Exhaustion ䷮

“Resource exhaustion — the system runs dry, demanding silent perseverance.”

exhaustionoppressionconstraintadversitydepletionburnout

Trigram Composition

Upper Trigram

☱

☱ Lake (Dui)

Lower Trigram

☵

☵ Water (Kan)

Binary Structure

Line 6

Yin (0)

Line 5

Yang (1)

Line 4

Yang (1)

Line 3

Yin (0)

Line 2

Yang (1)

Line 1

Yin (0)

Binary: 010110

Hexagram Meaning

䷮

The Oracle Speaks

The lake is above, water below — the lake has drained dry. Exhaustion. Oppression. But the great person finds success even in extremity. Words do not suffice. The system is depleted; talking about it won't help. Only quiet perseverance and inner truth sustain you through the drought. Burnout is real. Endure it with dignity.

The Six Lines — Changing Line Oracles

When a line is “changing” (old yin or old yang), its oracle activates. These texts reveal the specific mutation occurring at that position in the hexagram.

Line 1 (Yin — broken) — Bottom

One sits oppressed under a bare tree and strays into a gloomy valley. For three years one sees nothing. Total depletion — the darkest phase.

Line 2 (Yang — solid)

One is oppressed while at meat and drink. The man with the scarlet knee bands is just coming. It furthers to offer sacrifice. Abundance exists but is inaccessible. Help is coming.

Line 3 (Yin — broken)

One is oppressed by stone and leans on thorns and thistles. On entering the house, one does not see one's wife. Misfortune. The support structures themselves have failed.

Line 4 (Yang — solid)

He comes very quietly, oppressed in a golden carriage. Humiliation, but the end is reached. Slow, dignified movement through the oppression.

Line 5 (Yang — solid)

His nose and feet are cut off. Oppression at the hands of the man with the purple knee bands. Joy comes softly. It furthers to make offerings and libations. Extreme suffering gives way to quiet relief.

Line 6 (Yin — broken) — Top

He is oppressed by creeping vines. He moves uncertainly and says, 'Movement brings remorse.' If one feels remorse and makes a start, good fortune comes. The turning point: action after paralysis.