the way of the earth; the principle of the earth
In traditional Chinese cosmology, the passive, receptive principle associated with the earth (坤), often contrasted with 乾道 (the way of heaven). Rare in modern Japanese.
In the I Ching, the way of the earth represents the gentle, yielding virtue of the great earth.
the way of women; the path women should follow
Derived from the earth's receptive nature, this sense refers to traditional feminine virtues or the ideal conduct for women, as understood in classical Chinese thought. Extremely rare and archaic.
In classical texts, the way of women is sometimes expounded as the path of feminine obedience.