Kūn (坤) ☷ is the second I-Ching (易經) hexagram and is dominated by the Yīn (陰) energy. In fact it’s the most Yīn hexagram amongst all 64, and it’s known that “with extreme Yīn energy, comes the Yáng (陽)”. This in a way also resonates with Lì Chūn (立春)，the first Seasonal Point (節氣) from the 24 Chinese Solar Terms. It’s indeed time for Spring.
Kūn’s outer/upper trigram is Earth and its inner/lower trigram is Earth as well, which forms the unique hexagram of Earth upon Earth. Kūn is receptive, informing us devotions will bring wholeness.
We have been told often that if we want to succeed in life, we need to take the lead, be the leader rather than the follower. However, life’s complex, there’s a time to lead, and a time to let others lead. When other’s time has come, allow ourselves to be wisely guided, give our devotions to something worthy.
Kūn also speaks of cooperations, bear in mind at all times, the circumstances and understand the environment we are in, for things are ever changing. When our leadership is needed, be assertive enough to take the wheel; when we follow, make sure there’re clear directions, guidance and correct methods.
Only when the request is justified, can we fully cooperate. If the request is unreasonable we must reject, set boundaries and speak up.
As extreme Yīn brings out the Yáng, extreme Yáng generates the Yīn, and so forth, we then have the perfectly balanced circle of life. Always adjust our ways and speed when suitable, use a combination of hardness and softness (剛柔並濟), keep the harmony between feminine and muscular energy, that’s how we go far and win the race 🏆.
Inner Orbit 