Hexagram 29

The Abysmal Water

坎为水 · 坎 · Kǎn | Water over Water

Water flows on through the gorge; meet danger with steady heart.

DangerPerseveranceSincerityDepth

Upper trigram

坎 · Water

Lower trigram

坎 · Water

The Judgment

“If sincere, the heart finds success. Whatever you do has value.”

The Lines

Six at the beginningDoubled danger; he falls into the pit within the pit. Misfortune.

Nine in the second placeThere is danger in the chasm. Seek only to gain a little.

Six in the third placeForward or back, only chasms; danger ahead and danger at rest. He falls into the pit. Do not act.

Six in the fourth placeA jug of wine, two bowls, an earthen vessel; offerings handed in through the window. In the end, no blame.

Nine in the fifth placeThe chasm is not yet filled; the water only reaches the brim. No blame.

Six at the topBound with cords and ropes, shut among thorn hedges; for three years he gains nothing. Misfortune.

Line texts are an original modern translation of the classical Zhou Yi (public domain).

Meaning

Water doubled—danger upon danger, like a deep ravine. Yet water keeps flowing, teaching that constancy and sincerity carry one through peril.

Guidance

Face repeated danger with an honest, steady heart; keep moving as water does, and you will find the way through.

When This Hexagram Appears

Recurring hardship or risk, where calm persistence and integrity are the way out.

FAQ about Hexagram 29

What does Hexagram 29, The Abysmal Water, mean?

The Abysmal Water (坎为水, hexagram 29 of the I Ching). Water doubled—danger upon danger, like a deep ravine. Yet water keeps flowing, teaching that constancy and sincerity carry one through peril.

What is the Judgment of the The Abysmal Water hexagram?

The Judgment reads: “If sincere, the heart finds success. Whatever you do has value.” Water flows on through the gorge; meet danger with steady heart.

What guidance does Hexagram 29 offer?

Face repeated danger with an honest, steady heart; keep moving as water does, and you will find the way through.

When does the The Abysmal Water hexagram apply?

Recurring hardship or risk, where calm persistence and integrity are the way out.

Related Hexagrams

Opposite Hexagram

No. 30 · The Clinging Fire

Every line changed to its opposite — the mirror situation.