Hexagram 2: The Receptive (Earth) (坤 Kūn) — I Ching Guide

Q: What is I Ching Hexagram 2 (坤 The Receptive (Earth))?

I Ching Hexagram 2, 坤 (Kūn), represents The Receptive (Earth). It is formed by Earth (坤 Kūn) above, Earth (坤 Kūn) below. The core teaching of this hexagram is captured in its Judgment: 'The Receptive brings about sublime success, furthering through the perseverance of a mare. If the superior man undertakes something and tries to lead, he goes astray; but if he follows, he finds guida...'

Q: What does the Image of Hexagram 2 mean?

The Image states: 'The earth's condition is receptive devotion. Thus the superior man who has breadth of character carries the outer world.' This teaches that the superior person responds to the hexagram's situation by cultivating the corresponding inner quality.

Q: How do the six lines of Hexagram 2 develop its meaning?

The six lines trace a progression through the hexagram's situation. Starting from the bottom (Line 1) through Line 6, each position reveals a different aspect of how The Receptive (Earth) manifests — from initial stirrings to the final outcome. Key lines include the ruler of the hexagram and the culminating line.

Q: What is the relationship between Hexagram 2 and other hexagrams?

Hexagram 2 (The Receptive (Earth)) follows Hexagram 1 in the traditional King Wen sequence, forming a meaningful progression. Its nuclear hexagram and opposite/complementary hexagram provide additional dimensions of meaning.

Oriens

坤

Kūn — Hexagram 2

The Receptive (Earth)

Earth (坤 Kūn) above, Earth (坤 Kūn) below

Published July 22, 2026 · By Oriens

Summary

I Ching Hexagram 2, 坤 (Kūn), represents The Receptive (Earth). Formed by Earth (坤 Kūn) above, Earth (坤 Kūn) below, this hexagram teaches about the receptive (earth). The core message: The Receptive brings about sublime success, furthering through the perseverance of a mare. If the superior man undertakes something and tries to lead, he goes astray; but if he follows, he finds guida.

Key Takeaways

Hexagram 2 is formed by Earth (坤 Kūn) above, Earth (坤 Kūn) below, combining two of the eight trigrams into a unique archetypal situation
The Judgment reveals the hexagram's core teaching through a concise, oracular statement
The six lines trace a progression from initial conditions through to the culmination and outcome
The Image connects the natural symbolism of the trigrams to the conduct of the superior person
This hexagram's wisdom applies to modern situations involving

The Judgment

The Receptive brings about sublime success, furthering through the perseverance of a mare. If the superior man undertakes something and tries to lead, he goes astray; but if he follows, he finds guidance.

— I Ching, The Receptive (Earth)

The Image

The earth's condition is receptive devotion. Thus the superior man who has breadth of character carries the outer world.

— I Ching, Image

The Six Lines

Line 1: Line 1: When there is hoarfrost underfoot, solid ice is not far off.\nLine 2: Straight, square, great. Without purpose, yet nothing remains unfurthered.\nLine 3: Hidden lines. One is able to remain persevering. If by chance you are in the service of a king, seek not works, but bring to completion.\nLine 4: A tied-up sack. No blame, no praise.\nLine 5: A yellow lower garment brings supreme good fortune.\nLine 6: Dragons fight in the meadow. Their blood is black and yellow.

Modern Application

Hexagram 2 represents the perfect complement to Hexagram 1 — pure Yin, the Receptive Earth that receives the Creative's seed and brings it to fruition. Six broken lines symbolize the feminine principle of yielding, nurturing, and completing. The mare's perseverance teaches that strength need not be aggressive — it can be patient, sustained, and quietly powerful. Each line traces the movement from initial frost (recognizing danger early) through straight conduct (line 2), humble service (3-5), to the warning against conflict between Yin forces (6). In modern life, Hexagram 2 applies to teamwork, mentoring, parenting, and any role where supporting others is more important than leading.

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