39.
Chien - Obstacles
The Abyss Over
Keeping Still
The Deep/Water Above,
Mountain Below
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ATTRIBUTES |
ANATOMY |
ELEMENT |
COLOR |
SEASON |
DIRECTION |
FAMILY |
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Danger |
Ear |
Wood |
Red |
Winter |
North |
Middle Son |
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| -- 0 -- |
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| -- x -- |
Inertia |
Hand |
Stone |
Green |
Early Spring |
North East |
Youngest Son |
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MOVING LINES are read from the bottom up in the hexagram and represent change. Weak becomes strong or strong becomes weak.
The moving lines in the hexagram are -- X -- a weak (broken) line becoming strong (solid) and -- 0 -- a strong (solid) line becoming weak (broken).
The deep is over the mountain.
There are obstacles to be overcome.
The great man preserves his uniqueness of character.
And this way shapes his own integrity.
He finds assistance in the southwest.
He should avoid those in the northeast.
Inferior men should seek out the great man.
Auspicious if he is determined.
When faced with problems and obstacles, a man should look
within for solutions to his troubles. A man of lesser character
will assign blame for his predicament to outside elements while
moaning about the harsh conditions destiny has bestowed upon
him. A man of a superior nature will, under the same conditions,
look within himself for any possible fault of his own which might
of caused his troubles. Through this type of inner self-analysis,
obstacles always become a source of self knowledge and thus the
superior man finds his character strengthened by his hardships.
The obstacles with which the man must deal in this situation are
hurdles which can and should be surmounted. The hexagram depicts
the abyss without and stillness within. This is a good indication
of how these obstacles are to be overcome. The southwest depicts
withdrawal while the northeast represents proceeding forward. The
obstacles that stand in the mans path can not be conquered head
on so the characteristics of the hindrance calls for a pause in
order to determine the nature of the obstacles and a retreat in
order to gain time to fortify oneself before attempting to defeat
these obstacles. When men are faced with such obstacles they
should unite with others who of similar mind. The group should
then seek out the man who through the proper attitudes and
correct authority can lead them out of their dire straits. With
proper leadership and the power of a united alliance, obstacles
will in time be effectively eliminated. Determination in ones
ambitions is of primordial importance here even if one must at
first act as if he is backing away from his goal. Such resolve of
inner purpose will ultimately lead to good fortune.
THE MOVING LINES - READ FROM THE LOWER LINE TO THE HIGHEST. THE BOTTOM LINE OF THE HEXAGRAM IS #1 AND THE TOP LINE IS #6.
1 --X-- Ominous if he proceeds forward.
He will be honored if he retreats.
When one must face an obstacle, he is better off to take the
time to think things through. He should not irrationally try
to move forward without having first prepared himself properly
by having a plan of some kind. To press forward would only
cause him more problems. The proper way to act, in such a
situation, would be to withdraw until the proper moment for
action emerges.
2 --X-- The ruler's attendant if faces with
Obstacle upon obstacle.
He can not be blamed for this situation.
At times it is best for the man to try and circumvent
obstacles by following the path of least resistance but this
is not one of them. The man must go out and deal with his
difficulties otherwise they will only accumulate. The man may
not be the cause for all of these difficulties but he is
compelled by a higher purpose to see to the resolution of the
conflict. By disregarding personal risks he will remain free
of blame since this is the right path to follow.
3 --0-- Ominous if he proceeds forward.
For this reason he decides to return.
The man has responsibilities towards others. To carelessly
endanger his own position at this time would be unwise since
he must see to the care of others. If he decides to avoid the
difficulties and return to the tending of those under his care
he will be greeted with extreme gratitude.
4 --X-- Ominous if he proceeds forward.
He will combine forces if he retreats.
This is a situation which can not be resolved independently.
If the man decided to press forward without assistance he will
fail and be humiliated. He should, for the time being, wait
and gather strength and personal support for his cause. In
time he will associate himself with the proper people and
together they will be able to conquer the obstacles in their
way.
5 --0-- When faced with the harshest of obstacles,
Allies will approach and offer assistance.
The man has been called upon to assist in the face of a
crisis. He should not try to shirk his responsibilities
towards others, even if the situation seems insurmountable and
risky. Since he is truly needed in overcoming these hard
times, the strength of his spirit will help him in finding
capable men who under his guidance will conquer the obstacles
to the proper path.
6 --X-- Ominous if he proceeds forward.
Auspicious if he withdraws.
Seek the assistance of the great man.
When difficulties arises it might seem simpler for the man to
withdraw within himself and forget about the situation.
However, this is not the proper path for him. He must not
become selfish by seeking only his own liberation and
deserting others to their difficult fate. The responsible
thing to do would be to face the turmoil with the others and
give the some of his inner strength. He will be able to help
in the salvation of the others and together they will
accomplish an important task.
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