困 → 履
Hexagram 47: Oppression → Hexagram 10: Treading
Changing Lines
This transformation involves 2 changing lines (lines 1, 6).
Line 1
初六 臀困于株木。入于幽谷。三歲不覿。
Six at the beginning means: One sits oppressed under a bare tree And strays into a gloomy valley. For three years one sees nothing.
Line 6
上六 困于葛藟。于臲卼。曰動悔有悔。征吉。
Six at the top means: He is oppressed by creeping vines. He moves uncertainly and says, "Movement brings remorse. " If one feels remorse over this and makes a start, Good fortune comes.
Trigram Changes
Yilin Verse
八會大都，饒富有餘。安民利國，可以長居。
Eight roads converge at the great capital, abundant and rich with surplus. The people are settled, the state enriched; fit for long and lasting dwelling.
— Jiao Yanshou, Yilin (Forest of Changes), 1st century BCE
Commentary
A lake drained dry, yet the verse pivots to abundance. Eight regional assemblies converge on the great capital, and wealth overflows. The people are settled, the state prospers, and long residence is assured. The 'eight assemblies' evoke the ancient system of regional markets or feudal gatherings, where commerce and governance intersected to create shared prosperity. From Oppression to Treading, heaven above the lake establishes proper hierarchy. The gentleman distinguishes high from low and settles the people's aspirations. Oppression ends when proper order is restored and each person treads carefully within legitimate boundaries. The drained lake refills not through force but through the steady commerce of a well-ordered society, where wealth circulates because roles are respected.
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