Hexagram 47: Exhaustion
Outer trigram (upper)
Đoài
Marsh · Metal
Inner trigram (lower)
Khảm
Water · Water
Judgment
困：亨，貞，大人吉，无咎，有言不信.
Translation
Hardship: success is possible. Hold to what is right. Favorable for the great person. No blame. Words spoken here will not be believed.
Commentary
The upper trigram is Lake (Dui), the lower is Water (Kan). The lake's water has drained away below, leaving the lake dry and depleted — hence hardship. The two yang lines (2 and 5) are hemmed in by yin lines on every side. Even when hard pressed, the noble person holds fast to what is right; though circumstances are difficult, their character continues to flourish.
Line Readings
Line 1 (yin)
初六：臀困于株木，入于幽谷，三歲不覿.
Translation
Sitting in distress beneath a bare tree stump, retreating into a dark ravine — three years pass without being seen.
Commentary
At the very bottom, this line is pressed down by the yang line above it, like a stump pressing into where one sits. With nothing to lean on, it withdraws into darkness and stays hidden there for a long time before finding a way out.
Line 2 (yang)
九二：困于酒食，朱紱方來，利用享祀，征凶，无咎.
Translation
Weighed down by too much wine and meat — burdened by abundance. Officials in red robes are about to arrive. It is favorable to make an offering. Pressing forward brings misfortune. No blame.
Commentary
This yang line holds the central position and enjoys material abundance, but is obscured by the yin line above it and has not yet earned the trust of those in authority. By staying content, holding to what is right, and offering sincerity rather than forcing the issue, it avoids blame.
Line 3 (yin)
六三：困于石，據于蒺藜，入于其宮，不見其妻，凶.
Translation
Blocked by stone, leaning on thorns for support — entering one's own house and finding no wife there. Misfortune.
Commentary
Neither centered nor correctly placed, this line finds its advance blocked by the yang line above (like stone) and its retreat caught on the yang line below (like thorns). Even at home there is no peace to be found — misfortune.
Line 4 (yang)
九四：來徐徐，困于金車，吝，有終.
Translation
Arriving slowly and hesitantly, held back by a golden carriage — burdened by wealth and status. There is shame, yet an ending comes.
Commentary
Neither centered nor correctly placed, this line wants to help the yin line below it but is obstructed by the yin line in between, so it arrives late. Held back by wealth and privilege, it feels shame at first, but eventually reaches where it means to go.
Line 5 (yang)
九五：劓刖，困于赤紱，乃徐有說，利用祭祀.
Translation
Subjected to the severest punishments — nose and feet cut off — hindered by officials in red robes. Relief comes gradually. It is favorable to make an offering.
Commentary
This yang line is centered and correct, occupying the position of honor, yet it is hemmed in and worn down by the two yin lines on either side. Though badly harmed, it will gradually find release by holding to central, upright conduct, and offers sincerity in the hope of support.
Line 6 (yin)
上六：困于葛藟，于臲卼，曰動悔有悔，征吉.
Translation
Entangled by vines, standing on unsteady ground. It is said that any movement brings regret. Pressing forward brings good fortune.
Commentary
At the furthest extreme of hardship, this line is tangled in vines and stands on precarious footing. Recognizing the need for regret and resolving to push forward and break free of the difficulty brings good fortune.