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.