Hexagram 47 Line 5: 九五

Classical Chinese Text

九五 劓刖。困于赤紱。乃徐有說。利用祭祀。

劓刖。困于赤紱

Line Commentary

Nose and feet cut off. Oppression at the hands of the one with purple knee bands. Joy comes softly. It furthers one to make offerings. One who has the good of mankind at heart is oppressed from above and below, finding no help among those whose duty it would be to assist. But little by little, things turn for the better. Until then, turn to what is beyond, firm in inner composure.

Commentary

Nose and feet cut off—mutilated while wearing purple knee bands. Yet joy comes softly. One who has the good of mankind at heart is oppressed from above and below, finding no help. But little by little, things turn; stay firm in inner composure.