Hexagram 47 · Line 5
Oppression — 五九
Kun Oppression · Wu Jiu
五九 · Wu Jiu
The Line
They cut off his nose and feet. One is oppressed by the one in purple knee-bands. Joy comes softly. It is favorable to bring offerings and gifts.
Interpretation
It is someone who has the welfare of people at heart, oppressed from above and below (this is the meaning of the cut-off nose and feet). One finds no help from the people whose duty it would be to assist in the rescue work (the ministers wore purple knee-bands). Yet things develop gradually for the better. Until then it is important, in strong inner collectedness, to step before God and to pray and sacrifice for the welfare of the whole.