蹇 Jiǎn · Obstruction

The judgment

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

(The trigram representing) a mountain, and above it that for water, form Kien. The superior man, in accordance with this, turns round (and examines) himself, and cultivates his virtue.

The lines, bottom to top

1. Bottom line, broken

   From the first line, divided, we learn that advance (on the part of its subject) will lead to (greater) difficulties, while remaining stationary will afford ground for praise.

2. Second line, broken

   The second line, divided, shows the minister of the king struggling with difficulty on difficulty, and not with a view to his own advantage.

3. Third line, solid

   The third line, undivided, shows its subject advancing, (but only) to (greater) difficulties. He remains stationary, and returns (to his former associates).

4. Fourth line, broken

   The fourth line, divided, shows its subject advancing, (but only) to (greater) difficulties. He remains stationary, and unites (with the subject of the line above).

5. Fifth line, solid

   The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject struggling with the greatest difficulties, while friends are coming to help him.

6. Top line, broken

   The topmost line, 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.