Hexagram 48: The Well
Hexagram 48, known as Jing (井) in Chinese, represents the principle of the well - an eternal source of nourishment and wisdom. This hexagram is composed of the water trigram above and the wind trigram below, creating an image of water being drawn up from the depths, symbolizing how fundamental resources sustain communities and individuals.
Trigram Analysis
The upper trigram is Water (☵), composed of one solid line between two broken lines, representing depth, danger, and flow. The lower trigram is Wind (☴), composed of two solid lines beneath a broken line, representing gentle penetration and gradual influence.
When these trigrams combine, they create a metaphor for drawing sustenance from depth. Water's flowing nature above wind's penetrating quality suggests how essential nourishment can be accessed and distributed. This combination points to the importance of maintaining and sharing fundamental resources.
Symbolic Representations
In nature, Hexagram 48 corresponds to the well itself - a structure that provides access to water, the most fundamental resource for life. This natural metaphor represents how society organizes itself around essential resources and wisdom.
The hexagram also represents the sage who maintains and shares resources wisely. This human dimension emphasizes the importance of proper stewardship and distribution of fundamental resources.
Core Meanings and Attributes
The essence of Hexagram 48 is the power of sustainable nourishment. This manifests as:
The virtue of maintenance. The power of sustainability. The wisdom of sharing. The importance of structure. The strength of community.
These attributes combine to create a powerful symbol of sustainable nourishment. The hexagram suggests a time when proper management and distribution of resources are essential.
Line Meanings
Each line in Hexagram 48 represents a different aspect of the well:
The first line shows mud in the well, suggesting neglect of resources.
The second line indicates catching fish, representing drawing from but not exhausting the source.
The third line shows a well that has been cleaned but is not being used, warning about unused potential.
The fourth line demonstrates a well being lined, indicating proper maintenance.
The fifth line shows a clear, cold spring, representing pure resources.
The sixth line reveals drawing from an uncovered well, suggesting free access to wisdom.
Practical Applications
In practical terms, Hexagram 48 often appears when there is a need to maintain and share resources wisely. It suggests a time when proper stewardship is crucial. The hexagram encourages:
Maintaining resources. Sharing wisdom. Building infrastructure. Understanding sustainability. Cultivating community.
Relationships with Other Hexagrams
Hexagram 48 has a special relationship with Hexagram 47 (Oppression), as they represent complementary aspects of resources and adversity. While Hexagram 47 focuses on enduring difficulty, Hexagram 48 deals with finding sustainable nourishment.
The hexagram also relates to others that share its trigrams or themes of nourishment and sustainability, providing context for understanding different aspects of resource management.
Modern Interpretation
In contemporary usage, Hexagram 48 often appears in situations requiring sustainable management or wise distribution. It can indicate:
A time for maintenance. The need for infrastructure. An opportunity for sharing resources. The importance of sustainability. A reminder of fundamentals.
Meditative Implications
As a meditation focus, Hexagram 48 offers insights into the nature of resources and sustainability. It invites contemplation of:
The process of nourishment. The role of maintenance. The proper distribution of resources. The balance between giving and receiving. The path of sustainability.
Historical Context
In traditional Chinese thought, Hexagram 48 was associated with the concept of maintaining and sharing fundamental resources. This connection emphasizes its relevance to both individual and social sustainability.
The hexagram was also linked to the importance of proper infrastructure and distribution, highlighting how wise resource management serves both individual and collective needs.
Summary
Hexagram 48 represents the principle of the well, manifesting as the wisdom of maintaining and sharing fundamental resources. Its combination of water and wind trigrams creates a powerful image of drawing sustenance from depth, while its line meanings offer guidance on various aspects of resource management.
Understanding this hexagram provides insights into the nature of sustainability and the proper approach to managing resources, while its practical applications offer guidance for contemporary situations requiring wise stewardship. Whether appearing in divination or serving as a focus for meditation, Hexagram 48 reminds us that true prosperity emerges through maintaining and sharing fundamental resources wisely.
Next Hexagram: Hexagram 49.
Previous Hexagram: Hexagram 47.
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