Oppression

Oppression and exhaustion. Resources are thin and words carry little weight; stay true inwardly.

• 初六 · Line 1
  臀困于株木，入于幽谷，三歲不覿。
  The first SIX, divided, shows its subject with bare buttocks straitened under the stump of a tree. He enters a dark valley, and for three years has no prospect (of deliverance).
  象曰：入于幽谷，幽不明也。
• 九二 · Line 2
  困于酒食，朱紱方來，利用亨祀，征凶，无咎。
  The second NINE, undivided, shows its subject straitened amidst his wine and viands. There come to him anon the red knee-covers (of the ruler). It will be well for him (to maintain his sincerity as) in sacrificing. Active operations (on his part) will lead to evil, but he will be free from blame.
  象曰：困于酒食，中有慶也。
• 六三 · Line 3
  困于石，據于蒺蔾，入于其宮，不見其妻，凶。
  The third SIX, divided, shows its subject straitened before a (frowning) rock. He lays hold of thorns. He enters his palace, and does not see his wife. There will be evil.
  象曰：據于蒺藜，乘剛也。入于其宮，不見其妻，不祥也。
• 九四 · Line 4
  來荼荼，困于金轝，吝，有終。
  The fourth NINE, undivided shows its subject proceeding very slowly (to help the subject of the first line), who is straitened by the carriage adorned with metal in front of him. There will be occasion for regret, but the end will be good.
  象曰：來徐徐，志在下也。雖不當位，有與也。
• 九五 · Line 5
  劓刖，困于赤紱，乃徐有說，利用祭祀。
  The fifth NINE, undivided, shows its subject with his nose and feet cut off. He is straitened by (his ministers in their) scarlet aprons. He is leisurely in his movements, however, and is satisfied. It will be well for him to be (as sincere) as in sacrificing (to spiritual beings).
  象曰：劓刖，志未得也。乃徐有說，以中直也。利用祭祀，受福也。
• 上六 · Line 6
  困于葛藟，于臲卼，曰動悔。有悔，征吉。
  The sixth SIX, divided, shows its subject straitened, as if bound with creepers; or n a high and dangerous position, and saying (to himself), 'If I move, I shall repent it.' If he do repent of former errors, there will be good fortune in his going forward.
  象曰：困于葛藟，未當也。動悔，有悔，吉行也。