The 39th Hexagram of the I Ching: Jiǎn (蹇)
The Jiǎn (蹇) hexagram is formed by two different trigrams stacked on top of each other. The lower trigram is gèn (艮), representing the mountain, and the upper trigram is kǎn (坎), representing water. In this combination, water lies beneath the mountain, symbolizing deep water and high mountains—an image that speaks to immense difficulties and obstacles. It represents situations in life where there are major challenges and hazards, suggesting that when facing danger, one should stop and protect oneself, which can be seen as a form of wisdom.
Jiǎn refers to the difficulty of advancing. Positioned after the Kuí (睽) hexagram in the sequence, the Xù Guà (序卦) explains: “Where there is separation, there must be difficulty, thus it is followed by Jiǎn. Jiǎn means difficulty.” After the disjunction symbolized by Kuí, one inevitably faces hardships and challenges, which is the essence of the Jiǎn hexagram.
Explanation from the “Xiàng” (象):
The Xiàng explains the symbolism of this hexagram: “There is water on the mountain, Jiǎn; the wise man reflects on himself and cultivates virtue.”
This hexagram’s image of water on top of the mountain represents great difficulty in progress, symbolizing obstacles and hardships in one’s actions. In such times, the sage should self-reflect, improve their moral character, and use self-discipline to overcome challenges.
The Jiǎn hexagram symbolizes being trapped in a difficult situation, unable to move forward, and is classified as a “lower-lower” hexagram (the most difficult type). The Xiàng provides the following prediction for this hexagram:
“Heavy rain pours on the ground, snow fills the sky; travelers on the road suffer hardship and cold; dragging mud and water, all efforts are in vain. Things do not go as hoped, yet patience is required.”
Interpretation from the “Duàn Yì Tiānjī” (断易天机):
The Jiǎn hexagram, with kǎn (坎) above and gèn (艮) below, corresponds to the fourth generation hexagram of the duì (兑) trigram. This hexagram suggests that traveling southwest is favorable, while traveling northeast is not. It is also beneficial to meet with influential individuals.
Interpretation by the Northern Song Dynasty I Ching Scholar Shào Yōng (邵雍):
When faced with great difficulties, one must endure hardships; there are no easy solutions, and one must wait patiently for the right moment.
For those who draw this hexagram, physical and mental suffering are likely, and every step will be difficult. It is important to adhere to the righteous path and avoid rash actions, as stepping into dangerous territory can lead to misfortune.
Interpretation by the Taiwanese Confucian Scholar Fù Pèi Róng (傅佩荣):
Time and Fate: The situation is difficult, and one must work even harder.
Financial Luck: Money does not circulate, making profit difficult to achieve.
Home: Take precautions against water damage; marriage may face regrets.
Health: Foot-related ailments; careful maintenance is required.
Traditional Interpretation of the Jiǎn Hexagram:
This hexagram is formed by the combination of gèn (艮) below (mountain) and kǎn (坎) above (water). It represents immense difficulty—high mountains and deep waters—that symbolically depicts the heavy challenges and obstacles one faces in life. In situations like this, it is wise to stop and protect oneself, preventing further harm.
Symbolic Meaning:
The path ahead is full of dangers, while the mountains behind are towering high, leaving no easy path forward. This is like a lame person who struggles to take each step.
Fortune: There are many hardships and difficulties; it is difficult to proceed or retreat. Now is the time to stick to the righteous path, avoiding rash actions that may invite disaster.
Career: Things are hard to begin, but persistence will eventually yield good results. Life is tough, and one must first seek self-help, cultivate virtue, and act with high resolve and confidence. During difficult times, friends’ help is invaluable. Avoid taking risks and act with flexibility. It is wise to wait for the right time and move with purpose.
Business: Gradual progress is needed, and taking reckless risks will only lead to troubles. It is important to strengthen ethical business practices, cooperate sincerely with others, and assist those in need. In tough situations, do not ignore others but help actively. Joint efforts will lead to success in competitive markets.
Fame: Move forward steadily, focusing on self-cultivation. Observe in silence and wait for the right opportunity to act, progressing when the time is right. Avoid seeking fame at all costs, and do not risk it unnecessarily. Seek wisdom from those with experience and follow their lead to turn danger into safety.
Marriage and Love: Relationships may not go smoothly. Do not rush decisions and choose carefully, keeping self-awareness in mind.
Decision Making: Difficulties and adversities prevail, but they can be seen as tests. Move forward with confidence, avoid self-inflicted troubles, and seek help from wise people. Stick to the right path and remain steadfast, and things will eventually resolve with positive outcomes.
Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of the Jiǎn Hexagram
Line Text: Chū Liù (初六): Wǎng Jiǎn, Lái Yù (往蹇，来誉).
Translation: Moving forward will lead to danger; returning will bring praise.
Explanation:
“Wǎng” refers to moving forward, while “Lái” refers to returning.
The meaning of this line is that moving forward will lead to difficulties and danger, while retreating will bring commendation.
The lesson from this line is clear: when faced with weakness and a lack of strength, it is wise to see danger ahead and stop, waiting for a better opportunity. The first line of the Jiǎn hexagram represents a time of initial difficulty, where the yin line (representing weakness) is at the lowest position, and the individual is in a position where moving forward inevitably leads to the dangers of the upper trigram (kǎn—water). Therefore, this line suggests that one should retreat if the situation is hazardous, as doing so will lead to favorable outcomes, such as praise.
In the Xiàng (象), it is explained: “Wǎng Jiǎn, Lái Yù” (moving forward will bring difficulty, returning will bring praise)—this emphasizes the wisdom of waiting and not acting hastily when faced with challenges. In such a scenario, it is best to be patient, reflect, and wait for the right time.
If you draw this hexagram, and you realize that moving forward will be difficult, returning to wait for a more opportune moment can be a wise choice.
Change of the First Line:
The movement of Chū Liù leads to a transformation into the 63rd Hexagram of the I Ching: Shuǐ Huǒ Jì Jì (水火既济).
This hexagram is formed by two contrasting trigrams: kǎn (坎) for water and lí (离) for fire. The water and fire intersect, with water overcoming fire, symbolizing a successful resolution of a challenge (in this case, putting out a fire). The name Jì Jì indicates that the situation has been successfully dealt with, but change is inevitable and will eventually occur.
Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of the Jiǎn Hexagram
Line Text: Liù Èr (六二): Wáng Chén Jiǎn Jiǎn, Fěi Gōng Zhī Gù (王臣蹇蹇，匪躬之故).
Translation: The king’s minister struggles, but it is not due to his own fault.
Explanation:
“Wáng” refers to the king (representing the jiǔ wǔ line), and “chén” refers to the minister (the liù èr line). “Jiǎn Jiǎn” suggests that even when trying to help others overcome their difficulties, the minister still faces challenges of his own. “Fěi” means “not” or “non-” and “gōng” refers to “self” or “personal responsibility.” So, the meaning of this line is that the minister is trying to help the king through tough times, but the minister does not face these hardships due to personal reasons—they are acting out of loyalty to their duty, not self-interest.
Looking at the hexagram structure, the second line (liù èr) is an yin line in the middle, holding to the position of loyalty and sincerity but lacking sufficient personal power. This line symbolizes someone who is loyal but weak and unable to resolve the difficulty of the situation. The jiǔ wǔ line (the king) is also trapped in a difficult position, and the liù èr line makes an effort to help but ends up getting stuck in the same difficulty. Despite this, the minister understands that their actions are not for personal gain, but to help the king, so they are willing to endure hardships for the greater cause.
Change of the Second Line:
The movement of Liù Èr transforms the hexagram into the 48th Hexagram: Shuǐ Fēng Jǐng (水风井).
This hexagram is formed by the combination of kǎn (坎) for water and xùn (巽) for wind, symbolizing a well—a mutual relationship of nourishment and support. The well nourishes life through water, and people depend on it to survive. The lesson of this hexagram emphasizes mutual support, hard work, and maintaining harmony.
Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of the Jiǎn Hexagram
Line Text: Jiǔ Sān (九三): Wǎng Jiǎn, Lái Fǎn (往蹇，来反).
Translation: Moving forward leads to disaster, but returning brings resolution.
Explanation:
“Fǎn” is another way of saying “fǎn” (to return).
The meaning of this line is that moving forward will lead to danger, while retreating will allow for a reversal of the situation.
This line signals that the situation is still dire, and there is no breakthrough. Moving forward means stepping into danger, while retreating will allow one to regain a sense of stability. The Jiǎn hexagram in this position is teaching that one must be willing to backtrack and reconsider the course of action, especially when faced with overwhelming obstacles.
Change of the Third Line:
The movement of Jiǔ Sān transforms the hexagram into the 8th Hexagram of the I Ching: Shuǐ Dì Bǐ (水地比).
