I Ching · No.39 · Chien / Obstruction

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (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.

Translation

The Chien Hexagram. Divining this hexagram, it is beneficial to travel to the southwest, and unfavorable to travel to the northeast. It is beneficial to see noble lords and princes, obtaining an auspicious omen. The 'Xiang Zhuan' (Treatise on the Images) says: The upper trigram is Kan, Kan represents water; the lower trigram is Gen, Gen represents mountain. Mountains and rocks are rugged and jagged, and the streams bend and turn, which is the image of the Chien hexagram. The noble person (Junzi) observes this image, realizes the difficulty of walking the path, and thus turns inward to seek within themselves, cultivating their virtue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Struggling to take a step, facing thousands of hardships; caught in a dilemma between advancing and retreating, one should endure and wait for the right time. Inauspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, body and mind are plagued by anxiety and suffering, and every step is difficult. It is advisable to keep to the correct path, avoid acting rashly; those who venture into dangerous situations will meet with disaster.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Being in difficult situations, one should strive even harder.
• Wealth 财运: Wealth does not circulate, making it difficult to gain profit.
• Household 家宅: Guard against water damage; the marriage may bring regret.
• Health 身体: Ailment in the feet, take care to nurse them.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The current fortune is difficult; one should exert greater effort to escape danger.
• Warfare 战征: Entering barren mountains and wild waters—a complex terrain where advance and retreat are both difficult. One should lead the six armies, exerting united efforts to attack toward the southwest in order to achieve success.
• Fame & Career 功名: With the danger of Kan and the stopping of Gen, success in official career is obstructed. One should turn inward and redouble one's efforts. After five years, reaching the top line, the 'Image' says, 'It is beneficial to see a great man, for one thereby follows the noble.' Fame and success can then be expected.
• Business 营商: Water is on the mountain, meaning water is accumulated and does not flow. This is the image of wealth not circulating, presenting difficulties for merchants.
• Household 家宅: This house is next to a mountain; beware of water rushing down from the mountain and damaging the walls and rooms. It is beneficial to change its orientation.
• Marriage 婚姻: Mountain and water are originally mates to each other. When the water at the foot of the mountain rises high, the partnership is lost, hence 'Chien'. If the marriage does not take place, that is the end of it; even if it is completed, there will surely be regret.
• Illness 疾病: 'Chien' indicates a foot disease; wading through water or climbing mountains is impossible.
• Lost Items 失物: One should turn inward and search for it on one's own person.
• Litigation 讼事: It is advisable to reflect on oneself and withdraw the lawsuit; auspicious.
• Travelers 行人: Obstructed by floods midway, encountering great danger and hardship; in the future, one may return empty-handed.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Gives birth to a boy.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (lower Gen and upper Kan). Kan represents water, Gen represents mountain. Mountains are high and waters are deep, presenting numerous difficulties and life's hazards. Seeing danger and stopping, keeping oneself safe through wisdom—this can be called wisdom. Chien means difficulty in walking or limping.

• Overall Image 大象: A dangerous pit ahead and a high mountain behind; caught in a dilemma, like a lame person struggling to take a step.
• Fortune 运势: Full of disasters and hardships, in a dilemma of advance and retreat. At this time, one should keep to the correct path and not act rashly; movement will only bring disaster.
• Career 事业: Everything is difficult at the beginning, but if one persists, there will be good results. Life is not easy; first, one must turn inward to seek within oneself, cultivating virtue and nurturing one's nature. Keep high aspirations and self-confidence, and advance courageously. When encountering difficulties, seek help from friends. Avoid taking risks in actions, conquer the hard with the soft, wait for the right opportunity, and act according to one's capability.
• Business 经商: Start the business step by step; taking risks will only bring trouble upon oneself. One should strengthen business ethics and cooperate sincerely with others. When others fall into plight, do not stand by and watch but act selflessly. Joint actions can bring vitality in market competition.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Advance step by step, and strengthen self-cultivation. Remain quiet and observe changes, waiting for the right moment to act, and advance when possible. Maintain inner peace, and do not take risks to chase fame and wealth. Align with the virtuous and follow superiors; this will surely turn danger into safety.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Not very smooth, do not rush, and choose carefully. However, one must have self-knowledge.
• Decision 决策: Difficult and unfavorable. But it can be regarded as a test. Strive forward with confidence and do not bring trouble upon yourself. Befriend wise people, help each other, and hold fast to the path of balance and correctness. Thus, one can turn misfortune into blessing and reap good fruits.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

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.

