Classic of Changes

易
經
Yì
jīng
~800 BCE
井 第四十八
48.1 / 7

下經 Xià jīng

井 第四十八 Hexagram 48 · Jǐng

井:改邑不改井,无喪无得,往來井井。汔至亦未繘井。羸其瓶,凶。

Legge

(Looking at) Ȝing, (we think of) how (the site of) a town may be changed, while (the fashion of) its wells undergoes no change. (The water of a well) never disappears and never receives (any great) increase, and those who come and those who go can draw and enjoy the benefit. If (the drawing) have nearly been accomplished, but, before the rope has quite reached the water, the bucket is broken, this is evil.

初六:井泥不食,舊井无禽。

Legge

The first line, divided, shows a well so muddy that men will not drink of it; or an old well to which neither birds (nor other creatures) resort.

九二:井谷射鮒,甕敝漏。

Legge

The second line, undivided, shows a well from which by a hole the water escapes and flows away to the shrimps (and such small creatures among the grass), or one the water of which leaks away from a broken basket.

九三:井渫不食,為我心惻,可用汲,王明,並受其福。

Legge

The third line, undivided, shows a well, which has been cleared out, but is not used. Our hearts are sorry for this, for the water might be drawn out and used. If the king were (only) intelligent, both he and we might receive the benefit of it.

六四:井甃,无咎。

Legge

The fourth line, divided, shows a well, the lining of which is well laid. There will be no error.

九五:井冽,寒泉食。

Legge

The fifth line, undivided, shows a clear, limpid well, (the waters from) whose cold spring are (freely) drunk.

上六:井收勿幕,有孚元吉。

Legge

The topmost line, divided, shows (the water from) the well brought to the top, which is not allowed to be covered. This suggests the idea of sincerity. There will be great good fortune.