Jing
Judgment
井 改邑 不改井 无喪无得 往來井井 汔至亦未繘井 羸其甁 凶
They do not renovate an old town, nor renovate a well, nor lose anything nor gain it. And when the people of the town go and pass by, and they draw water, and the wells are clogged, they will break the trenches without digging the wells.
Interpretation
The Jeong Hexagram has Gam (Water) in the upper trigram and Son (Wind and also Tree) in the lower trigram. Gam represents water, and Son represents wind and trees. The image of the Jeong hexagram is that water is above the tree. This suggests the act of drawing water from a well with a bucket made from wood. Jeong means well.
In the commentary, Heul means "to reach the end" or "to exhaust," indicating that the water has run out. Ji uses the character for "shut," meaning to be blocked. Yul means to dig or clear, and Ri refers to breaking or destroying. Byeong refers to the wooden bucket used to draw water.
During the reign of King Seong, the country had changed greatly, but the people in the court remained the same. Although the country had transformed, the officials in the court had not changed, and nothing had shifted. The officials did not make efforts to appoint wise men, instead, they engaged in foolish actions, which was an omen of misfortune.
For someone consulting this hexagram, it indicates that now is a time to serve others, much like the effort it takes to draw water from a well to help those in need. Just as a bucket is used to draw water from the well, it takes effort to help others, and in doing so, one will gain joy. Water benefits everyone and is absolutely necessary for survival. Likewise, one's actions should benefit others, and one must become an indispensable presence to others.
However, if the well runs dry and the bucket is destroyed without digging a new well, it would mean no water can be drawn, leading to misfortune.
In such unfavorable circumstances, one must reflect on their flaws, hold on to firm beliefs, abandon unrealistic dreams, and practice patience and introspection. By doing so, one can gradually begin to recover from the predicament.
初六 井泥不食,舊井无禽
Initial Six: The well is muddy, do not drink, the old well has no birds.
The "Jung" refers to a well and "Jung" also refers to a trap. Both the well and the trap are unusable in this case, symbolizing the inability to use old methods in a new situation. A person who receives this line is in a situation where old methods or people are of no use. Change and adaptation are required for success, and the inquiry will face difficulty.
九二 井谷射鮒,甕敝漏
Nine Two: The well at the valley shoots fish, the urn is leaking.
The term "Jeonggok" refers to the well or water source, while "ment" is a small fish. The situation depicts an attempt to remove old figures from a position of power but ends up causing damage to unintended areas. It highlights the difficulties of removing entrenched authority.
九三 井渫不食,爲我心惻可用汲,王明並受其福.
Nine Three: The well is drained, my heart mourns. It is possible to draw water, the king receives blessings.
The term "Seol" refers to digging a well to clear water. "Cheung" means sorrow, and "Yong" refers to a dragon. A wise person with great talent is not recognized by the king and is left in sorrow. The person asking about the hexagram is in a situation where they fail to take action and continue to remain in a state of inactivity. They must act wisely, as failing to do so will bring misfortune.
六四 井甃,无咎
Six Four: The well is sealed, no fault.
Wise leadership ensures lasting peace. The task at hand will be free of harm.
九五 井洌泉寒,食
Nine Five: The well is clean, cold spring, eating.
The well is clear with cold spring water, perfect for drinking, and a sage’s bright virtue earns a court position. The task at hand is ripe for success, ready to be achieved when the time is right.
上六 井收勿幕,有孚,元吉.
Top Six: The well closes, no screen, with faith, great good fortune.
Failing to cap the well after drawing water invites penalty, but enabling sages fosters a thriving court. The task at hand needs thorough closure to avoid harm, promising great auspiciousness with care.