I Ching · Hexagram 2 of 64 · Pure hexagram
2. Kūn 坤 · The Receptive
By Destiny Kua · Updated
Hexagram 2 is made entirely of broken lines: Earth doubled. Where Qián creates, Kūn receives, supports and brings things to completion. The two together form the foundation of the whole I Ching.
The image
The earth is broad and carries everything on it without complaint. The commentary says the wise person, like the earth, uses generous character to support all things. Receptive does not mean passive: the earth is what turns seeds into harvests.
What hexagram 2 means
Receiving Kūn suggests that success comes through support, patience and following a sound lead rather than forcing your own. The traditional text compares this to a mare: strong and tireless, but guided. It also says that trying to lead now brings confusion, while following brings you to your goal. This is a time to be steady, reliable and open.
Hexagram 2 in daily life
At work
Support a project, a team or a leader you believe in. Do the careful, often unseen work that makes others' plans succeed. Your contribution will be noticed in time.
In relationships
Listen more than you speak. Create space for others. Relationships grow when someone provides steady ground.
For yourself
Rest, nourish yourself and be gentle. Growth is happening even when it isn't visible.
The six changing lines
If your cast included changing lines (a 6 or a 9), read the matching lines below. Line 1 is the bottom line.
| Line | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Line 1 | Frost underfoot: solid ice will follow. Small signs point to what is coming, so pay attention early. |
| Line 2 | Straight, square and great. Being simply yourself, without strain, everything works out. |
| Line 3 | Hidden excellence. Serve well without needing credit; your quality will show in time. |
| Line 4 | A tied-up sack. Keep your own counsel for now; no blame, and no praise either. |
| Line 5 | A yellow lower garment. Modest, centred and genuine: great good fortune. |
| Line 6 | Dragons fight in the meadow. When the receptive tries to dominate, there is conflict. Step back. |
| All six | All six lines change: lasting, steady persistence is favourable. |
The two trigrams
This hexagram doubles the Earth trigram坤 (Kūn), the same trigram that belongs to Kua Number 2 in Eight Mansions feng shui. Its element is Earth. It is one of the eight pure hexagrams.
Related hexagrams
- Opposite (every line changed): 1. Qián 乾 · The Creative
Questions to reflect on
- Whom or what am I best placed to support right now?
- What small signs am I overlooking?
- Where could I do more by trying less?
Our line summaries are written in plain English in our own words, based on the traditional meanings. For reflection and entertainment, not prediction or professional advice.