Line Text (Translation)

First Six: Going out is difficult, returning brings peace and comfort. The 'Xiang Zhuan' (Treatise on the Images) says: Going out is difficult, returning brings peace and comfort; one should withdraw knowing the difficulty, and sit to await the opportunity.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Fair. For those who obtain this line, it is advisable to keep to the old ways and be content with the ordinary. For officials, steady progress will bring good fortune soon.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Temporarily retreat and defend, to wait for good fortune.
• Wealth 财运: Do not take risks; keeping to the core business is advisable.
• Household 家宅: Unfavorable to relocate; the marriage should wait.
• Health 身体: An illness has just begun; withdraw and nurse oneself.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune has not yet arrived; it is advisable to guard carefully and wait.
• Warfare 战征: There is danger ahead, do not advance; it is advisable to temporarily retreat and defend.
• Business 营商: The place of sale happens to be in danger; do not transport goods there, but wait temporarily for a better price.
• Fame & Career 功名: Serving in the military involves risking one's life and braving dangers, leading to rewards and honors, hence it is said, 'returning brings praise.'
• Household 家宅: The location is dangerous and obstructed; relocating is unfavorable.
• Illness 疾病: The illness is in its early stages; there is no need to rush to a doctor, but withdraw and nurse oneself.
• Marriage 婚姻: Do not rush into it, but wait instead; auspicious.
• Lost Items 失物: If you do not rush, it can be found.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Gives birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kî Ȝî intimates progress and success in small matters. There will be advantage in being firm and correct. There has been good fortune in the beginning; there may be disorder in the end.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Ji Ji (After Completion). Success. This is a divination of small fortune. Good fortune at the beginning, but disorder will arise in the end. The Image says: The upper trigram is Kan, Kan is Water; the lower trigram is Li, Li is Fire. Water is above and Fire is below; water douses fire, which is the image of After Completion. In view of this, the superior man prepares for trouble in times of peace, preventing disaster before it happens.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Success in crossing over, persevere and hold oneself in respect; moving from great to small, ensure the continuation of prosperity. Small fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is a sign of career success and achievement, but they must guard against the inevitable decline after reaching the peak. Retreat and defense bring good fortune; further advance brings misfortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Li below, Kan above). Kan is Water, Li is Fire; water and fire interact. Water is above fire, the force of water extinguishing the fire; the work of putting out the fire is successfully completed. 'Ji' means already; 'Chi' means accomplished. 'Ji Chi' (After Completion) means that things have already succeeded, but disorder will arise in the end.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

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

Line Text (Translation)

Six Two: The king's minister encounters difficulty after difficulty, not for his own benefit. The 'Xiang Zhuan' (Treatise on the Images) says: The king's minister encounters difficulty after difficulty out of public spirit, and throughout he commits no error.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious. For those who obtain this line, they will wade through difficulties and go through dangers, and plans will be blocked. For officials, they should maintain loyalty and serve the country.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Constantly busy and exhausted; avoid dangers and difficulties.
• Wealth 财运: Obstructed midway, losing both lives and wealth.
• Household 家宅: The direction is unfavorable; the husband may encounter disaster.
• Health 身体: The misfortune of overwork.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The current fortune is awkward and fraught with dangers, indicating a life of toil.
• Warfare 战征: Beware of the army entering dangerous terrain and becoming heavily surrounded, which has the image of Pang Shiyuan (Pang Tong) at Fallen Phoenix Slope.
• Business 营商: Transporting goods to the interior, encountering floods midway, with the risk of losing both people and wealth.
• Fame & Career 功名: Seeking fame out of urgent public duty, the fame is achieved but the body cannot be preserved, inviting posthumous glory.
• Household 家宅: This house is located within the Gen mountain, facing northeast; the danger is severe and it is unfavorable.
• Marriage 婚姻: Line two responds to line five, indicating marriage into a noble family; beware that the husband may encounter danger in the future and his life may be hard to preserve.
• Litigation 讼事: Inauspicious.
• Travelers 行人: Inauspicious.
• Lost Items 失物: In the end, it cannot be obtained.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Gives birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

