Yijing CompassI Ching reading
All hexagrams

Hexagram 39 · King Wen sequence

The Impasse

蹇 · jiǎn

Modern reflection

At an impasse, change direction and seek capable support.

Lower trigram: 艮 Mountain
Upper trigram: 坎 Water

Historical source

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.

(The trigram representing) a mountain, and above it that for water, form Kien. The superior man, in accordance with this, turns round (and examines) himself, and cultivates his virtue.

James Legge, 1882, public domain. Historical wording is shown for source transparency, not as a guaranteed prediction.

Changing-line passages

  1. Line 1From the first SIX, divided, we learn that advance (on the part of its subject) will lead to (greater) difficulties, while remaining stationary will afford ground for praise.
  2. Line 2The second SIX, divided, shows the minister of the king struggling with difficulty on difficulty, and not with a view to his own advantage.
  3. Line 3The third NINE, undivided, shows its subject advancing, (but only) to (greater) difficulties. He remains stationary, and returns (to his former associates).
  4. Line 4The fourth SIX, divided, shows its subject advancing, (but only) to (greater) difficulties. He remains stationary, and unites (with the subject of the line above).
  5. Line 5The fifth NINE, undivided, shows its subject struggling with the greatest difficulties, while friends are coming to help him.
  6. Line 6The topmost SIX, 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.

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