Hexagram 39 蹇 - JIĂN / OBSTRUCTION
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Trigrams#
- Above: Kǎn, the Abysmal, Water
- Below: Gèn, Keeping Still, Mountain
The hexagram represents a dangerous abyss lying ahead, while a steep, inaccessible mountain rises behind. Thus, one is surrounded by obstructions. However, the mountain’s inherent attribute of keeping still provides a clear indication of how to escape these difficulties. The hexagram delineates obstructions that naturally emerge over time, but which can and must be overcome. Consequently, the entire guidance focuses on surmounting these impediments.
The Judgment#
Obstruction. The southwest furthers. The northeast does not further. It is favorable to see the great man. Perseverance brings good fortune.
The southwest represents the direction of retreat; the northeast signifies the direction of advance. This situation presents obstacles that cannot be directly overcome. In such circumstances, wisdom dictates halting and retreating in the face of danger. This retreat, however, is merely a preparation for surmounting the obstacles. One must unite with like-minded friends and submit to the leadership of a man equal to the situation; success in removing the obstacles will then follow. This requires a steadfast perseverance, precisely when one must apparently take actions that lead away from the goal. This unswerving inner direction ultimately brings good fortune. An obstruction that lasts only for a time is of value for the development of one’s personality. This is the value of adversity.
The Image#
Water on the mountain: the image of Obstruction. Thus the superior man turns inward and cultivates his character.
Difficulties and obstructions throw a person back upon themselves. While the base individual seeks blame externally in others and accuses fate, the superior man searches for faults within himself. Through this introspection, external impediments become an opportunity for internal enrichment and cultivation.
The Individual Lines#
Six at the beginning means:#
Going leads to obstruction, Coming meets with praise.
When facing an obstruction, one must consider how best to handle it. If danger threatens, we must not blindly forge ahead, as this only leads to complications. Instead, it is correct to withdraw initially - not to abandon the struggle, but to await the proper moment for action.
Six in the second place means:#
The king’s servant faces obstruction upon obstruction. But it is not his own fault.
While it is usually best to bypass an obstruction and seek the path of least resistance, there is one case where one must confront the difficulty directly, even if obstacles pile upon obstacles: namely, when the path of duty dictates that one cannot act out of personal choice, but has the obligation to seek out danger in the service of a higher cause. In such a case, one may proceed with complete inner peace, knowing that this difficult situation was not brought about by one’s own fault.
Nine in the third place means:#
Going leads to obstructions; Therefore, he returns.
While the preceding line shows an official who must face danger for the sake of duty, this line illustrates a man acting as a patriarch or leader of his people. If he were to plunge recklessly into danger, it would be useless, because those entrusted to his care cannot advance alone. If, instead, he withdraws and turns back to his people, they welcome him with great joy.
Six in the fourth place means:#
Going leads to obstructions, Coming leads to union.
This also describes a situation that one cannot master alone. In such instances, the straight path is not the shortest. Forging ahead using only one’s own strength, without the necessary preparations, would fail to secure the required support. One would realize too late that calculations were deceptive, as the circumstances relied upon prove too weak. Therefore, it is correct in this case to hold back initially and gather reliable companions upon whom one can rely to overcome the obstructions.
Nine in the fifth place means:#
In the midst of the greatest obstructions, Friends come.
Here we see the individual called to organize relief in times of distress. He must not attempt to evade obstructions, no matter how dangerously they tower before him. Because he possesses a genuinely higher calling, the power of his spirit is strong enough to attract people to his cause. They come to assist him, and he is capable of effectively organizing them, so that through the well-planned cooperation of all involved, the obstruction is overcome.
Six at the top means:#
Going leads to obstructions, Coming leads to great good fortune. It is favorable to see the great man.
This depicts someone who has already left the world and its turmoil behind. When a time of obstruction falls upon the world, it might seem easiest for him to simply leave everything behind and escape into isolation. However, this path is closed to him. He cannot seek personal salvation alone while abandoning the world to its distress. Instead, duty calls him back once more into the world’s turmoil. His very experience and inner freedom enable him to accomplish something significant and mature that brings salvation. It is therefore favorable to see the great man, in cooperation with whom the work of rescue can be fulfilled.
Reference links#
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