 48. Ching; The Well
Above; K'an the Abysmal water Below; Sun the Gentle wind,wood |
21st Century |
Comparisons |
| The well, the vulva, the source of all
nourishment. Social order is built around the basic needs of people. These
things are unalterable. Cities are built to defend both. Everyone needs
nourishment. Anything of a social nature built without mind to the
spiritual nourishment is sure to founder. One should study people and
their motivations, understand what those needs that drive them are, touch them.
Understanding and feeling for people retains the touch.
Think of yourself as a well. Too much self indulgence, too much self absorption and you become befouled incapable of offering any nourishment. The soul needs maintenance, as does a well. It needs to be cleaned, and reassociated with new ideas. Like water ideas are nourishment. You might feel that your age precludes you from interaction. You may have been going through a long reconstruction. This is sad because to learn so much and not put it to some use is like a having a well and a broken bucket. Paying the smallest amount of attention to the maintenence of spiritual well being will reap large rewards in the flow of good unsullied ideas and contributions.
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Below are the comparative interpretations of a) Legge, b) Willhelm, c) Riefler, d) Crowley
a) a well so muddy that men will not drink of it; or an old well to which neither birds (nor other creatures) resort.
b) One does not drink the mud of the well. No animals come to an old well.
c) The well is so muddy no one will drink it. The well is so old no creature will use it.
d) Muddy or dried, what use? beware decay!
a) a well from which by a hole the water escapes and flows away to the shrimps( and such small creatures among the grass), or one the water of which leaks away from a broken basket.
b) At the well hole one shoots fishes. The jug is broken and leaks.
c) There is a leak in the well. The bucket is leaky. The insects and worms are refreshed.
d) Leaky; for shame! the worker is disgraced;
a) a well, which has been cleared out, but is not used. Our hearts are sorry for this, for the water might be drawn out and used. If the king were (only) intelligent, both he and we might receive the benefit of it.
b) The well is cleaned, but no one drinks from it. This is my heart's sorrow, For one might draw from it. If the king were clear-minded, Good fortune might be enjoyed in common.
c) The well has been cleared but no one uses it. Unfortunate, because the water is pure. If the authorities came to see, all could benefit from it.
d) Clear, but unused; how senseless is the waste!
a) a well, the lining of which is well laid. There will be no error.
b) The well is being lined. No blame.
c) The well is well lined. No mistakes.
d) Well laid and lined, how noble the display!
a) a clear, limpid well, (the waters from) whose cold spring are (freely) drunk.
b) In the well there is a clear, cold spring From which one can drink.
c) The water in the well is fresh and limpid. The man drinks from its cool spring.
d) Come, drink the water - cold, pellucid - chaste.
a) (the water from) the well brought to the top, which is not allowed to be covered. This suggests the idea of sincerity. There will be great good fortune.
b) One draws from the well Without hindrance. It is dependable. Supreme good fortune.
c) The well is not allowed to be covered. The man can always draw water from it. Very auspicious if you are sincere.
d) Here to the brim it bubbles - go thy way!