39 · Obstruction (JIǍN)
Obstruction begins where water blocks a mountain path. Seeing danger and stopping is an act of intelligence. The lines ask when to wait, return, serve through hardship, hold a connection, accept arriving friends, and seek worthy guidance.
The judgment
Obstruction: favourable to the southwest, unfavourable to the northeast; favourable to meet a great person. Steadfastness is auspicious.
The directions work as a classical contrast between a more open way and further mountain difficulty; they are not a travel instruction for every modern journey. Choose the workable path, seek capable counsel, and keep the right course.
Original Chinese text
蹇：利西南，不利東北；利見大人，貞吉。
The six lines
- 初六 · Line 1 — Going meets obstruction; coming back brings praise.
Original Chinese
往蹇，來譽。
- 六二 · Line 2 — The king's minister meets obstruction upon obstruction; it is not for the sake of the self.
Original Chinese
王臣蹇蹇，匪躬之故。
- 九三 · Line 3 — Going meets obstruction; coming back is a return.
Original Chinese
往蹇來反。
- 六四 · Line 4 — Going meets obstruction; coming back remains linked or entangled.
Original Chinese
往蹇，來連。
- 九五 · Line 5 — Great obstruction; friends arrive.
Original Chinese
大蹇，朋來。
- 上六 · Line 6 — Going meets obstruction; returning brings something great. Auspicious; favourable to meet a great person.
Original Chinese
往蹇來碩，吉；利見大人。