48. Ching / The Well

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Current Hexagram

THE WELL. The town may be changed, But the well cannot be changed. It neither decreases nor increases. They come and go and draw from the well. If one gets down almost to the water And the rope does not go all the way, Or the jug breaks, it brings misfortune.
Line 6: One draws from the well Without hindrance. It is dependable. Supreme good fortune.
Line 5: In the well there is a clear, cold spring From which one can drink.
Line 4: The well is being lined. No blame.
Line 3: The well is cleaned, but no one drinks from it. This is my heart’s sorrow, For one might draw from it. If the king were clear-minded, Good fortune might be enjoyed in common.
Line 2: At the wellhole one shoots fishes. The jug is broken and leaks.
Line 1: One does not drink the mud of the well. No animals come to an old well.