Hexagram 29The eight pure hexagrams · Water
K'anThe Abysmal
Water (Kan) · Water (Kan)
The image
Water flows on uninterruptedly and reaches its goal: The image of the Abysmal repeated. Thus the superior man walks in lasting virtue And carries on the business of teaching.
This hexagram in one line
This hexagram consists of a doubling of the trigram K'an. It is one of the eight hexagrams in which doubling occurs. The trigram K'an means a plunging in. A yang line has plunged in between two yin lines and is closed in by them like water in a ravine. The trigram K'an is also the middle son. The Receptive has obtained the middle line of the Creative, and thus K'an develops. As an image it represents water, the water that comes from above and is in motion on earth in streams and rivers, giving rise to all life on earth. In man's world K'an represents the heart, the soul locked up within the body, the principle of light inclosed in the dark—that is, reason. The name of the hexagram, because the trigram is doubled, has the additional meaning, “repetition of danger.” Thus the hexagram is intended to designate an objective situation to which one must become accustomed, not a subjective attitude. For danger due to a subjective attitude means either foolhardiness or guile. Hence too a ravine is used to symbolize danger; it is a situation in which a man is in the same pass as the water in a ravine, and, like the water, he can escape if he behaves correctly.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Water in the middle of heaven
Hexagram Judgment
The Abysmal repeated. If you are sincere, you have success in your heart, And whatever you do succeeds.
Through repetition of danger we grow accustomed to it. Water sets the example for the right conduct under such circumstances. It flows on and on, and merely fills up all the places through which it flows; it does not shrink from any dangerous spot nor from any plunge, and nothing can make it lose its own essential nature. It remains true to itself under all conditions. Thus likewise, if one is sincere when confronted with difficulties, the heart can penetrate the meaning of the situation. And once we have gained inner mastery of a problem, it will come about naturally that the action we take will succeed. In danger all that counts is really carrying out all that has to be done—thoroughness—and going forward, in order not to perish through tarrying in the danger. Properly used, danger can have an important meaning as a protective measure. Thus heaven has its perilous height protecting it against every attempt at invasion, and earth has its mountains and bodies of water, separating countries by their dangers. Thus also rulers make use of danger to protect themselves against attacks from without and against turmoil within.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Water (Kan)
- Water · Abysmal
- Water (Kan)
- Water · Abysmal
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
The Abysmal repeated is the double danger. Water flows on continuously; it fills up all places and does not disappear. The way of water is constant danger, yet the heart is not confused. Thus 'if you are sincere, you have success in your heart.' 'And whatever you do succeeds' because the firm moves again and again.
The Abysmal repeated represents double danger. Like water that flows continuously, filling all places without disappearing, the way involves constant danger but the heart remains unconfused. Sincerity brings success in the heart, and all actions succeed through repeated firm movement.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
Water flows on uninterruptedly and reaches its goal: The image of the Abysmal repeated. Thus the superior man walks in lasting virtue And carries on the business of teaching.
Water reaches its goal by flowing continually. It fills up every depression before it flows on. The superior man follows its example; he is concerned that goodness should be an established attribute of character rather than an accidental and isolated occurrence. So likewise in teaching others everything depends on consistency, for it is only through repetition that the pupil makes the material his own.
Further
Related hexagrams
Related Guides
- Hexagram CareerHexagram 29 (The Abysmal [Water]) in Career: I Ching Guidance for Work and Professional LifeWhat does Hexagram 29 (The Abysmal [Water]) mean for your career? Through repetition of danger we grow accustomed to it. Water sets the example for the right conduct under such circumstances. It flows on and on, and merely fil... Learn how the I Ching guides professional decisions, leadership, timing, and workplace dynamics.
- Hexagram HealthHexagram 29 (The Abysmal [Water]) in Health: I Ching Guidance for Wellbeing and VitalityWhat does Hexagram 29 (The Abysmal [Water]) suggest about health and wellbeing? Through repetition of danger we grow accustomed to it. Water sets the example for the right conduct under such circumstances. It flows on and on, and merely fil... Explore how the I Ching frames the balance of energy, rest, and renewal.
Frequently asked questions
What does K'an / The Abysmal mean in the I Ching?
Through repetition of danger we grow accustomed to it. Water sets the example for the right conduct under such circumstances. It flows on and on, and merely fil...
How should I study Hexagram 29 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. By growing used to what is dangerous, a man can easily allow it to become part of him. He is familiar with it and grows used to evil. With this he has lost the right way, and misfo...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
The Abysmal repeated represents double danger. Like water that flows continuously, filling all places without disappearing, the way involves constant danger but the heart remains unconfused. Sincerity brings success in t...
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Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.