I Ching · No.20 · Kuan / Contemplation (View)

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Kwân shows (how he whom it represents should be like) the worshipper who has washed his hands, but not (yet) presented his offerings;--with sincerity and an appearance of dignity (commanding reverent regard).

Translation

The Kuan Hexagram. During the sacrifice, libation is poured to summon the spirits but the human sacrifice is not offered, because the head of the captive to be used for the sacrifice is swollen and cannot be used as an offering. The Xiang Commentary (The Image) says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Xun representing wind, and the lower trigram is Kun representing earth. The wind blows across the great earth, brushing over all things—this is the image of Contemplation. The ancient kings, observing this image, took emulation from the wind that flows in all eight directions, thereby inspecting the principalities, observing the conditions of the people, and promoting moral transformation.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Viewing the superior from below, traveling and observing; maintain a calm mind and peaceful spirit, and hold fast to one's post. Minor misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram find themselves in the midst of change, with restless minds; it is advisable to observe with great detail, wait for the right opportunity to act, and never advance rashly.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Travel abroad for sightseeing; it is not easy to remain idle at home.
• Wealth 财运: Trading in foreign goods; one must guard against risks.
• Household 家宅: Worship and make offerings to deities and Buddhas.
• Health 身体: Rheumatism; recuperate through exercise.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: At present, it is time to exert oneself and be active. It is advisable to go out and travel, and not to shut oneself in and stay quiet.
• Business 营商: Trading and transporting foreign goods; risks must be guarded against.
• Household 家宅: The household either has a history of worshiping deities and Buddhas, belongs to those who have converted to a religious sect, or the head of the house has established a school to teach disciples.
• Warfare 战征: There is a momentum of wind and thunder sweeping rapidly; lands can be captured and people won over. Auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: It is rheumatism; it is advisable to keep active and move around. When the blood is regulated, the wind (ailment) will subside naturally.
• Travel 出行: Long-distance travel is auspicious; missionary work or preaching is even better.
• Litigation 讼事: A fair and even settlement will be reached.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.
• Weather 天时: As soon as there is wind, it will clear up.
• Lost Items 失物: Initially on the ground, then blown far away by the wind; search everywhere, and it can be found.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below, Xun above). The wind blows over the earth, symbolizing the widespread dissemination of moral teachings. The Kuan (Contemplation) hexagram and Lin (Approach) hexagram are inverse hexagrams (zong gua) to each other, used interactively. Those above view the world with righteousness; those below look up to those above with reverence, leading to the submission and obedience of the people's hearts.

• Overall Image 大象: The wind moves upon the earth (Kun), implying traveling and observing. Yin grows and Yang wanes, the correct path declines, and it is difficult for all things to progress.
• Fortune 运势: Being in the midst of changes, it is advisable to observe with great detail. There is mental and physical distress, and one should guard against external temptations.
• Career 事业: The career has shown signs of difficulties. You must be humble and prudent, take a long-term view, and especially avoid short-sighted behavior. Keep an open mind, pay attention to handling interpersonal relationships well, unite others, and do not act rashly. If necessary, you may seek patronage from a person of high virtue to strive for redevelopment.
• Business 经商: The market situation is unstable and undergoing changes. You should be cautious, observe trends at all times, plan for the long term, and be prepared to retreat.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Self-awareness is highly valued. Ask for advice from others with an open mind, and correct your attitude toward life. Especially avoid self-satisfaction; you must adhere to the mean and uphold righteousness, establish lofty ideals, never lose sight of your personal goals, and never deviate from the correct path.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Unsmooth. Both sides should withstand the trials and make long-term plans, then there will be an ideal outcome.
• Decision 决策: Possessing organizational ability, suitable for holding responsible positions. However, the journey of life has many twists and turns; you must cultivate your foresight and observation skills, handle affairs with justice and realism, pay attention to the trends of public sentiment, and care for others. In particular, do not fall into the ways of the petty person or short-sighted behavior. Have a decisive spirit, do not follow blindly, and if necessary, make strategic alignments.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, divided, shows the looking of a lad;--not blamable in men of inferior rank, but matter for regret in superior men.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the beginning: Shallow and short-sighted observation. For common people, this is not a major fault; but for a gentleman who bears political responsibility, it will lead to a major mistake. The Xiang Commentary (The Image) says: The line statement of Six at the beginning speaks of 'shallow and short-sighted observation,' which is precisely the characteristic of petty people's thinking.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. Those who obtain this line should guard against petty people. Difficulties arise in all matters, and attempting to be clever will backfire. Officials face danger and should not attempt to advance.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Initial fortune is not good, but there is no major hindrance.
