Basic Information
- Hexagram Name：Jing (The Well) Hexagram
- Sequence：No. 48
- Composition：
- Attribute：Yin–Yang in Mutual Support
- Line Code：011010
Hexagram Image — Detailed Explanation
1) Original Text
Jing (The Well): Change the city but do not change the well. There is neither loss nor gain; those who come and go draw from the well. When almost arrived, yet not fastening the well-rope; the jar is broken—ominous.
2) Image (Xiang)
Image: Water above wood—The Well. The noble person thereby labors with the people and encourages mutual assistance.
3) Judgment (Tuan)
Judgment: Wood enters the water and raises it—this is the Well; the well nourishes without being exhausted. “Change the city but not the well” comes from firm centrality. “Almost there yet not tying the rope”—there is no accomplishment. “The jar broken”—therefore ominous.
Explanation of the Hexagram Text
Core Meaning (Key Points)
- “The Well” — an enduring source：Circumstances may change, principles do not; like well-water, keep supplying steadily and underpin stability.
- “Change the city but not the well” — hold to what is right：External renewal must not disturb the source; first make the “water source” clear and firm.
- “Neither loss nor gain” — an even mind：Care less about momentary wins and losses; value process and long-term effect.
- “Almost there yet not tying the rope” — finish the work to the end：Do not relax at the last step; perfect methods, tools, and standards.
Line Statements — Explanation
Initial Six
Muddy well—unfit to eat (drink); an old, abandoned well attracts no birds.
释义：When the well is turbid, no one can use it; even birds avoid a derelict well. First cleanse the “source”: without character and ability, opportunities naturally stay away.
《象》曰：A muddy well is “low.” No birds at the old well—the time has cast it off.
象传释义：Low quality makes the times abandon you; repair yourself before speaking of output and attraction.
Nine in the Second
Shooting small fish in the well-pit; the jar is cracked and leaks.
释义：Only tiny gains can be taken, and the water jar is worn and leaking. Tools are crude and capacity limited—good intent alone cannot create value.
《象》曰：Shooting fish in the well-pit—there is none to join.
象传释义：Others won’t cooperate because the output can’t bear their needs; upgrade tools and methods to win partners.
Nine in the Third
The well is cleaned yet not drunk; this pains my heart. If it can be used to draw water, with an enlightened ruler, all share its blessing.
释义：The well is clear but no one draws from it—regrettable. If discovered and used by a wise leader, many benefit together.
《象》曰：Clean yet not drunk—hence the sorrow. Seek an enlightened ruler—then blessings are received.
象传释义：Unseen value brings heartache; once found by the right person and mechanism, the clear spring benefits all sides.
Six in the Fourth
Lining the well with bricks—no blame.
释义：Reinforce the well with brick and stone; a firm foundation brings no fault. Emphasize system and standard so good water can be delivered steadily over time.
《象》曰：“Lining the well—no blame” means the well is being properly repaired.
象传释义：Continuous refinement and stronger boundaries are responsibility to self and others; a solid base gives lasting drive.
Nine in the Fifth
The well is pure; the cold spring is fit to drink.
释义：A clear, refreshing well from which all may drink. In a pivotal seat, keep upright virtue and high-quality output to benefit others.
《象》曰：“Cold spring fit to drink” comes from being centered and correct.
象传释义：Centered and upright—clear yet impartial; with rectitude and professionalism, supply reliable “living water” for the long term.
Top Six
The well is gathered; do not cover it. With trust—great good fortune.
释义：When drawing water, do not hide it. Openness and faithfulness bring a rounded success—sharing and transparency prove more auspicious.
《象》曰：“Great good fortune above”—the great work is accomplished.
象传释义：With scope and credibility in place, influence expands naturally; goodwill cycles and a great achievement is formed.
Overall Symbolism
1. The Way of Steadying the Source
Clarify the source, guard the source, and make good use of the source. First make the “water” clear, then lead it into channels to benefit all.
2. Systems and the Long Term
“Lining the well” implies standardization and reuse—so good quality becomes sustainable and replicable.
3. Value that Is Seen
“Clear yet not drunk” is not lack of talent but lack of stage and linkage; find the “enlightened ruler” so value connects rightly.
4. Life Insights
- First cultivate the self and establish the root, then talk about influencing others;
- Value tools and process; finish matters thoroughly from start to end;
- Hold to uprightness and integrity—reputation is living water;
- Share openly—let goodwill and value snowball.
Modern Applications
A. Career & Organization
- Build a “water-source” capability: sustained output in core tech/content/supply.
- Strengthen standards: process, documentation, replicability—reduce randomness.
- Strong linkage: make value visible and build a high-quality cooperation network.
B. Interpersonal & Communication
- Treat others sincerely and keep information transparent to build stable trust.
- Less packaging, more real, useful “clear spring.”
- Let others “draw water” easily—lower the threshold of use and understanding.
C. Learning & Growth
- Go deep in one field—dig a deep well.
- Regularly “clean the well sediment”—review and iterate.
- Upgrade tools while refining methods—raise both efficiency and quality.
Insights from Jing
The Well teaches us to hold to the source amid noise: with constant quality and integrity, keep supplying real value. Make the foundation deep, the boundaries firm, and the methods right—then open and share the results. Thus living water flows on, benefiting far and long.