(Looking at) Ȝing, (we think of) how (the site of) a town may be changed, while (the fashion of) its wells undergoes no change. (The water of a well) never disappears and never receives (any great) increase, and those who come and those who go can draw and enjoy the benefit. If (the drawing) have nearly been accomplished, but, before the rope has quite reached the water, the bucket is broken, this is evil.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Well Hexagram. Rebuilding the town but not rebuilding the well amounts to doing nothing. People come and go to draw water from the well. If the well becomes dry and silted up, and instead of cleaning it, one breaks the water pitcher, this is an image of danger. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Xun, and Xun is wood; the upper trigram is Kan, and Kan is water. Water seeps down and trees grow: this is the image of The Well. The superior man, observing this image, models himself on the well water that nourishes people, thereby encouraging the people to be industrious and to exhort one another.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Still water connects to the source, and fortune is calm; do not change what you guard, and maintain the status quo. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should cultivate their character and nourish their nature, let things take their natural course, and face them with composure. Stillness brings benefit, while movement brings misfortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (Xun below and Kan above) superimposed. Kan is water; Xun is wood. Trees obtain water and grow vigorously. People rely on the well for life, and the well is dug by people. They nourish each other; the well nourishes people with water, never running dry. People should adopt this virtue to be industrious and self-encouraging.

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

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

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Three: Going out is difficult, returning brings joyful smiles. The 'Xiang Zhuan' (Treatise on the Images) says: Going out is difficult, returning brings joyful smiles, which is joy from within the heart.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Fair. For those who obtain this line, it is not advisable to advance; there may be the joy of taking a wife or having a child. High-ranking officials will be promoted.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Not easy to advance; retreat and defend first.
• Wealth 财运: Goods do not flow smoothly; redirect sales to the interior.
• Household 家宅: The joy of reunion; meeting again due to affinity.
• Health 身体: Take extra care of oneself.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The fortune is full of many difficulties, advancing is unfavorable, it is better to retreat and defend.
• Warfare 战征: Has the image of the army marching out and then turning back.
• Business 营商: There is the image of going and not returning, or goods being brought back and sold in the interior.
• Fame & Career 功名: Assigned as an envoy abroad, but changed to an internal post.
• Household 家宅: This house is backed by mountains and faces water. At first, one wished to move elsewhere, but later returned, with the joy of reunion.
• Marriage 婚姻: First wishing to marry elsewhere, but later returning; joyful.
• Travelers 行人: Arriving on this very day; joyful.
• Lost Items 失物: Lost and found again.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Gives 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.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

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).

Line Text (Translation)

Six Four: Going out is difficult, returning brings a carriage to ride. The 'Xiang Zhuan' (Treatise on the Images) says: Going out is difficult, returning brings a carriage to ride, because the yin line six four occupies a yin position, representing a person in their proper place whose virtue matches their reputation.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious. For those who obtain this line, the wicked will have disputes and lawsuits. For officials, there is an opportunity for promotion; seeking fame and profit will lead to substantial reality, not emptiness.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Work together with one heart, and you can get through the pass.
• Wealth 财运: Customers arrive in crowds; naturally profitable.
• Household 家宅: Living next to each other; strengthening family ties through marriage.
• Health 身体: Afflicted by a long illness, difficult to cure for the time being.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The fortune is full of obstructions and dangers; because one can unite the minds of many, one can overcome the hazards.
• Warfare 战征: Line four is yin and weak, showing that the military strength is thin; because it can share the same mind and virtue with all armies and unite as one, it can escape danger.
• Fame & Career 功名: 'Returning brings connection' indicates the image of consecutive promotions.
• Business 营商: 'Returning brings connection' means merchants and customers arrive one after another; it is said 'its position is substantial,' where 'substantial' means full, indicating gaining abundance and profits.
• Household 家宅: This house must be connected adjacent to neighbor's house, of equal status, with a well-to-do family.
• Marriage 婚姻: Must be a marriage between families with long-standing ties, renewing past connections; auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: This illness must have dragged on for a long time, not to be cured immediately.
• Litigation 讼事: Will be resolved after a long delay.
• Travelers 行人: Lingering abroad, not returning for the time being.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Gives birth to a boy, likely twins.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hsien indicates that, (on the fulfilment of the conditions implied in it), there will be free course and success. Its advantageousness will depend on the being firm and correct, (as) in marrying a young lady. There will be good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hsien Hexagram. Prevalence. A favorable oracle. Marrying a maiden brings good fortune. The Symbolism says: The lower trigram is Gen, representing mountain; the upper trigram is Dui, representing lake. A lake on the mountain; the mountain air and the water's breath interact and influence each other. This is the image of Hsien. In accordance with this, the superior man, taking pattern from the deep valleys and the vast lakes, keeps his mind open and humble, receiving instruction from others with humility.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Mutual attraction of the two sexes, responding according to the righteous path; things resound when struck, recognizing the times and understanding the moment of opportunity. Small Good Fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should treat others with humility, which will bring good luck and success in undertakings. However, do not let improper passions disturb your mind and lead you astray.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below, Dui above). Gen is mountain; the lake is water. Dui (yielding) is on top, and Gen (firm) is below. The water seeps downward; the yielding is above and the firm is below, interacting and influencing each other. Influence leads to completion.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