• Wealth 财运: Avoid grand displays; minor operations are fine.
• Household 家宅: Be careful with young servants; free choice in marriage.
• Health 身体: No harm to children, but unfavorable for adults.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Initial fortune is not good, fortunately there is no major hindrance.
• Business 营商: Entering the business scene for the first time, it is only suitable to start small, then there is no blame.
• Household 家宅: Beware of the danger of theft by young servants.
• Warfare 战征: Beware of winning a small victory only to suffer a major defeat.
• Illness 疾病: Harmless to petty people (or children), unfavorable to great people (or adults).
• Travelers 行人: Advisable to stay close by; no blame.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.
• Marriage 婚嫁: Childhood betrothal, auspicious.
• Lost Items 失物: Beware of it being discarded by children.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Yî indicates that (in the state which it denotes) there will be advantage in every movement which shall be undertaken, that it will be advantageous (even) to cross the great stream.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Yi (Increase). Divining and encountering this hexagram, it is beneficial to have somewhere to go, and beneficial to cross great rivers. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Xun, Xun is wind; the lower trigram is Zhen, Zhen is thunder. Wind and thunder excite and strengthen each other; this is the image of Yi. In view of this image, the superior man, standing in awe of the power of wind and thunder, follows what is good when he sees it and corrects his faults when he has them.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Decreasing the upper and increasing the lower, showing vigor and initiative; making progress to achieve fame, and merchants making profits. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram are in good luck, striving to make progress, receiving help from others, and able to gain fame and wealth.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (Zhen below, Xun above). Xun represents wind; Zhen represents thunder. As wind and thunder rage together, their power grows stronger, the thunder grows louder, and they assist and strengthen each other, resulting in mutual benefit. This hexagram is the opposite of the Sun (Decrease) hexagram. It decreases the upper to increase the lower, while the latter decreases the lower to increase the upper. These two hexagrams explain the principles of decrease and increase.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, divided, shows one peeping out from a door. It would be advantageous if it were (merely) the firm correctness of a female.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the second place: Observing through a crack (a narrow perspective); this is a favorable divination for a woman. The Xiang Commentary (The Image) says: A woman peeking at a man, even if her conduct is chaste, is still a shameful act.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line will find things unsatisfactory at home, but going out to seek opportunities will be good. There may be joy or worry, or disputes arising because of a woman. Generally, activity is preferred over stillness. This line brings joy to women and sorrow to men.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: It is best to retreat and defend; favorable for women.
• Wealth 财运: Favorable for sericulture and silk trade, unsuitable for all else.
• Household 家宅: A woman manages the household.
• Health 身体: Yin-cold illness; it can be cured.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The current fortune is not good, one should only hold one's ground. If divined by a woman, it is highly auspicious.
• Business 营商: Great profits in the silk industry, others are not good.
• Household 家宅: It must be a woman managing the household; favorable.
• Illness 疾病: It is a yin-cold illness, harmless.
• Travel 出行: Must travel together with family/dependents; if it is a traveler, they will return together with family.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.
• Lost Items 失物: Likely between door gaps; seek and peek to find it.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hwân intimates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and success. The king goes to his ancestral temple; and it will be advantageous to cross the great stream. It will be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Huan (Dispersion). Success. The king approaches his ancestral temple. It is beneficial to cross the great river. This is a favorable divination. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Xun, Xun is wind; the lower trigram is Kan, Kan is water. Wind moving over the water is the image of Dispersion. The ancient kings, observing this image, presented sacrifices to the Supreme Deity, established ancestral temples, and promoted the 'moral education' of honoring Heaven and filial piety toward ancestors.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Separation and dissolution, disasters disperse. Seize the opportunity to observe changes, nurture prestige, and build up strength. Minor good fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, there may be difficulties at first, but in the end, the troubles will be resolved. If one is careful in all things, everything will go smoothly; avoid self-indulgence and lawlessness.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below and Xun above). The wind blows over the water, swelling the waves and spreading in all directions. Huan means the scattering of flowing water. It symbolizes the dispersion of organization and people's hearts. Proactive measures and methods must be taken to overcome and defeat evils, rescue the situation from dispersion, and turn danger into safety.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, shows one looking at (the course of) his own life, to advance or recede (accordingly).

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the third place: Observing the ideological trends of the clan to determine the administrative measures. The Xiang Commentary (The Image) says: 'Observing the ideological trends of the clan to determine the administrative measures' does not lose the correct path of employing people and administering.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line are half-hearted and indecisive; they must act with caution and retreat in the face of difficulty. Officials will fluctuate constantly between advancing and retreating.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Estimate one's virtue and measure one's strength; remain calm and do not act rashly.
