Hexagram 39 of 64
蹇
Obstruction
Jiǎn
Upper Trigram
坎
Water
Abysmal, Dangerous
Water · Middle Son
Lower Trigram
艮
Mountain
Keeping Still, Resting
Mountain · Youngest Son
The Judgment
Obstruction. The southwest furthers. The northeast does not further. It furthers to see the great person. Perseverance brings good fortune.
Water above the mountain — danger blocking the path. The southwest is the direction of open plain; the northeast of mountains and more difficulty. Move toward openness and seek wise counsel. Inner reflection during obstruction is more valuable than forced action.
The Image
Water on the mountain — the image of Obstruction. Thus the superior person turns their attention to themselves and molds their character.
When the outer path is blocked, wisdom turns inward. Obstruction is an invitation to deep self-examination and self-improvement.
The Six Lines
Line 1
Going leads to obstructions; coming meets with praise.
Pressing forward into the obstruction increases difficulty. Returning and regrouping earns respect.
Line 2
The king's servant is beset by obstruction upon obstruction. Through no fault of his own.
Sometimes the obstruction one faces is not one's own making. Serving faithfully under impossible conditions — this carries honor, not blame.
Line 3
Going leads to obstructions; hence he comes back.
Recognizing that the path forward is impossible and returning to safety is not failure — it is wisdom.
Line 4
Going leads to obstructions; coming leads to union.
In this moment, withdrawal and joining forces with allies is the only productive direction.
Line 5
In the midst of the greatest obstructions, friends come.
The person who remains firm in their purpose through the worst difficulty attracts allies who appear precisely when most needed.
Line 6
Going leads to obstructions; coming leads to great good fortune. It furthers to see the great person.
At the extreme of obstruction, turning back — and finding a great mentor to guide the way forward — transforms the entire situation.
For contemplation and self-reflection only. Not a substitute for professional advice.