Jing
The Inexhaustible Well
When you receive Hexagram 48, Jing, the I Ching turns your attention to the inexhaustible well. The Well. Below is its judgment, its image, and the meaning of each changing line.
The Judgment
The Well. A town may be moved, but the well does not move. Its water never vanishes and never greatly increases. Those who come and those who go draw from it freely. If the rope has nearly reached the water but the bucket breaks, this is misfortune.
Classical (Legge)Looking at Zing, (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.
The Image
Wood over water. Jing. The centered one comforts the people and encourages them to help one another.
Classical (Legge)(The trigram representing) wood and above it that for water form Zing. The superior man, in accordance with this, comforts the people, and stimulates them to mutual helpfulness.
The Changing Lines
A well so muddy no one will drink from it. An old well where no birds come.
Classical (Legge)A well so muddy that men will not drink of it; or an old well to which neither birds (nor other creatures) resort.
The well water leaks out among the minnows. The bucket is broken and drips.
Classical (Legge)(The water from) the well(-spring) leaps out and is wasted among the fishes. The bucket is broken and leaks.
The well has been cleared, but no one drinks. Our hearts grieve, for the water could be drawn. If the king were wise, all might share the benefit.
Classical (Legge)The well 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.
The well is lined with stone. No error.
Classical (Legge)A well, the lining of which is well laid. There will be no error.
The well water is clear and cold, freely drunk.
Classical (Legge)In the well the water is clear and cold, and (freely) drunk.
The well is open to all. Its lid should not be covered. Great good fortune. Sincerity.
Classical (Legge)The well is there for all to draw from. Its lid should not be covered. There will be great good fortune and sincerity.
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