39. Jiǎn 蹇
OBSTACLE, INTERRUPTION OF FLOW, IMPASSABILITY
Key Concepts:
obstacle, trouble, difficulty, deadlock, overcoming, danger, lameness
The situation is very dangerous, try to avoid it or stay put until you gain strength. Seek external help.
Above is the trigram Kan (Water), below is the trigram Gen (Mountain). The metaphorical image of this hexagram is a mass of water on top of a mountain. Its natural inclination to flow downward is interrupted. When enough water accumulates, it rushes in all directions. When this happens, water poses a new danger — it can descend as a powerful, destructive waterfall or as an impassable stream.
Jian warns us that our situation has so many obstacles that it has become extremely dangerous. These external dangers cannot be openly confronted. If there is any possibility to safely avoid the dangers, it should be used. Most likely, we need to stay where we are until we gain strength and gather reinforcements. This is not a situation we can get out of on our own. Instead, we should join forces with like-minded individuals.
While waiting for the right time, opportunities, and support, it is important to abandon self-pity and not look for someone to blame. It is much better to consider whether the problem we face is to some extent a result of our own actions, thoughts, and decisions. Perhaps the external danger arose because of the vagueness of our thoughts.
The hexagram unequivocally indicates the presence of difficulties that prevent us from moving forward and acting right now. The desire to act to satisfy our ambitions, to "forget oneself" in the flow of desires and passions, will not bring the desired success, and may, on the contrary, worsen the situation.
Jian warns us that our situation has so many obstacles that it has become extremely dangerous. These external dangers cannot be openly confronted. If there is any possibility to safely avoid the dangers, it should be used. Most likely, we need to stay where we are until we gain strength and gather reinforcements. This is not a situation we can get out of on our own. Instead, we should join forces with like-minded individuals.
While waiting for the right time, opportunities, and support, it is important to abandon self-pity and not look for someone to blame. It is much better to consider whether the problem we face is to some extent a result of our own actions, thoughts, and decisions. Perhaps the external danger arose because of the vagueness of our thoughts.
The hexagram unequivocally indicates the presence of difficulties that prevent us from moving forward and acting right now. The desire to act to satisfy our ambitions, to "forget oneself" in the flow of desires and passions, will not bring the desired success, and may, on the contrary, worsen the situation.
I Ching Talking
If you leave, there will be obstacles. If you come, you will be great. Happiness.
Hexagram Line Descriptions
If you leave, there will be obstacles.
If you come, there will be praise.
Do not rush into battle, analyze the problems that hinder you
The king’s servant faces obstacle after obstacle. It is not his fault.
A noble sense of duty prompts you to continue acting despite resistance
If you leave, there will be obstacles.
If you come, you will return [to the right path].
Retreat is more beneficial than further wasting energy
If you leave, there will be obstacles.
If you come, there will be connection with close people.
As resistance grows, calmly gather reinforcements and formulate a plan of action
Great obstacle. Friends will come.
Friends will gather around you to support your efforts
If you leave, there will be obstacles. If you come, you will be great. Happiness.
Favorable to meet a great person.
Perseverance will lead to great troubles, but do not succumb to the temptation to give up everything