Jian (Obstruction) (水山蹇)
Upper: ☵ Kan (坎) (Water) · Lower: ☶ Gen (艮) (Mountain)
📊 Binary Architecture & The Six Lines
📜 The Judgment (卦辭 / Guaci)
Impassable mountains and stormy waters ahead. Pause in humility, self-reflect, and seek counsel from wise mentors.
🧭 The Image (大象傳 / Da Xiang) & Archetypal Conduct
Water on the mountain: The image of Obstruction. Thus the superior man turns his attention to himself and molds his character.
📖 The Lines (爻辭 / Yaoci)
- Line 1 初六Bottom line (1st) · Yin往蹇，來譽。Going leads to obstruction, coming leads to praise.
- Line 2 六二2nd line · Yin王臣蹇蹇，匪躬之故。The king's servant is beset by obstruction upon obstruction, but not for his own sake.
- Line 3 九三3rd line · Yang往蹇來反。Going leads to obstruction; he returns.
- Line 4 六四4th line · Yin往蹇來連。Going leads to obstruction; coming leads to union.
- Line 5 九五5th line · Yang大蹇朋來。In the midst of great obstruction, friends come.
- Line 6 上六Top line (6th) · Yin往蹇來碩，吉；利見大人。Going leads to obstruction; coming leads to great fulfillment: good fortune; it is beneficial to meet the great person.
Original line texts are transcribed from Wikisource (周易). The English renderings are literal working drafts under editorial review and may change.
✨ Practical Discernment & Life Guidance
Pause progress when confronting insurmountable barriers; retreat to re-evaluate strategy with seasoned guides.
Consult wise and experienced elders rather than struggling in stubborn solitude.
Halt capital deployment in hostile environments and retreat to secure, defensive sanctuaries.