have when inquiring about a career crisis?

A: It suggests the career is facing layers of difficulty. One should maintain integrity, seek stability and minor gains. The Fifth Nine, symbolizing leveling out and gradual peace, is most auspicious. The Fourth Six uses sincerity to transform danger. Beware the deep entrapment and reckless movement symbolized by the First Six and Top Six.

Q: What is the difference between the Kan and Li (离为火) hexagrams?

A: Kan corresponds to Water (水) and governs repeated peril, focusing on maintaining composure in danger. Li corresponds to Fire (火) and governs illumination, focusing on adhering to brilliant virtue and brightness. These two hexagrams are inverse (changed lines) to each other—one of peril and one of brightness, one Yin and one Yang.

FAQ

What does Hexagram 29, "The Water" (坎为水), primarily symbolize?

Hexagram 29, also known as "The Abysmal" or "Kan over Kan," fundamentally symbolizes repeated danger and hardship. It is formed by the trigram Kan (水 - Water) doubled, representing stacked pitfalls or successive waves of water. This imagery conveys layers of difficulty, constant challenge, and flowing peril. The core message is about maintaining integrity, composure, and virtuous conduct while navigating through ongoing adversity to eventually achieve safety.

Is Hexagram 29 considered auspicious or inauspicious?

Hexagram 29 is categorized as moderately auspicious. While it directly represents danger and obstacles, its judgment indicates that success and respect ("Action is exalted") are possible if one possesses sincere faith and a steadfast heart ("Possessing sincerity, the mind is maintained"). The hexagram does not promise an easy path but shows that navigating peril with enduring virtue can lead to a favorable outcome.

What is the key lesson for an "exemplary person" according to this hexagram?

The key teaching, derived from the hexagram statement, is that the exemplary person should "abide in lasting virtue and practice the affairs of education" amid constant peril. This means one must cultivate and hold fast to inner sincerity and moral constancy. By doing so, one can learn, adapt, and handle affairs prudently even within treacherous circumstances, thereby transforming danger through integrity.

How should one act when finding oneself in the initial stage of danger, as in the First Six line?

The First Six line warns of falling deep into a pit ("one falls into a pit"). The interpretation is that at the beginning of a dangerous situation, one may fail to recognize the true depth of the peril and act blindly, leading to entrapment. The advice here is to exercise extreme caution from the outset; do not plunge forward without awareness, or you risk becoming stuck in a desperate predicament.

What does the Second Nine line mean by "seek small gains"?

"Seek small gains" advises contentment with minor, achievable stability when danger is present ("In peril there is danger"). The line cautions against grand ambitions or greed while in a precarious position. By not overreaching and focusing on preserving a moderate, secure footing through small steps, one can find temporary safety and avoid provoking greater misfortune.

In the severe situation described by the Third Six line, what is the recommended course of action?

The Third Six describes being surrounded by peril, with dangers piled upon dangers ("Peril rests upon peril") and no safe path forward or backward. The counsel is clear: "Do not act." This signifies a situation where any movement is likely to worsen the predicament. The appropriate response is to remain still, conserve energy, and wait for circumstances to change before attempting any action.

What is the significance of the simple offering described in the Fourth Six line?

The Fourth Six line uses the metaphor of a humble offering—"a bowl of wine and two bowls of food" in plain earthenware—presented sincerely through a window. This symbolizes that in times of danger, one should interact with others (or approach problems) with simplicity, frugality, and utmost sincerity rather than extravagance or guile. This genuine, straightforward conduct can help transform perilous situations and ultimately lead to "no fault."

How can one achieve the balanced state described in the Fifth Nine line: "The pit is not full"?

The Fifth Nine line describes a fortunate position where the danger (the water in the pit) does not overflow but remains level. This symbolizes being in a respected position within the danger, where one maintains inner strength and moderation. By avoiding extremes—neither becoming complacent ("brimming") nor being overwhelmed—one allows the difficulty to gradually subside to a manageable state, resulting in "no fault."

What warning does the Top Six line provide?

The Top Six line offers a stern warning about the consequences of persisting in confusion at the peak of danger. It depicts being bound and trapped among thorns for years ("three years one does not attain"). This signifies the ultimate entanglement in hardship due to stubbornness, an inability to learn from the situation, or a failure to employ the hexagram's lessons of sincerity and caution. The outcome is explicitly "Pitfall" or misfortune.