Above; water, dangerous pit
Below; mountain, stillness

This hexagram represents a perilous abyss in front, with precipitous mountains rising behind. Whichever way one turns one is beset with obstacles.

There is advantage to the south and west. Obstacles to the north and east. It is advantageous to see and meet with a great man. Righteous persistence brings good fortune.

Jian denotes difficulty. The danger lies in front of one. Wisdom lies in perceiving the danger and successfully avoiding it. The southwest is the direction of retreat and that way leads to the middle course. The northeast is the direction of advance and nothing favourable lies that way. The strong yang line in the fifth position indicates that righteous persistence will be of great value to the community of the state. Visiting a great man is bound to result in significant achievement.

Water upon the mountain is the image of Jian . So, the Superior Man turns back in order to examine himself and cultivate his virtue.

Line 1

Going forward means obstacles. Standing still earns praise.

Encountering obstacles threatened with danger, one should not attempt to go blindly forward. One should consider the nature of the obstacles and how to deal with them.

Line 2

The servant of the king encounters obstacle after obstacle, but the fault is not his.

This is the path of duty. When a man may not act upon his own responsibility but must continue to struggle in the service of others, or for a higher cause, then he should not be reproached.

Line 3

Going forward leads only to obstacles and he turns back.

This line reiterates the message of the first line. A man who acts as the father of his family must thing not only of himself but of those in his care. It would be foolish to push forward into danger and if he turns back he will be joyfully welcomed by his kin.

Line 4

Going forward leads to obstacles. Remaining still he allies himself with those who are on their way.

This is a situation in which a man cannot overcome obstacles by himself. He must wait until others join him in an alliance.

Line 5

He struggles against all obstacles but friends are coming to help him.

The man is called upon to give assistance in an emergency. Even though the dangers he faces may be too much for him he bravely opposes himself to them. His example attracts others whom he effectively organizes so that the obstacles may be finally overcome.

Line 6

Going forward leads to obstacles. Remaining still brings great good fortune. Now is the time to see the great man.

This is the sage who may move spiritually as he pleases. But his own practical nature constantly draws him back to the world, where his example and his teaching can bring good fortune both to himself and to others.

© 1979 Neil Powell

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