Earth above – Earth below
The Chinese name Kun may be translated as space, receive, accept, support. Some hexagram titles are: Receptive, Passive, Accepting, Responding, Field. Kun (Earth) describes the space where the initiating forces of Heaven are accepted, nourished and allowed to materialize (although not everything survives or is able to thrive if it does survive). Earth does not have an agenda of its own and that is why it is described as receptive. The ancient Chinese often used the analogy of weaving illustrate the nature of creation. Threads running in two different directions (vertically and horizontally called warp and weft) combine to create a whole cloth. Heaven’s initiative is the warp and Earth’s acceptance provides the weft; this illustrates how creation would not exist with the two working together.
Breaking down the symbolism of the 3-line trigrams helps with understanding the ancient teachings:
Both trigrams of Kun (Earth) (see image below right) are composed of yin (broken) lines. Pure yin may be defined as vast and timeless receptive, nurturing space. While Heaven (Qian) is aligned with dragon, Earth (Kun) is aligned with the docile mare who is strong and sturdy but chooses to follow the stallion rather than lead.
Prior to hexagrams, ancients drew ideographs which are graphic symbols that represent an idea or concept. One version of the ideograph for Kun is shown on the left upper side of the image above. The portion on the left represents Earth. On the right side there is the image of a field (symbolizing submission) with a strong cut down the middle (which shows the idea of extending, stretching out or expressing submission). Paraphrased, “in the endless expansion of the earth, yin does not refuse any creature and carries everything”.
Summary: Kun is essential to Qian and one cannot exist without the other. The yin energy of Kun allows and causes all things to grow but, without the patterned cosmic laws of the pure yang of Qian, they cannot come into form. Earth may be described as a practical reality which directly contrasts with Heaven’s abstract principle. Together they represent concepts such as force and form; the Sun’s rays (yang) warm the seed in the dark of the earth (yin). The practical reality of Earth (Kun) is based on principles of how, when or if one is to receive, nurture, accept, yield, etc. Earth, a yin approach to life, consists of allowing yourself to become less reactive, more observant and moving toward being patient, open and receptive.
Following are a few ideas for interpretation of each line:
Line 1 – At this time the idea of forecasts of frost hint that “winter” is coming to the situation. The hint suggests there may be some kind of impediment coming. Pay attention, watch the cycles of nature and take appropriate proactive measures.
Line 2 – Accepting, respecting, working within conditions yields many harvests. Maintaining a beginner’s mind keeps cynicism at a distance and invites fresh perspectives. There is a flow to life, especially when you allow your situation to unfold at its own pace.
Line 3 – There is wonderful potential here, but this is not the time to seek fame, it may come in its own time. Continue your work quietly and sincerely. There is no need to push too hard; allow the higher purpose of the work sustain you as the situation unfolds.
Line 4 – Presently, things are not clear, much as a gestation is hidden. You do not need to know the answers ahead of time. Although it is important to exercise restraint and use caution, be open to opportunities and maintain trust. Your own attitude can increase or diminish your joy.
Line 5 – Through quiet acceptance of the auspicious merit of your talents, success may be found by allowing your actions to speak for themselves.
Line 6 – Being unwilling to accept the end of a period brings difficulties and power struggles which the ancients characterized as Dragons fighting in the field. This occurs when the ego tries to lead. Although not an easy or quick solution, the best course of action is to seek resolution through learning to listen to others, aspiring to open mindedness and objectivity.