Hexagram 39
Hard Going
蹇 · jiǎn
- Upper trigram
- 坎 · water
- Lower trigram
- 艮 · mountain
Judgement
蹇：利西南，不利東北，利見大人，貞吉。
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.
James Legge, 1882
Lines · bottom to top
- Line 1 初六
初六：往蹇，來譽。
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.
- Line 2 六二
六二：王臣蹇蹇，匪躬之故。
The second line, divided, shows the minister of the king struggling with difficulty on difficulty, and not with a view to his own advantage.
- Line 3 九三
九三：往蹇，來反。
The third line, undivided, shows its subject advancing, (but only) to (greater) difficulties. He remains stationary, and returns (to his former associates).
- Line 4 六四
六四：往蹇，來連。
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).
- Line 5 九五
九五：大蹇，朋來。
The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject struggling with the greatest difficulties, while friends are coming to help him.
- Line 6 上六
上六：往蹇，來碩，吉，利見大人。
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.