48 井 The Well
Judgement
A town may move, but the well does not change: its water neither runs out nor overflows, and everyone can come and drink. It is the image of what gives without noise and without changing. If you have nearly drawn the water and the bucket breaks before it arrives, that is a bad sign. The same holds for your effort: do not leave it half done, and look after your tools. Ask yourself what sustains you and others without making noise.
Image
Wood and, above it, water: the wooden bucket goes down and comes up with water. The wise person comforts people and encourages them to help one another. A well serves everyone equally. Its worth does not depend on who uses it. Ask yourself how you can be a reliable resource for others, and what simple help you could offer today to someone near you.
Lines
Line 1
A well so muddy that nobody drinks from it, or an old well to which not even a bird comes. This is the image of what has been abandoned. Ask yourself what part of your life has filled with mud, and whether you have stopped drawing water where you once found it.
Line 2
A well with a crack through which water escapes to the creatures in the grass, or with a broken basket that lets it leak. There is water, but it is lost before it reaches whoever needs it. Ask yourself where your energy or attention leaks away, and what crack you could patch first.
Line 3
A clean well that nobody uses. It is a pity: the water could be drawn and used. If the king were wise, all would benefit. This is a talent without an outlet. Ask yourself what you have prepared without offering it to anyone, and who could help it get used.
Line 4
A well with its lining well set: you are unlikely to go wrong. This is patient repair. What holds the water has to be firm inside. Here the task is not to draw water, but to look after the structure. Ask yourself what maintenance work you have put off, and what stability you would gain by doing it now.
Line 5
A clear, clean well, with cold water drunk without hesitation. This is the image of what stands in its fullness: it nourishes without effort and without doubt. When you reach this point, let others come near. Do not hoard it. Ask yourself whom you would serve best by letting them drink, and what stops you.
Line 6
The water reaches the top and the well is not covered. This is the image of sincerity: what you give is in plain view, without reserve. That is a real advantage. The most generous thing is to leave it open and without conditions. Ask yourself what you could share without hiding it or demanding anything back, and who would benefit.
Reflection
- Which part of your life has filled with mud?
- Where does your energy leak away before it reaches what matters?
- What have you prepared without offering it to anyone?