39/ 蹇 / ䷦ / Obstruction
the judgement
OBSTRUCTION. The southwest furthers.
The northeast does not further.
It furthers one to see the great man.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
the image
Water on the mountain:
The image of OBSTRUCTION.
Thus the superior man turns his attention to himself
And molds his character.
the lines
Six at the beginning means:
Going leads to obstructions,
Coming meets with praise.
Six in the second place means:
The king’s servant is beset by obstruction upon obstruction,
But it is not his own fault.
Nine in the third place means:
Going leads to obstructions;
Hence he comes back.
Six in the fourth place means:
Going leads to obstructions,
Coming leads to union.
Nine in the fifth place means:
In the midst of the greatest obstructions,
Friends come.
Six at the top means:
Going leads to obstructions,
Coming leads to great good fortune.
It furthers one to see the great man.
39/ 蹇 / ䷦ / The Kien Hexagram
Explanation of the entire figure by king Wăn
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.
Explanation of the separate lines by the duke of Kâu
From the first SIX, divided,
we learn that advance (on the part of its subject) will lead to (greater) difficulties, while remaining stationary will afford ground for praise.
Thesecond SIX, divided,
shows the minister of the king struggling with difficulty on difficulty, and not with a view to his own advantage.
The third NINE, undivided,
shows its subject advancing, (but only) to (greater) difficulties. He remains stationary, and returns (to his former associates).
The fourth SIX, divided,
shows its subject advancing, (but only) to (greater) difficulties. He remains stationary, and unites (with the subject of the line above).
The fifth NINE, undivided,
shows its subject struggling with the greatest difficulties, while friends are coming to help him.
The topmost SIX, divided,
shows its subject going forward, (only to increase) the difficulties,
while his remaining stationary will be (productive of) great (merit). There will be good fortune, and it will be advantageous to meet with the great man.
39/ 蹇 / ䷦ / Hardship
decision
Hardship
Favorable to the southwest.
Unfavorable to the northeast.
Favorable to see a great person.
Being steadfast and upright: good fortune.
commentary on the symbol
Water on the Mountain.
An image of Hardship.
In correspondence with this,
The superior person is introspective ot cultivate his virtue.
yao text (the lines)
Initial Six
Going forward: hardship
Coming back: praise.
Second Six
King and minister, hardship, hardship.
Not for one's own affairs.
Third Nine
Going forward: hardship
Coming back instead.
Fourth Six
Going forward: harship
Coming back: union.
Fifth Nine
Great hardship.
Friends come.
Top Six
Going forward: harship.
Coming back: a great achievement.
Good fortune.
Favorable to see a great person.