The Abysmal Water

The abysmal, danger repeated. Stay sincere and flow onward like water; courage and practice see you through.

• 初六 · Line 1
  習坎，入于坎窞，凶。
  The first SIX, divided, shows its subject in the double defile, and (yet) entering a cavern within it. There will be evil.
  象曰：習坎入坎，失道凶也。
• 九二 · Line 2
  坎有險，求小得。
  The second NINE, undivided, shows its subject in all the peril of the defile. He will, however, get a little (of the deliverance) that he seeks.
  象曰：求小得，未出中也。
• 六三 · Line 3
  來之坎坎，險且枕，入于坎窞，勿用。
  The third SIX, divided, shows its subject, whether he comes or goes ( =descends or ascends), confronted by a defile. All is peril to him and unrest. (His endeavours) will lead him into the cavern of the pit. There should be no action (in such a case).
  象曰：來之坎坎，終无功也。
• 六四 · Line 4
  尊酒簋，貳用缶。内約自牖，終无咎。
  The fourth SIX, divided, shows its subject (at a feast), with (simply) a bottle of spirits, and a subsidiary basket of rice, while (the cups and bowls) are (only) of earthenware. He introduces his important lessons (as his ruler's) intelligence admits. There will in the end be no error.
  象曰：樽酒簋貳，剛柔济也。
• 九五 · Line 5
  坎不盈，禔既平，无咎。
  The fifth NINE, undivided, shows the water of the defile not yet full, (so that it might flow away); but order will (soon) be brought about. There will be no error.
  象曰：坎不盈，中未大也。
• 上六 · Line 6
  係用徽纆，寘于叢棘，三歲不得，凶。
  The topmost SIX, divided, shows its subject bound with cords of three strands or two strands, and placed in the thicket of thorns. But in three years he does not learn the course for him to pursue. There will be evil.
  象曰：上六失道，凶三歲也。