---
title: 坤為地 — The Receptive (Hexagram 2)
lang: en
canonical: https://ekidan.ai/library/2
alternates:
  - ja: https://ekidan.ai/ja/library/2
  - zh-Hant: https://ekidan.ai/zh/library/2
  - zh-TW: https://ekidan.ai/zh/library/2
  - zh-HK: https://ekidan.ai/zh/library/2
source: 高島易断 (Takashima Ekidan), public-domain 1893 English and 1901 Chinese editions
provider: ekidan.ai — AI-assisted I Ching reading grounded in 88 source-verified historical Takashima cases
license: Classical source text is public domain. This structured edition and its modern commentary are © ICHING LLC, ekidan.ai. Attribution requested when quoted.
---

# 坤為地 · The Receptive — Hexagram 2

Hexagram 2 of the I Ching is 坤為地 (The Receptive). Pure yin. Like the earth, receive and nourish. Follow rather than lead and you will find your place. Embrace the supporting role with deep generosity.

## Work / Relationships / Health

- **Work**: Best as a steady supporter — accumulate quietly.
- **Relationships**: Devotion is rewarded; wait with trust, do not rush.
- **Health**: Care for the stomach and keep warm; rest well.

## Structure

- Number: 2
- Name: 坤為地
- English: The Receptive
- Romaji: kon-i-chi
- Pinyin: kūn
- Upper: 地 (Earth)
- Lower: 地 (Earth)
- Lines (top to bottom):

```text
▬▬▬   ▬▬▬
▬▬▬   ▬▬▬
▬▬▬   ▬▬▬
▬▬▬   ▬▬▬
▬▬▬   ▬▬▬
▬▬▬   ▬▬▬
```

## Questions about this hexagram

### What does hexagram 2 (坤為地) mean?

Pure yin. Like the earth, receive and nourish. Follow rather than lead and you will find your place.

### What does 坤為地 counsel?

Embrace the supporting role with deep generosity.

### What does 坤為地 say about work?

Best as a steady supporter — accumulate quietly.

### What does 坤為地 say about relationships?

Devotion is rewarded; wait with trust, do not rush.

### What does 坤為地 say about health?

Care for the stomach and keep warm; rest well.

### Which trigrams make up hexagram 2?

Upper trigram 地 (Earth) over lower trigram 地 (Earth).


Source: [Takashima Ekidan AI — ekidan.ai](https://ekidan.ai/library/2)