2010 - I Ching Online

48. Ching - The Well

          -- --
         -----     above     K'an   The Abysmal, Water
         -- --
         -----
         -----     below     Sun    The Gentle, Wind
         -- --

    The Judgement

         The Well. The town may be changed,
         But the well cannot be changed.
         It neither decreases nor increases.
         They come and go and draw from the well.
         If one gets down almost to the water
         And the rope does not go all the way,
         Or the jug breaks, it brings misfortune.

    The Image

         Water over wood: the image of the Well.
         Thus the superior man encourages the people at their work,
         And exhorts them to help one another.

    Changing Lines

         Changing yin at the bottom means:
         One does not drink the mud of the well.
         No animals come to an old well.

         Changing yang in the second place means:
         At the wellhole one shoots fishes.
         The jug is broken and leaks.

         Changing yang in the third place means:
         The well is cleaned, but no one drinks from it.
         This is my heart's sorrow,
         For one might draw from it.
         If the king were clear-minded,
         Good fortune might be enjoyed in common.

         Changing yin in the fourth place means:
         The well is being lined. No blame.

         Changing yang in the fifth place means:
         In the well there is a clear, cold spring
         From which one can drink.

         Changing yin at the top means:
         One draws from the well
         Without hindrance.
         It is dependable.
         Supreme good fortune.