What this hexagram is about
Kun is pure Yin — the receptive power of Earth, broad and yielding, carrying and nourishing all things. It calls for devotion, generosity and patient support: follow rather than force, hold to what is right, and great things come through steady, humble service.
The Judgment 卦辞
元亨，利牝马之贞。君子有攸往，先迷后得主，利西南得朋，东北丧朋。安贞，吉。
Supreme success, favorable through the perseverance of a mare. When the noble person has somewhere to go: taking the lead, he goes astray; following, he finds a master. It is favorable to find friends in the west and south, and to forgo them in the east and north. Quiet perseverance brings good fortune.
The Image 大象传
《象》曰：地势坤，君子以厚德载物。
The earth's nature is receptive devotion; so the noble person, with generous virtue, carries all things.
Commentary on the Lines 小象传
履霜坚冰，阴始凝也。直方大，不习无不利，地道光也。
'Treading on hoarfrost, hard ice draws near' — the yin begins to congeal. 'Straight, square, and great; nothing unfavorable even untrained' — the way of earth shines forth.
The Six Lines (hover over the figure above)
Six at the top龙战于野，其血玄黄。
Dragons battle in the open field, their blood dark and yellow — when yin rivals yang to the extreme, both are wounded.
Six in the fifth place黄裳，元吉。
A yellow lower garment — the color of the center, the virtue of humility and balance — brings the highest good fortune.
Six in the fourth place括囊，无咎无誉。
Tie up the sack and keep it closed — stay reserved and cautious; there is neither blame nor praise.
Six in the third place含章可贞。或从王事，无成有终。
Keep your talents and brilliance contained while holding to what is right; if you serve a ruler or a task, do not claim the credit, but see things through to completion.
Six in the second place直方大，不习无不利。
The earth is upright, square and generous; following its nature, even without deliberate effort, nothing is unfavorable.
Initial Six履霜，坚冰至。
When you tread on frost, know that hard ice is coming — read the small signs and prepare early.
All Sixes 用六利永贞。
Lasting steadfastness and a constant, upright course bring benefit.