Hexagram 20
Observing
觀 · guān
- Upper trigram
- 巽 · wind
- Lower trigram
- 坤 · earth
Judgement
觀：盥而不薦，有孚顒若。
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).
James Legge, 1882
Lines · bottom to top
- Line 1 初六
初六：童觀，小人无咎，君子吝。
The first line, divided, shows the looking of a lad;—not blamable in men of inferior rank, but matter for regret in superior men.
- Line 2 六二
六二：闚觀，利女貞。
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.
- Line 3 六三
六三：觀我生，進退。
The third line, divided, shows one looking at (the course of) his own life, to advance or recede (accordingly).
- Line 4 六四
六四：觀國之光，利用賓于王。
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.
- Line 5 九五
九五：觀我生，君子无咎。
The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject contemplating his own life(-course). A superior man, he will (thus) fall into no error.
- Line 6 上九
上九：觀其生，君子无咎。
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.