Hexagram 29 · Line 5
The Abysmal — 五九
Kan · Wu Jiu
五九 · Wu Jiu
The Line
The abyss is not overflowing; it is only filled up to the rim. No blame.
Interpretation
The danger arises from wanting to go too high. The water in the ravine does not pile itself up, but only goes to the lowest rim in order to come out. So too in danger one need only proceed along the line of least resistance; then one attains the goal. Great works cannot be accomplished in such times; it is enough if one comes out of the danger.