39 · 蹇

Hexagram 39, 蹇. Original Chinese judgment: 利西南，不利東北；利見大人，貞吉。 Read the six line statements, commentaries and separately labeled editorial summaries.

Judgment

利西南，不利東北；利見大人，貞吉。

《周易》通行本

Line texts

  1. 初六：往蹇，來譽。
  2. 六二：王臣蹇蹇，匪躬之故。
  3. 九三：往蹇來反。
  4. 六四：往蹇來連。
  5. 九五：大蹇朋來。
  6. 上六：往蹇來碩，吉；利見大人。

Tuan commentary

蹇，難也，險在前也。見險而能止，知矣哉！蹇利西南，往得中也；不利東北，其道窮也。利見大人，往有功也。當位貞吉，以正邦也。蹇之時用大矣哉！

维基文库 · 周易 · 蹇

Great Image commentary

山上有水，蹇；君子以反身修德。

Small Images · bottom to top

  1. 往蹇來譽，宜待也。
  2. 王臣蹇蹇，終无尤也。
  3. 往蹇來反，內喜之也。
  4. 往蹇來連，當位實也。
  5. 大蹇朋來，以中節也。
  6. 往蹇來碩，志在內也。利見大人，以從貴也。

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）卷二

Judgment exegesis

Zhu Xi explains Jian through Gen below and Kan above, recognizing danger and stopping. Knowing when to stop matters, but must not end in stagnation. Choose an accessible direction, seek fitting help and maintain correctness throughout.

Traditional source · editorial summary in Chinese · Line texts

  1. The first yin line advances directly into danger, while returning to wait quietly can earn esteem. Waiting, rather than forced advance, is most fitting now.
  2. Yielding, centered correctness in the second line properly corresponds with the fifth yang line. Repeatedly facing difficulty is not for private gain; fulfill responsibility without judging auspiciousness solely by success, failure, advantage or disadvantage.
  3. The third yang line meets Kan’s danger outwardly. Returning below to the two yin lines brings a settled place and joy to those within.
  4. The fourth yin line still faces danger ahead, returning to join the third yang line in overcoming difficulty. Correct placement and the third line’s solid yang allow cooperation.
  5. The fifth yang line faces exceptional difficulty with firm, centered correctness. Such virtue brings companions to help overcome the difficulty together.
  6. The top yin line is at the extreme of difficulty, with nowhere further to go except deeper trouble. Returning to assist the fifth line can establish great achievement; meeting a fitting leader is beneficial.

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

Jian describes recognizing obstacles and knowing when to stop. Stopping is not permanent stagnation: choose a more accessible direction, seek appropriate help, and maintain correctness through both advance and retreat.

Plain-language reading · Line texts

  1. Advancing leads directly into danger, while returning to wait quietly can earn esteem. Do not force an advance at this time.
  2. Repeatedly facing difficulty is not for private gain but belongs to one's responsibility. Give one's utmost rather than measuring everything only by success or failure.
  3. Going outward meets danger. Returning inward to connect with companions brings safety to oneself and joy to others.
  4. Obstacles remain ahead. Return to join those with strength; combining efforts allows the difficulty to be crossed.
  5. Facing great difficulty with firm, centered correctness brings companions who come to help together.
  6. Difficulty has reached its extreme, and going further only increases it. Returning to assist the person in charge can instead produce results.

Read the source