This hexagram is made by the combination of kǎn (坎) for water and kūn (坤) for earth. Water flows across the earth, symbolizing mutual support and interdependence. This hexagram advocates unity, teamwork, and mutual care, where each party relies on the other in a harmonious and reciprocal relationship.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of the Jiǎn Hexagram
Line Text: Liù Sì (六四): Wǎng Jiǎn, Lái Lián (往蹇，来连).
Translation: Moving forward leads to danger, but returning brings union.
Explanation:
“Lián” means union or joining forces.
The meaning of this line is that when you move forward, obstacles and difficulties are certain to arise. However, by forming alliances with others, you may find a way to overcome these challenges and escape danger.
The lesson from this line is clear: when facing difficulties, collaboration and teamwork can help you overcome them. You cannot solve everything alone, and joining forces with others who share your goals can lead to success.
In the Xiàng (象), it is explained: “Wǎng Jiǎn, Lái Lián” (moving forward leads to danger, but returning brings union)—which emphasizes the importance of cooperation in times of trouble. In situations where retreat may seem like the best option, it’s also crucial to remember that uniting with others can lead to victory.
Interpretation: If you draw this hexagram, remember that while the path forward may seem fraught with peril, reaching out to others for help and building alliances will ultimately help you navigate these dangers.
Change of the Fourth Line:
The movement of Liù Sì transforms the hexagram into the 31st Hexagram of the I Ching: Zé Shān Xián (泽山咸).
This hexagram is formed by the combination of gèn (艮) for mountain and duì (兑) for lake. The trigram of duì is soft and above, while gèn is firm and below. The water seeps downward, and the soft above and firm below create mutual influence. This mutual interaction is what brings things together.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of the Jiǎn Hexagram
Line Text: Jiǔ Wǔ (九五): Dà Jiǎn, Péng Lái (大蹇，朋来).
Translation: The situation is very difficult, but friends arrive to assist.
Explanation:
“Péng” means friends or companions, and “lái” means to come.
This line suggests that although you are in a challenging situation, you will receive help from like-minded people who share your goals and ideals.
In this line, the lesson is one of solidarity: despite facing great challenges, you are not alone. People who understand you and share your vision will come to your aid, helping you through the crisis.
In the Xiàng (象), it is explained that “when the situation is extremely difficult, companions (friends) will come.” The line encourages you to remember that assistance often comes from those who share your ideals and goals.
Interpretation: If you draw this hexagram, know that although you face many obstacles, help from trustworthy people will be essential in overcoming them. You should cultivate meaningful relationships that are based on shared values, as they will provide support when most needed.
Change of the Fifth Line:
The movement of Jiǔ Wǔ transforms the hexagram into the 15th Hexagram of the I Ching: Dì Shān Qiān (地山谦).
This hexagram is formed by the combination of gèn (艮) for mountain and kūn (坤) for earth. The earth is low and the mountain is high, symbolizing humility—being humble despite one’s success or high position. It teaches that one should not become arrogant or boastful but should remain modest even when one’s position is elevated. This is the principle of qiān (humility).
Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of the Jiǎn Hexagram
Line Text: Shàng Liù (上六): Wǎng Jiǎn, Lái Shuò; Jí; Lì Jiàn Dà Rén (往蹇，来硕；吉；利见大人).
Translation: Moving forward leads to danger, but returning brings abundance; this is auspicious and beneficial for meeting a great person.
Explanation:
“Shuò” means abundance or prosperity.
The meaning of this line is that although moving forward may bring danger, returning will bring success and abundance. This process will lead to good fortune, and it is beneficial to encounter someone of great stature who can help guide you.
This line teaches that even when facing adversity, stepping back can lead to greater rewards. By taking the time to reflect and reassess, you can attract the right people and opportunities that will bring you success and stability.
In the Xiàng (象), it is explained that “moving forward leads to danger, but returning brings abundance”—this signifies that retreating, when necessary, will lead to a prosperous outcome. Additionally, the appearance of a great person (a mentor or benefactor) will be helpful during difficult times.
Interpretation: If you draw this hexagram, remember that while forward progress may seem difficult, returning may bring a prosperous outcome. Moreover, encountering someone who is influential or knowledgeable will greatly benefit you during your struggles.
Change of the Sixth Line:
The movement of Shàng Liù transforms the hexagram into the 53rd Hexagram of the I Ching: Fēng Shān Jiàn (风山渐).
This hexagram is formed by the combination of gèn (艮) for mountain and xùn (巽) for wind. The wind on top of the mountain symbolizes gradual growth and progress. The hexagram advises moving forward steadily, making incremental progress rather than rushing, symbolizing the principle of gradual development.