20 · 觀

Hexagram 20, 觀. Original Chinese judgment: 盥而不薦，有孚顒若。 Read the six line statements, commentaries and separately labeled editorial summaries.

Judgment

盥而不薦，有孚顒若。

《周易》通行本

Line texts

  1. 初六：童觀，小人无咎，君子吝。
  2. 六二：闚觀，利女貞。
  3. 六三：觀我生，進退。
  4. 六四：觀國之光，利用賓于王。
  5. 九五：觀我生，君子无咎。
  6. 上九：觀其生，君子无咎。

Tuan commentary

大觀在上，順而巽，中正以觀天下。觀，盥而不薦，有孚顒若，下觀而化也。觀天之神道，而四時不忒，聖人以神道設教，而天下服矣。

维基文库 · 周易 · 观

Great Image commentary

風行地上，觀；先王以省方，觀民設教。

Small Images · bottom to top

  1. 初六童觀，小人道也。
  2. 窺觀女貞，亦可丑也。
  3. 觀我生，進退；未失道也。
  4. 觀國之光，尚賓也。
  5. 觀我生，觀民也。
  6. 觀其生，志未平也。

Traditional source · editorial summary in Chinese

Working translation of this site’s Chinese summaries based on traditional sources, not verbatim quotations from the commentator or a translation of the classical text. Native-language review is incomplete. Traditional imagery is not medical, legal or other professional advice.

朱熹《周易本義》

維基文庫 · 周易本義（四庫全書本）卷一

Judgment exegesis

Zhu Xi explains Guan as showing an example: the fifth yang line is above and four yin lines look up to it. Those above need inner trustworthiness, purity and respectful restraint, so what they show can inspire trust and regard.

Traditional source · editorial summary in Chinese · Line texts

  1. Yielding yin in the first line sees only what is nearest, like a child’s shallow view. This may suffice for an ordinary person but brings humiliation for someone bearing the exemplary person’s responsibility.
  2. Yielding yin within in the second line sees outward only through a gap, giving a narrow view. The original commentary uses the inner and outer roles of its time to explain why this view cannot bear responsibility for broad observation.
  3. Although the third yin line is neither centered nor correct, observing its own actual conduct allows judgment of whether to advance or withdraw.
  4. The fourth yin line is nearest the fifth yang line and sees the flourishing civilization of a state. If able to bear the associated responsibilities, it is suited to serving as a guest adviser to those above.
  5. The fifth yang line in the honored position shows centered correctness to others. Look back at one’s own conduct through the people’s response; maintaining firm, centered correctness avoids blame.
  6. Although the top yang line no longer holds a particular office, it remains under people’s observation. Continued reflection on conduct and caution are needed to avoid blame.

Plain-language reading

Working translation of this site’s Chinese editorial reading, not an edition of the classical text, a verbatim quotation from a commentator or a prediction. Native-language review is not yet complete.

Judgment introduction

Guan means looking upward as well as setting an example from above. Those whom others look up to need inner sincerity and a respectful, pure attitude, earning trust through observable conduct rather than outward display alone.

Plain-language reading · Line texts

  1. The view is shallow like a child’s. It may suffice for limited experience, but falls short for someone bearing responsibility.
  2. Looking out only through a narrow gap limits the field of view and cannot readily support responsibility requiring a whole view.
  3. Observe one’s actual conduct and decide from it whether to advance or withdraw.
  4. Seeing a country’s flourishing culture, one with fitting ability may take part in and assist public affairs.
  5. In a position observed by many, use their responses to reflect on one’s conduct and remain central and correct.
  6. Even without a particular office, one may still be watched. Continued reflection and caution are needed to avoid blame.

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