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I Ching Hexagram #48 Water / Wind

The Well

水风井 (Jing)

The Well. The town may be changed, but the well cannot be changed. It neither decreases nor increases.

The Judgment & Decision

[Original Judgment]
改邑不改井,无丧无得,往来井井。汔至,亦未繘井,羸其瓶,凶。
Vernacular Essence: 木桶汲水养众,源头活水之象。源泉长流养育大众,持之以恒保持德行情操。
Translation: The Well. The town may be changed, but the well cannot be changed. It neither decreases nor increases.
[Commentary on the Decision]

巽乎水而上水,井;井养而不穷也。改邑不改井,乃以刚中也。

The Great Symbolism & Virtue

《象》曰:木上有水,井;君子以劳民劝相。

The Symbolism: The Well

The Six Lines & Dynamics

First Line
Line 1

初潜修德,厚积薄发。

《象》曰:行事之初,正固为本。

Insight: Early phase: cultivate virtue and build firm foundations.

Second Line
Line 2

得中居正,顺理成章。

《象》曰:居中守正,吉无咎也。

Insight: Progressing in balance: centered action brings auspicious support.

Third Line
Line 3

多凶多惧,终日惕厉。

《象》曰:处于转折,慎终如始。

Insight: Critical juncture: remain vigilant and cautious amidst uncertainty.

Fourth Line
Line 4

审时度势,顺应高明。

《象》曰:顺应高明,获其志也。

Insight: High responsibility: adapt wisely and maintain integrity without arrogance.

Fifth Line
Line 5

居尊当位,光被四表。

《象》曰:大君之位,德施普也。

Insight: Peak position of authority: lead with virtue and broad benevolence.

Top Line
Line 6

高亢知戒,顺应转机。

《象》曰:物极当变,持盈保泰。

Insight: Culmination: beware of extremes and prepare gracefully for renewal.