Thirty-Ninth Hexagram : The Wisdom of Obstruction

Hello, I Ching enthusiasts! Today, let's delve into the thirty-ninth hexagram of the I Ching, Jian (蹇), which symbolizes 'Obstruction' or 'Limping'. It represents water over mountain, like turbulent waters blocking the mountain path, emphasizing facing difficulties by retreating, seeking aid from superiors, and persevering for good fortune. The hexagram statement is: "Jian: Obstruction. Advantageous in the southwest. Not advantageous in the northeast. It furthers one to see the great man. Perseverance brings good fortune."

The line interpretations in the I Ching can be abstract and hard to remember. So, today, I've woven the six lines into an ancient tale to make them come alive. Read the story to absorb the meanings, and then in the breakdowns, I'll quote relevant parts of the story and add annotations from the I Ching original with sources. This way, you'll easily recall the lessons of each line!

Ancient Tale: 'The Flooded Mountain, Paths of Perseverance'

Once upon a time, on a steep mountain where rushing waters obstructed the trails, a traveler sought to reach the prosperous southwest, but the northeast path proved disadvantageous. It furthered him to see the great man—a wise sage—for guidance, with perseverance bringing good fortune amid the obstacles. At the outset, going led to obstruction, so coming back brought praise for his wise retreat.

The king's minister faced obstruction again and again, but it was not his fault, as floods blocked the way repeatedly.

Going led to obstruction, hence he came back, reassessing to find a better route.

Going led to obstruction, coming led to union as he returned and met allies.

In the midst of the greatest obstructions, friends came to aid, turning peril into opportunity.

At last, going led to obstruction, coming led to great good fortune as he realized retreat's value; no blame befell him, and perseverance in adjustment brought supreme success.

How did you like the tale? Hope it was engaging! Now, let's break down each line based on the story. For each, I'll quote the matching part and add annotations from the I Ching source. This connects the wisdom directly to the narrative for better recall!

Line Interpretations: Wisdom Linked to the Tale

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First Line (Initial Six): Going leads to obstruction, coming is praiseworthy.

This line advises retreating from obstacles to receive praise and avoid harm. Matching part in the tale: "At the outset, going led to obstruction, so coming back brought praise for his wise retreat." This part illustrates the benefit of timely withdrawal. Annotation: I Ching Jian hexagram first line: "Going leads to obstruction, coming is praiseworthy."

Second Line (Six in the Second Place): The king's minister is obstructed again and again, but it is not his own fault.

This line indicates repeated external obstacles blameless for the loyal, enduring without self-fault. Matching part in the tale: "The king's minister faced obstruction again and again, but it was not his fault, as floods blocked the way repeatedly." External blocks blameless. Annotation: I Ching Jian hexagram second line: "The king's minister is obstructed again and again, but it is not his own fault."

Image Prompt: "Classic I Ching inspired art in decorative frame style with all text displayed in English, showing king's minister obstructed repeatedly not fault floods, representing Jian hexagram second line: blameless endurance, minister path scene mountain water, earthy tones with subtle yellows for loyalty."

Third Line (Six in the Third Place): Going leads to obstruction, hence he comes back.

This line suggests recognizing obstruction and returning to reassess for better outcomes. Matching part in the tale: "Going led to obstruction, hence he came back, reassessing to find a better route." Return reassesses better. Annotation: I Ching Jian hexagram third line: "Going leads to obstruction, hence he comes back."

Image Prompt: "Vintage Chinese folklore illustration with golden borders and all text in English, illustrating going obstruction hence coming back reassess better route, embodying Jian hexagram third line: recognizing return, turn around scene water mountain, muted browns and greens for reassessment."

Fourth Line (Nine in the Fourth Place): Going leads to obstruction, coming leads to union.

This line indicates retreating from blockage to find alliance and support. Matching part in the tale: "Going led to obstruction, coming led to union as he returned and met allies." Retreat unites allies. Annotation: I Ching Jian hexagram fourth line: "Going leads to obstruction, coming leads to union."

Image Prompt: "Ornate ancient poster style depiction with all text in English, portraying going obstruction coming union meeting allies, symbolizing Jian hexagram fourth line: supportive retreat, return allies scene mountain water, serene blues and golds for alliance."

Fifth Line (Nine in the Fifth Place): In the midst of the greatest obstructions, friends come.

This line represents allies arriving during peak difficulties to aid resolution. Matching part in the tale: "In the midst of the greatest obstructions, friends came to aid, turning peril into opportunity." Friends aid midst. Annotation: I Ching Jian hexagram fifth line: "In the midst of the greatest obstructions, friends come."

Image Prompt: "Traditional Chinese art with intricate patterns and all text displayed in English, showing midst greatest obstructions friends come turning peril opportunity, representing Jian hexagram fifth line: aiding resolution, friends aid scene water mountain, vibrant yellows and reds for turning point."

Top Line (Six at the Top): Going leads to obstruction, coming leads to great good fortune. It furthers one to see the great man.

This line advises retreating from ultimate blockage to achieve great success by seeking wise counsel. Matching part in the tale: "At last, going led to obstruction, coming led to great good fortune as he realized retreat's value; no blame befell him, and perseverance in adjustment brought supreme success." Retreat seeks wise. Annotation: I Ching Jian hexagram top line: "Going leads to obstruction, coming leads to great good fortune. It furthers one to see the great man."

Image Prompt: "Dramatic vintage I Ching illustration with bordered frame and all text in English, depicting going obstruction coming great good fortune see great man, symbolizing Jian hexagram sixth line: wise counsel, realization scene mountain water, luminous purples and yellows for supreme."

This blog should make the six lines of Jian hexagram feel more approachable! The I Ching is full of life wisdom. Share your thoughts in the comments. See you next time~