Hexagram 47: Oppression (Exhaustion)

Line 1

One sits oppressed under a bare tree and strays into a gloomy valley. For three years one sees nothing. When adversity strikes, it is above all important to be strong and to overcome the distress inwardly. But if one is weak, adversity overpowers one. Instead of moving forward, one remains seated under a bare tree and sinks ever deeper into darkness and melancholy. This only makes the situation increasingly hopeless. Such an attitude is the result of an inner delusion that must by all means be overcome.

Line 3

A man permits himself to be oppressed by stone, and leans on thorns and thistles. He enters his house and does not see his wife. Misfortune! Here is shown a man who is restless and indecisive in times of adversity. At first he wants to push forward, but encounters obstacles that only constitute an oppression if one tackles them rashly. One tries to run one's head against a stone wall and consequently feels oppressed by the wall. Then one leans on things that have no stability in themselves and are hazardous to whoever relies on them. Now he turns back indecisively and withdraws into his house, only to discover, to his fresh disappointment, that his wife is not there. Confucius says of this: 'If a man permits himself to be oppressed by what ought not to oppress him, his name will surely be covered with disgrace. If he leans on things upon which one cannot lean, his life will surely be endangered. For him who is in disgrace and danger, the hour of death draws near; how then can he still see his wife!'

Line 4

He comes very quietly, oppressed in a golden carriage. Humiliation, but things are brought to an end. A wealthy man sees the distress of those below and would gladly help. Yet he does not intervene swiftly and energetically where it is needed, but approaches the matter hesitantly and circumspectly. Thus he encounters obstacles. Powerful and wealthy acquaintances draw him into their circles. He must participate and cannot extricate himself from them. Hence he finds himself in great embarrassment. But the distress is transitory. The original strength of his nature compensates for the mistake committed, and the goal is reached.

Line 6

He is oppressed by creepers. He moves uncertainly and says, 'Movement brings remorse.' If one feels remorse for this and sets forth, good fortune ensues. One is oppressed by bonds that can easily be broken. The oppression is drawing to a close. But one is still hesitant. One remains influenced by the previous condition, fearing that movement will bring regret. But as soon as one comes to insight, casts off this mental attitude, and forms a firm resolve, one succeeds in mastering the oppression.