• Wealth 财运: Buy and sell immediately, so as to avoid loss.
• Household 家宅: Hold on to old debts.
• Health 身体: Rest peacefully and recuperate to ensure safety.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The current fortune is average. If you can estimate your virtue and measure your strength, and refrain from acting rashly, though you gain nothing, you will lose nothing either.
• Business 营商: Grasp carefully, buy and sell immediately, price according to the times, and there will surely be no loss.
• Household 家宅: Advisable to keep the old residence, not suitable to move.
• Warfare 战征: Advisable to examine the military situation carefully and adapt to circumstances; this will certainly not lead to defeat.
• Travelers 行人: The desire to return is hesitant and undecided.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.
• Illness 疾病: It is advisable to quiet the mind and nurture oneself, which ensures safety from harm.
• Lost Items 失物: Found immediately.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kien suggests to us the marriage of a young lady, and the good fortune (attending it). There will be advantage in being firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Jian (Gradual Progress) Hexagram. A woman's marriage is good. This is a favorable divination. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Gen, representing mountain; the upper trigram is Xun, representing wood. Wood planted on the mountain grows continuously; this is the image of Jian. The superior man, observing this image, emulates the mountain nurturing the forest, thereby dwelling in virtue and taking on the social responsibility of refining customs.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Progressing in an orderly sequence, accumulating the small to achieve the great; gradual progress leads to benefit, while haste leads to failure. Minor good fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, luck will gradually open up. All matters should progress step-by-step, then planning will succeed. Impatience is not advised; haste leads to failure.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below, Xun above). Gen represents mountain, and Xun represents wood. There are trees on the mountain growing gradually, and the mountain rises accordingly. This is a process of gradual progress, hence called Jian. Jian means progress, advancing gradually without haste.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, divided, shows one contemplating the glory of the kingdom. It will be advantageous for him, being such as he is, (to seek) to be a guest of the king.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fourth place: Contemplating the glory of the kingdom. Meeting this line in divination is favorable for visiting the king. The Xiang Commentary (The Image) says: 'Contemplating the glory of the kingdom,' the one who comes is a guest of the state.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line should go out to seek opportunities; interacting more with outsiders will be beneficial. Officials may hold leisure posts or positions of high purity and status.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Just in good fortune; reputation exceeds profit.
• Wealth 财运: International trade; profitable and reputable.
• Household 家宅: A joyful event is at the door.
• Health 身体: Exercise extra caution.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently in peak fortune; seeking profit is fine, but seeking fame is even better.
• Business 营商: Advisable to trade and transport goods overseas; not only will you gain profit, but you can also gain fame.
• Household 家宅: Indicates a joyful event at the door, bringing honor to the neighborhood.
• Warfare 战征: A great victory is assured; rewards will be granted based on merit, and one's name will go down in history.
• Illness 疾病: Unfavorable.
• Travelers 行人: Will not return.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy, who is destined to be noble.
• Litigation 讼事: Justice is served.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In Phî there is the want of good understanding between the (different classes of) men, and its indication is unfavourable to the firm and correct course of the superior man. We see in it the great gone and the little come.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hexagram Pi. Obstructed by petty men, this is an unfavorable divination for the superior man, and undertakings will turn from prosperity to decline. The Image says: Heaven and Earth do not interact, and all things are choked and cannot grow freely; this is the image of the Pi hexagram. The superior man, observing this image, when national politics are obstructed, should contemplate living in seclusion without taking office, practicing thrift to avoid disaster, and not taking pride in wealth and salary.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The great departs and the small arrives, closed and obstructed; when obstruction reaches its extreme, peace arrives; cultivate virtue to avoid disaster. Inauspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is an image of all things being closed and obstructed, upper and lower levels not in harmony, everything going against one's wishes. In all matters, one should endure and wait for the fortune to turn for the better before taking action.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below, Qian above). Its structure is opposite to that of the Tai hexagram. The Yang energy rises while the Yin energy descends; Heaven and Earth do not interact, and all things are blocked. They are 'inverse hexagrams' (Zong Gua) to each other, indicating that extreme peace leads to obstruction, and extreme obstruction leads to peace, serving as cause and effect for each other.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject contemplating his own life(-course). A superior man, he will (thus) fall into no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fifth place: Observing the inclinations of one's own clan; a gentleman can be without blame. The Xiang Commentary (The Image) says: 'Observing the inclinations of one's own clan' means observing the inclinations of all the people under heaven.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. Those who obtain this line will experience a turn in fortune for the better, receiving abundant benefits. For women, there is the joy of pregnancy; for the critically ill, there is danger to life. Officials will have their rank and salary promoted due to their excellent official virtue.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Walk the straight path, and everything will go smoothly.
