Hexagram 39 of 64
Obstruction蹇
Water on the mountain. The noble person looks inward and builds virtue.
- Upper
- Water
- Lower
- Mountain
- Order
- 39 / 64
利西南，不利東北；利見大人，貞吉。
Judgment: The southwest helps, the northeast does not. It helps to see a great person. Steadiness brings good fortune.
山上有水，蹇；君子以反身修德。
Image: Water on the mountain. The noble person looks inward and builds virtue.
In plain words
The situation: There is danger ahead and the road is blocked.
What you can do: Stop, look at yourself, ask for help and try another way.
For culture and reflection only. Our own plain summary, not a translation.
The six lines
- 上六往蹇來碩，吉；利見大人。Going brings obstacles; coming back brings greatness. Good fortune. It helps to see a great person.In shortDo not force ahead; turning back brings real gains, and seeking wise counsel helps.
- 九五大蹇朋來。In great obstacles, friends come.In shortIn the middle of great difficulty, friends come to help.
- 六四往蹇來連。Going brings obstacles; coming back brings allies.In shortGoing forward is hard; come back and join forces with others.
- 九三往蹇來反。Going brings obstacles, so come back.In shortThe road ahead is hard; turn back and stay with your own people.
- 六二王臣蹇蹇，匪躬之故。The king's servant meets obstacle after obstacle, and not for his own sake.In shortYou struggle for duty and the greater good, not yourself; your conscience is clear.
- 初六往蹇，來譽。Going brings obstacles, coming back brings praise.In shortGoing ahead meets obstacles; step back and you earn respect.
Sources Zhou Yi. English by TaoDial.