Skip navigation
Show Comments :
Hexagram 39 Obstruction
Expression In (the state indicated by) Jiǎn 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.
Judgement Obstruction. The southwest furthers. The northeast does not further. It furthers one to see the great man. Perseverance brings good fortune.
Image Water on the mountain. Image of Obstruction. Thus the superior man turns his attention to himself And molds his character.
66
      Expression: Going leads to obstructions, coming leads to great good fortune. It furthers one to see the great man.
Image: '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).
95
  Expression: In the midst of the greatest obstructions, friends come.
Image: 'He struggles with the greatest difficulties, while friends are coming (to help him):'--he is in the central position, and possesses the requisite virtue.
64
      Expression: Going leads to obstructions, coming leads to union.
Image: 'To advance will (only be to) encounter (greater) difficulties; he remains stationary, and unites (with the subject of the line above):'--that is in its proper place and has the solidity (due to it in that position).
93
  Expression: Going leads to obstructions; hence he comes back.
Image: 'He advances, (but only) to (greater) difficulty; he remains stationary, and returns to his former associates:'--they, (represented in) the inner (trigram), rejoice in him.
62
      Expression: The king's servant is beset by obstruction upon obstruction, but it is not his own fault.
Image: 'The minister of the king struggles with difficulty on difficulty:'--in the end no blame will be attached to him.
16
      Expression: Going leads to obstructions, coming meets with praise.
Image: 'Advancing will conduct to (greater) difficulties, while remaining stationary will afford ground for praise:'--the proper course is to wait.