20 · Contemplation (GUĀN)
Contemplation is seeing reality and people with quiet sincerity. Different scope produces different understanding: it moves from partial peeking toward self-review and broad observation.
The judgment
Contemplation: after cleansing but before the offering, there is sincerity and solemn uplift.
The essential moment is not presenting an object, but the cleansed and upright intention that naturally inspires solemn attention.
Original Chinese text
觀，盥而不荐，有孚顒若。
The six lines
- 初六 · Line 1 — Childlike contemplation. For the small person, no blame; for the noble person, regret.
Original Chinese
童觀，小人無咎，君子吝。
- 六二 · Line 2 — Peeking contemplation. Favourable for a woman's steadfastness.
Original Chinese
窺觀，利女貞。
- 六三 · Line 3 — Contemplate my own life: advance or retreat.
Original Chinese
觀我生，進退。
- 六四 · Line 4 — Contemplate the light of the state. Favourable to become a guest of the king.
Original Chinese
觀國之光，利用賓于王。
- 九五 · Line 5 — Contemplate my own life. The noble person has no blame.
Original Chinese
觀我生，君子無咎。
- 上九 · Line 6 — Contemplate their lives. The noble person has no blame.
Original Chinese
觀其生，君子無咎。