Classic of Changes

易
經
Yì
jīng
~800 BCE
蹇 第三十九
39.1 / 7

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蹇 第三十九 Hexagram 39 · Jiǎn

蹇:利西南,不利東北;利見大人,貞吉。

Legge

In (the state indicated by) Kien advantage will be found in the south-west, and the contrary in the north-east. It will be advantageous (also) to meet with the great man. (In these circumstances), with firmness and correctness, there will be good fortune.

初六:往蹇,來譽。

Legge

From the first line, divided, we learn that advance (on the part of its subject) will lead to (greater) difficulties, while remaining stationary will afford ground for praise.

六二:王臣蹇蹇,匪躬之故。

Legge

The second line, divided, shows the minister of the king struggling with difficulty on difficulty, and not with a view to his own advantage.

九三:往蹇來反。

Legge

The third line, undivided, shows its subject advancing, (but only) to (greater) difficulties. He remains stationary, and returns (to his former associates).

六四:往蹇來連。

Legge

The fourth line, divided, shows its subject advancing, (but only) to (greater) difficulties. He remains stationary, and unites (with the subject of the line above).

九五:大蹇朋來。

Legge

The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject struggling with the greatest difficulties, while friends are coming to help him.

上六:往蹇來碩,吉;利見大人。

Legge

The topmost line, divided, shows its subject going forward, (only to increase) the difficulties, while his remaining stationary will be (productive of) great (merit). There will be good fortune, and it will be advantageous to meet with the great man.