Hexagram 39
ChienObstruction
Water (Kan) · Mountain (Gen)
The image
Water on the mountain: The image of OBSTRUCTION. Thus the superior man turns his attention to himself And molds his character.
This hexagram in one line
The hexagram pictures a dangerous abyss lying before us and a steep, inaccessible mountain rising behind us. We are surrounded by obstacles; at the same time, since the mountain has the attribute of keeping still, there is implicit a hint as to how we can extricate ourselves. The hexagram represents obstructions that appear in the course of time but that can and should be overcome. Therefore all the instruction given is directed to overcoming them.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Water above mountain
Hexagram Judgment
OBSTRUCTION. The southwest furthers. The northeast does not further. It furthers one to see the great man. Perseverance brings good fortune.
The southwest is the region of retreat, the northeast that of advance. Here an individual is confronted by obstacles that cannot be overcome directly. In such a situation it is wise to pause in view of the danger and to retreat. However, this is merely a preparation for overcoming the obstructions. One must join forces with friends of like mind and put himself under the leadership of a man equal to the situation: then one will succeed in removing the obstacles. This requires the will to persevere just when one apparently must do something that leads away from his goal. This unswerving inner purpose brings good fortune in the end. An obstruction that lasts only for a time is useful for self-development. This is the value of adversity.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Water (Kan)
- Water · Abysmal
- Mountain (Gen)
- Mountain · Stillness
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
Obstruction means difficulty. Seeing the danger ahead, one stops. To know when to stop is wise indeed. It furthers to go southwest because one goes and obtains the middle. Not to go northeast is because the way comes to an end. It furthers to see the great man because going brings success. Being in the right place and persevering brings good fortune because one can set the state in order. The use of the time of Obstruction is indeed great.
Obstruction means difficulty. Seeing danger ahead, one stops—this is wisdom. Going southwest obtains the middle; not going northeast because the way ends. Seeing the great man brings success; being in the right place sets the state in order.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
Water on the mountain: The image of OBSTRUCTION. Thus the superior man turns his attention to himself And molds his character.
Difficulties and obstructions throw a man back upon himself. While the inferior man seeks to put the blame on other persons, bewailing his fate, the superior man seeks the error within himself, and through this introspection the external obstacle becomes for him an occasion for inner enrichment and education.
Further
Related hexagrams
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- Hexagram CareerHexagram 39 (Obstruction) in Career: I Ching Guidance for Work and Professional LifeWhat does Hexagram 39 (Obstruction) mean for your career? The southwest is the region of retreat, the northeast that of advance. Here an individual is confronted by obstacles that cannot be overcome directly. In such a... Learn how the I Ching guides professional decisions, leadership, timing, and workplace dynamics.
- Hexagram StudyHexagram 39 (Obstruction) in Study: I Ching Guidance for Learning and GrowthWhat does Hexagram 39 (Obstruction) teach about study and learning? The southwest is the region of retreat, the northeast that of advance. Here an individual is confronted by obstacles
Frequently asked questions
What does Chien / Obstruction mean in the I Ching?
The southwest is the region of retreat, the northeast that of advance. Here an individual is confronted by obstacles that cannot be overcome directly. In such a...
How should I study Hexagram 39 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. When one encounters an obstruction, the important thing is to reflect on how best to deal with it. When threatened with danger, one should not strive blindly to go ahead, for this...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
Obstruction means difficulty. Seeing danger ahead, one stops—this is wisdom. Going southwest obtains the middle; not going northeast because the way ends. Seeing the great man brings success; being in the right place set...
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Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.