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Obstruction

蹇 (Jiǎn)

Hexagram #39

Hexagram Structure

6
Yin Line
5
Yin Line
4
Yang Line
3
Yin Line
2
Yang Line
1
Yin Line

Upper Trigram

Water

Lower Trigram

Mountain

Core Essence

Keywords

obstructiondifficultyself-reflectionpatience

Meaning

Represents obstacles and difficulties that require inner work and patience to overcome.

Guidance

Turn inward during times of obstruction. Use difficulties as opportunities for self-improvement.

Classical Texts

Judgment

Obstruction. The southwest furthers. The northeast does not further. It furthers one to see the great man. Perseverance brings good fortune.

蹇：利西南，不利东北；利见大人，贞吉。

Image

Water on the mountain: the image of Obstruction. Thus the superior man turns his attention to himself and molds his character.

山上有水，蹇；君子以反身修德。

Hexagram Story & Origin

The Obstruction hexagram symbolizes persistence amid difficulties and obstacles. 'Jian' means lameness and difficulty, like difficult walking. Sima Qian writing the Records of the Grand Historian after suffering castration embodies the spirit of the Jian hexagram. The Jian hexagram teaches us: difficulty is the norm in life; the key is having courage and wisdom to face difficulties and persist in ideals amid adversity.

Detailed Analysis

**Hexagram Composition:** Upper Trigram: Water Lower Trigram: Mountain **Judgment Analysis:** Obstruction. The southwest furthers. The northeast does not further. It furthers one to see the great man. Perseverance brings good fortune. 蹇：利西南，不利东北；利见大人，贞吉。 **Image Wisdom:** Water on the mountain: the image of Obstruction. Thus the superior man turns his attention to himself and molds his character. 山上有水，蹇；君子以反身修德。 **Modern Application:** In today's society, the wisdom of Obstruction can guide us: • Turn inward during times of obstruction. Use difficulties as opportunities for self-improvement. • Keywords: obstruction, difficulty, self-reflection, patience • Core Concept: Represents obstacles and difficulties that require inner work and patience to overcome.

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