20. Guān 觀
OBSERVATION, CONTEMPLATION
Key Concepts:
observation, view from top to bottom, meditation, journey
Step back from what's happening. Observe to realize what's happening - yourself and the people around you. Meditate.
Above is the trigram Xun (Wind), below is the trigram Kun (Earth). The metaphorical image of this hexagram is a person standing on a high tower (on an elevation) and surveying the surroundings. Just as the wind can freely and widely travel across the land, Guan advises us to think broadly and seek new ideas for further movement.
The shape of this hexagram resembles a traditional Chinese tower - an image that indicates from a height we can see much further, not only objects close to us but also distant surroundings, perceive the situation as a whole, in its entirety. Guan recommends us to temporarily distance ourselves from what's happening around, to study our environment and reflect on the future.
Now, the main thing for you is to realize what's happening, yourself, the people surrounding you, their motives and behavior. Give way to maturity and wisdom, let your inner child speak at another time and under different circumstances. For young people, this hexagram signifies the first independent steps, transition to a new, serious life.
To understand the state of affairs, we may need either a journey or gathering information through observation or contemplation. Meditation is an excellent way to achieve this result.
It's important to remember that every situation (like every person) has its nature and characteristics unique only to it. Therefore, we should not adhere to only one pattern (law, method) of action and thought. "Wash your hands, but do not proceed to the sacrifice" - thus allegorically, the hexagram Guan indicates the need to find an approach to this particular situation (person), not relying on past experience, not forgetting that although all people and situations are fundamentally similar, each has its unique features at this moment. Acting routinely and habitually will not lead to success.
The shape of this hexagram resembles a traditional Chinese tower - an image that indicates from a height we can see much further, not only objects close to us but also distant surroundings, perceive the situation as a whole, in its entirety. Guan recommends us to temporarily distance ourselves from what's happening around, to study our environment and reflect on the future.
Now, the main thing for you is to realize what's happening, yourself, the people surrounding you, their motives and behavior. Give way to maturity and wisdom, let your inner child speak at another time and under different circumstances. For young people, this hexagram signifies the first independent steps, transition to a new, serious life.
To understand the state of affairs, we may need either a journey or gathering information through observation or contemplation. Meditation is an excellent way to achieve this result.
It's important to remember that every situation (like every person) has its nature and characteristics unique only to it. Therefore, we should not adhere to only one pattern (law, method) of action and thought. "Wash your hands, but do not proceed to the sacrifice" - thus allegorically, the hexagram Guan indicates the need to find an approach to this particular situation (person), not relying on past experience, not forgetting that although all people and situations are fundamentally similar, each has its unique features at this moment. Acting routinely and habitually will not lead to success.
I Ching Talking
Contemplate your own life. The noble person will not be blamed.
Hexagram Line Descriptions
Youthful contemplation.
No blame for the petty person. Regret for the noble person.
Your inexperience holds you back, but you need to move forward.
Contemplation through a crack.
Perseverance of a woman is favorable.
On the verge of achieving your goal, you lack the confidence to go further.
Contemplate the comings and goings of your own life.
Understand your experience and find fundamentally important ways of action and thought, understanding them will be useful for finding a specific pattern.
Contemplate the splendor of the country.
It is favorable to be accepted as a guest by the king.
You will strongly aspire to the company of those you admire (people necessary for you in this situation).
Contemplate your own life.
The noble person will not be blamed.
Self-analysis reveals inner unrest.
Contemplate their life.
The noble person will not be blamed.
You will win if you pay attention to the experience of others.