Contemplation
观 (Guān)
Hexagram #20
Hexagram Structure
Upper Trigram
Wind
Lower Trigram
Earth
Core Essence
Keywords
Meaning
Represents the power of careful observation and contemplation to gain wisdom.
Guidance
Take time to observe and reflect. Understanding comes through careful contemplation.
Classical Texts
Judgment
Contemplation. The ablution has been made, but not yet the offering. Full of trust they look up to him.
观：盥而不荐，有孚颙若。
Image
The wind blows over the earth: the image of Contemplation. Thus the ancient kings visited the regions of the world, contemplated the people, and gave them instruction.
风行地上，观；先王以省方观民设教。
Hexagram Story & Origin
The Contemplation hexagram emphasizes the importance of observation and learning. 'Guan' is not just seeing, but deep thinking and understanding. Confucius said 'Learning and constantly reviewing it,' emphasizing learning through observation. Sima Qian traveled the world, observed local customs, and eventually wrote the Records of the Grand Historian, embodying the learning spirit of the Guan hexagram. The Guan hexagram teaches us: we should be good at observing and learning wisdom from life, being a person with a caring heart.
Detailed Analysis
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