Hexagram 39
Jian - Obstruction
蹇
Meaning and Overview
The upper trigram of the Hexagram Jian is Kan, which represents water; the lower trigram is Gen, which represents mountain. Layer upon layer of mountains and waters, the path ahead is fraught with difficulty and obstacles, making travel extremely hard—hence the name Jian (Obstruction). Although the hexagram signifies hardship, none of its lines are inauspicious. The hexagram statement includes the judgment 'perseverance brings good fortune,' and the top line also contains a favorable judgment. While not an exceptionally good hexagram, it is still considered decent. According to the 'Shuo Gua Zhuan' (Commentary on the Trigrams) regarding the directional associations of the eight trigrams, the upper trigram Kan (water) resides in the north, and the lower trigram Gen (mountain) resides in the northeast. Traveling northeastward encounters numerous obstacles, hence the hexagram statement says 'unfavorable for the northeast.' The southwest corresponds to the Kun trigram, which represents compliance; traveling southwestward is smooth and free of obstacles, hence the statement 'favorable for the southwest.' The hexagram and line statements clearly indicate that one should not proceed to the obstacle-ridden northeast but should instead return to the relatively smooth southwest.
Chinese Interpretation
《蹇》卦上卦是坎，坎为水，下卦是艮，艮为山，一重山一重水，山重水复，前途艰难，险阻重重，路极不好走，卦名为《蹇》。《蹇》卦虽然艰难，但是没有一个爻是凶爻，卦辞有“贞吉”的断语，上六爻也有吉的断辞，虽然算不上很好的卦，也还算是不错的卦。我们根据《说卦传》对八卦的方位解释来看，上卦坎水居于北方，下卦艮山居于东北方，往东北方走险阻重重，因此卦辞说“不利东北”。西南方是《坤》卦，坤为顺，往西南方走顺利，没有险阻，因此，卦辞说“利西南”。卦辞与爻辞，很明显地说，险阻重重的东北方不要前往，应该是回到比较顺利的西南方来。
Line Interpretations
These passages include the core hexagram statement, the six moving line texts, and traditional commentary where available. Read them as layered guidance: the early lines describe the root of the situation, while later lines reveal development, pressure, and outcome.
利西南，不利东北；利见大人，贞吉。
有利于向西南方向发展，不利于往东北方向逃生。利于见到地位尊贵、品德高尚、才能卓越的人物，坚守正道，会获得吉祥。
Favorable for the southwest, unfavorable for the northeast; it is favorable to see the great man; perseverance brings good fortune.
It is favorable to advance toward the southwest, but unfavorable to flee toward the northeast. It is beneficial to meet a person of noble status, high virtue, and outstanding ability; by adhering to the correct path, good fortune will be attained.
初六，往蹇，来誉。
初六爻，往前进会遇到阻碍，返回来值得称赞。
First Six: Going forward encounters obstruction; coming back brings praise.
The first six line: Advancing forward will meet obstacles; returning is worthy of praise.
六二，王臣蹇蹇，匪躬之故。
六二爻，君王的大臣身处艰难险恶的环境，并不是为了自己的私利啊。
Six in the Second: The king's ministers are in repeated difficulties, not for their own sake.
The six in the second line: The king's ministers are in a difficult and perilous situation, not for their own selfish interests.
九三，往蹇，来反。
九三爻，往前进，会遇到险阻，应一起返回来。
Nine in the Third: Going forward encounters obstruction; coming back turns around.
The nine in the third line: Advancing forward will encounter obstacles; one should return together.
六四，往蹇，来连。
六四爻，往前进，会遇到险阻，返回来，团结百姓，同心同德。
Six in the Fourth: Going forward encounters obstruction; coming back connects.
The six in the fourth line: Advancing forward will encounter obstacles; returning, unite the people with one heart and one mind.
九五，大蹇，朋来。
九五爻，遇到了巨大险阻，志同道合的朋友们纷纷前来支持，大家一起渡过难关。
Nine in the Fifth: Great obstruction; friends come.
The nine in the fifth line: Encountering great obstacles, like-minded friends come to support, and together they overcome the difficulties.
上六，往蹇，来硕；吉，利见大人。
上六爻，往前行，会遇到险阻，返回来，则会有很大收获；获得吉祥，利于见到地位尊贵、品德高尚、才智卓越的大人物。
Top Six: Going forward encounters obstruction; coming back brings abundance; good fortune, favorable to see the great man.
The top six line: Advancing forward will encounter obstacles; returning will bring great gain. Good fortune is attained; it is favorable to meet a person of noble status, high virtue, and outstanding wisdom.