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48) Jing: The Well

Hexagram:

• C: There is water above wood, a well; superior people comfort the people and urge reciprocity.

• L: The well: changing the village, not changing the well; no loss, no gain. Those who come and go use the well as a well. If the rope does not reach all the way into the well, or if the bucket breaks, that is unfortunate.

• E: Accumulation of effort to cultivate character; nurturance of others.

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Lines:

1 Yin:

• L: Mud in a well is not to be consumed. There are no animals at an abandoned well.

• E: This is one with no knowledge of self-development but presumes to have it.

2 Yang:

• L: The depths of the well water a frog. The jar leaks.

• E: One whose self-development is insufficient for developing others, will harm oneself by doing so.

3 Yang:

• L: The well is cleared, but not drunk from; this is the concern of one’s heart. It is worth drawing from. When the ruler is enlightened, all receive the blessing.

• E: When people can understand the teachings of one who has accomplished the development of virtues, self-development is fulfilled.

4 Yin:

• L: The well is tiled, without fault.

• E: When one remains correct amidst weakness to prevent danger, one is capable of self-development.

5 Yang:

• L: The well is pure, the cold spring is used for drinking.

• E: At the source of water, nourishment is deep, rich, and inexhaustible. Likewise, completion of self-development gives one the ability to develop others.

6 Yin:

• L: The well is being drawn from; don’t cover it. Great fortune.

• E: Giving guidance according to the person (being open-minded), and benefiting others while not harming the self (being humble), is the development of others based on self-development.