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

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Five: Going through many difficulties and hardships, in the end great benefit is attained. The 'Xiang Zhuan' (Treatise on the Images) says: In the face of great danger, one receives help from friends, because the line nine five occupies the central position of the upper trigram, representing how a person of integrity and rectitude naturally receives rescue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, they will be promoted and recommended by noble benefactors, successful in everything.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Turn danger into safety and seek alternative development.
• Wealth 财运: Too many goods, not easy to sell off.
• Household 家宅: Unsuitable to reside at home.
• Health 身体: Can only be cured after a consultation of multiple doctors.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Misfortune is about to recede, gradually turning danger into safety.
• Warfare 战征: Having been surrounded before, fortunately relief troops arrive together now, allowing one to break through the siege in a single battle.
• Fame & Career 功名: Positioned close to the supreme ruler, sufficient to assist and rescue; great glory, auspicious.
• Business 营商: Goods accumulate from all directions, difficult to sell off for the time being.
• Household 家宅: Located near the imperial guard, situated in an area facing onslaughts and fatigue, a hub of bustling traffic; unsuitable for civilian residence, but can be converted into an association hall or assembly hall.
• Illness 疾病: This is a critical and dangerous disease; it is advisable to gather multiple doctors for consultation in order to hope for recovery.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Gives birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Khien indicates progress and success. The superior man, (being humble as it implies), will have a (good) issue (to his undertakings).

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Ch'ien (Modesty) Hexagram. Success and smoothness. If this hexagram is met in divination, the gentleman will achieve success. The 'Xiang (Image) Commentary' says: The outer trigram of this hexagram is Kun representing earth, and the inner trigram is Gen representing mountain. There is a mountain within the earth. The inner is high and the outer is low. Remaining high without being arrogant is the image of the Ch'ien hexagram. Observing this hexagram, the gentleman embraces modesty, reduces the superfluous and increases the deficient, measures the quantity of goods, and distributes them fairly.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Modest, harmonious, patient, and yielding; honoring others while humbling oneself. Utilizing modesty, all things can be accomplished. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is lucky and peaceful, with promotion step-by-step. The future is very bright for those who are humble and patient, while the arrogant will surely meet defeat. Humility reaps benefits, while pride invites loss.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below and Kun above). Gen represents mountain, and Kun represents earth. There is a mountain on the earth's surface. The earth is low and the mountain is high, meaning inner high and outer low. It is a metaphor for not taking credit for great achievements, not self-praising for high reputation, and not being arrogant in a high position. This is humility.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

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.

Line Text (Translation)

Top Six: Going out is difficult, returning brings joyful leaping. Divining this line, it is auspicious, and beneficial to see noble lords and princes. The 'Xiang Zhuan' (Treatise on the Images) says: Going out is difficult, returning brings joyful leaping, showing high aspirations and courage to win. The line statement says: Beneficial to see noble lords and princes, showing that following the noble will surely bring welfare.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, good fortune arrives, and plans are fulfilled. Officials will hold key posts, and scholars will advance and gain fame.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Great fortune is arriving; both fame and wealth will be substantial.
• Wealth 财运: Prices of goods rise high; preserving capital and gaining profit.
• Household 家宅: Receiving help from noble benefactors; the marriage promises nobility.
• Health 身体: A skilled doctor intervenes.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Great danger has now receded, and great fortune is coming; one can step forward to seek official positions.
• Warfare 战征: The main forces are assembled; one can fight a battle to break through the siege.
• Business 营商: Merchants arrive in crowds, and prices rise sharply; selling now can recover cost and also bring profit.
• Fame & Career 功名: Literary fame rises greatly; it is beneficial to 'see the great man.'
• Household 家宅: This house has a high and grand status; disaster influences have receded, auspicious stars shine upon it, and it receives help from noble benefactors.
• Marriage 婚姻: Promises nobility.
• Litigation 讼事: Must be judged and settled by the Supreme Court.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Gives birth to a boy.

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.

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.