Hexagram 39, Jiǎn (Obstruction): Line 6 (top)

蹇卦上六 · 水山蹇 · 中文版

上六:往蹇,来硕,吉;利见大人。

The line (Legge)

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.

Small Image commentary

'To advance will (only) increase the difficulties, while his remaining stationary will (be productive of) great (merit):' - his aim is to assist the (subject of the line) inside of him. 'It will be advantageous to meet the great man:' - by his course he follows that noble (lord of the figure).

象曰:往蹇来硕,志在内也。利见大人,以从贵也。

In plain words

Going on meets obstruction; coming back brings great achievement: good fortune; it is favourable to see the great man. The top line is at the end of obstruction; the hardship is nearly over, and coming back to support the fifth line can achieve great things. The Small Image says its aim lies within, and seeing the great man means following the one who is honoured.

Applying it to your situation

If a hard time is nearly over, this line suggests coming back to work with someone worth following, to achieve something greater. Whom would you follow to get this done?

Position

A broken (yin) line in the top place, which is a yin (even) place, so it is in its proper place. Its partner is line 3; one is yin and the other yang, so they respond to each other.

If this line moves

With this line moving alone, Jiǎn changes into Hexagram 53 Jiàn (Gradual Progress). The Jiaoshi Yilin verse for this change (Chinese): 焦氏易林·蹇之渐.

The hexagram

Hexagram 39 Jiǎn (Obstruction). The Judgment: In (the state indicated by) Jian 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.

Previous: Line 5

English text: James Legge, The Yi King (Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882), public domain, as transcribed by the Chinese Text Project. Chinese: the received text. Offered for study and reflection, not as prediction. Plain-English readings and position notes by this site.

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