Classic of Changes

易
經
Yì
jīng
~800 BCE
觀 第二十
20.1 / 7

上經 Shàng jīng

觀 第二十 Hexagram 20 · Guān

觀:盥而不薦,有孚顒若。

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Kwân shows (how he whom it represents should be like) the worshipper who has washed his hands, but not (yet) presented his offerings;—with sincerity and an appearance of dignity (commanding reverent regard).

初六:童觀,小人无咎,君子吝。

Legge

The first line, divided, shows the looking of a lad;—not blamable in men of inferior rank, but matter for regret in superior men.

六二:闚觀,利女貞。

Legge

The second line, divided, shows one peeping out from a door. It would be advantageous if it were (merely) the firm correctness of a female.

六三:觀我生,進退。

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The third line, divided, shows one looking at (the course of) his own life, to advance or recede (accordingly).

六四:觀國之光,利用賓于王。

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The fourth line, divided, shows one contemplating the glory of the kingdom. It will be advantageous for him, being such as he is, (to seek) to be a guest of the king.

九五:觀我生,君子无咎。

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The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject contemplating his own life (- course). A superior man, he will (thus) fall into no error.

上九:觀其生,君子无咎。

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The sixth line, undivided, shows its subject contemplating his character to see if it be indeed that of a superior man. He will not fall into error.