• Wealth 财运: I make the decision, and profit is sure to be gained.
• Household 家宅: I will build the house myself.
• Health 身体: Safe and without hindrance.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The current fortune is correct and balanced; walk the straight path, and everything will go smoothly.
• Business 营商: I must hold firm to my decisions; buying, selling, and transporting goods will be entirely favorable.
• Household 家宅: This house must be built by myself; a gentleman residing in it will find great fortune.
• Warfare 战征: One should inspect one's own camp; as the saying goes, knowing oneself enables one to know the enemy. A great victory can be achieved.
• Illness 疾病: Fate lies with Heaven; no blame.
• Travelers 行人: Will return immediately.
• Lost Items 失物: Still by one's side; not lost.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a noble child.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Po indicates that (in the state which it symbolises) it will not be advantageous to make a movement in any direction whatever.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Po Hexagram. It is not favorable to have any destination. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Gen as Mountain, and the lower trigram is Kun as Earth. The mountain lies on the earth, eroded by wind and rain; this is the image of Splitting Apart (Po). The superior man observes this image, takes warning from the peeling of mountains and the collapse of cliffs, thereby generously winning the hearts of the people and enabling them to live and work in peace.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Erosion and decay, anxiety over disaster; difficult to advance and succeed, stop in accordance with the times. Ominous: For those who obtain this hexagram, fortune is unfavorable, losses are many, and progress is blocked. It is advisable to stop in accordance with the times, keep to one's place, and guard oneself.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below, Gen above). Five Yin are below and one Yang is on top, indicating Yin is prosperous while Yang is isolated; the high mountain is attached to the earth. Both are images of peeling away, hence it is the 'Po Hexagram'. In this hexagram, Yin is strong and Yang is weak, symbolizing that petty people are in power, superior men are in distress, and careers are ruined.

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The sixth line, undivided, shows its subject contemplating his character to see if it be indeed that of a superior man. He will not fall into error.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the top: Observing the inclinations of other tribes; a gentleman can be without blame. The Xiang Commentary (The Image) says: 'Observing the inclinations of other tribes' is because the overall situation is not yet fully understood, making the mind uneasy and the determination hard to make.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line will find their fortune blocked, with their mind willing but strength lacking. Pregnant women will benefit in childbirth, and those long ill will recover. Officials should retreat and defend, cultivating their virtue and nourishing their health.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The great fortune has passed; self-reflection will prevent blame.
• Wealth 财运: Purchase and store goods; there is profit to be made.
• Household 家宅: The old house breeds life and prosperity.
• Health 身体: Not many days left.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The peak fortune has passed; reflecting upon oneself will lead to no loss either.
• Business 营商: This type of goods is almost sold out. Since I command the price, profit is naturally gained.
• Household 家宅: It is an old homestead; the breeding of life is prosperous, which is beneficial and without blame.
• Warfare 战征: Military operations are nearing their end; the triumphant return is imminent.
• Illness 疾病: Destiny is coming to an end.
• Litigation 讼事: Will be settled immediately.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Pî indicates that (under the conditions which it supposes) there is good fortune. But let (the principal party intended in it) re-examine himself, (as if) by divination, whether his virtue be great, unintermitting, and firm. If it be so, there will be no error. Those who have not rest will then come to him; and with those who are (too) late in coming it will be ill.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Pi (Holding Together). Auspicious. Consult the oracle again; it remains highly auspicious and favorable. Inquiring about long-term fortunes, there will be no misfortune. States that are reluctant to submit come to pay court; those who arrive late will face trouble. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Treatise on the Images) says: The lower trigram is Kun (Earth), and the upper trigram is Kan (Water). Kun represents earth, and Kan represents water, resembling water on the earth; this is the image of the Pi hexagram. The ancient kings observed this image, taking the principle of water adhering to the earth and the earth receiving rivers and seas, to establish and enfeoff various states and maintain close relations with the feudal lords.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Water flows on the earth, uniting in close harmony and joy; human relations are close and cooperative, and all matters are free from worry. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram can gain the help of friends and the strength of the multitude, succeeding in their undertakings and reaching the pinnacle of honor and prominence.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (lower Kun, upper Kan). Kun is Earth and Kan is Water. Water adheres to the great earth, and the earth receives rivers and seas, relying on each other in close intimacy. This hexagram is the exact opposite of the Shi (Army) hexagram, being its inverted hexagram. It expounds the principles of mutual affection and support, magnanimity and selflessness, and sincere unity.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.