← Back to I Ching
䷮
Hexagram 47
Oppression
困 · Kùn
Trigram Composition
Upper Trigram
Lake
Lower Trigram
Water
The Judgment (彖)
Oppression. Success. Perseverance. The great person brings about good fortune. No blame. When one has something to say, it is not believed.
The Image (象)
There is no water in the lake. The superior person stakes their life on following their will.
Meaning
Exhaustion and confinement. Resources depleted, words not believed. Yet this is precisely when inner character is tested and proven. True greatness emerges from adversity, not comfort.
Advice
You're being tested by adversity. Words won't help now — only your inner resolve matters. Stay true to yourself even when no one believes you. This oppression will reveal your true character.
Keywords
ExhaustionTestingInner strengthAdversityCharacter