Jian
Meeting Obstacles
When you receive Hexagram 39, Jian, the I Ching turns your attention to meeting obstacles. Obstruction. Below is its judgment, its image, and the meaning of each changing line.
The Judgment
Obstruction. Advantage will be found in the southwest, and the opposite in the northeast. Seek out the great person. With firm and correct, good fortune.
Classical (Legge)In (the state indicated by) Kien advantage will be found in the south-west, and the contrary in the north-east. It will be advantageous (also) to meet with the great man. (In these circumstances), with firmness and correctness, there will be good fortune.
The Image
Water on the mountain. The centered one turns inward, examines himself, and cultivates his virtue.
Classical (Legge)(The trigram representing) water on a mountain forms Kien. The superior man, in accordance with this, turns round (and examines) himself, and cultivates his virtue.
The Changing Lines
Advance will only lead to greater difficulty. Remaining still will bring praise.
Classical (Legge)Advance (will only lead to greater) difficulty. Remaining (stationary) will attract praise.
The king's minister struggles with difficulty upon difficulty, and not for his own sake.
Classical (Legge)The minister of the king (struggles with difficulty on difficulty), and not for his own sake.
Advance will only lead to greater difficulty. He remains still and returns to his former companions.
Classical (Legge)Advance (will only lead to) greater difficulty. He remains stationary, and returns (to his former associates).
Advance will only lead to greater difficulty. He remains still and joins with the one above.
Classical (Legge)Advance (on his part will only lead to) greater difficulty. He remains stationary, and joins with (the subject of the line) above.
Struggling with the greatest difficulty, while friends are coming to help him.
Classical (Legge)Struggling with the greatest difficulty, while friends are coming (to help him).
Advance will lead to greater difficulty. Remaining still will be productive of great merit. Good fortune. Seek out the great person.
Classical (Legge)Advance (on his part will lead to) greater difficulty. But remaining (stationary) will be productive of great (merit). There will be good fortune. It will be advantageous to meet with the great man.
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