20. Contemplation (觀 Guān)

Trigrams

Above

☴ Xùn (Wind)

Below

☷ Kūn (Earth)

Symbolic Meaning

觀 (Guān) symbolizes contemplation and observation. This hexagram represents a time to pause and reflect, gaining insight through careful observation rather than immediate action.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"觀，盥而不薦，有孚顒若。"
(Guān, guàn ér bù jiàn, yǒu fú yǒng ruò.)

"Contemplation. Washing the hands, but not making an offering. With sincerity and awareness, clarity comes."

This hexagram speaks of taking time to reflect before making decisions or taking action. By cultivating sincerity and careful observation, clarity and insight are gained. It advises patience and deep contemplation.

Image

Original Chinese:
"風行地上，觀。先王以省方，觀民設教。"
(Fēng xíng dì shàng, guān. Xiān wáng yǐ xǐng fāng, guān mín shè jiào.)

"The wind blows over the earth: The image of Contemplation. The ancient kings made tours of inspection to observe the people and teach them."

The wind blowing over the earth symbolizes the power of observation. The superior person uses this time to observe, learn, and understand, much like the ancient kings who traveled to see the state of their people and teach them accordingly.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"童觀，小人无咎，君子吝。"
(Tóng guān, xiǎo rén wú jiù, jūn zǐ lìn.)

"Childlike contemplation. For the inferior person, no blame. For the superior person, regret."

This line warns against naive or superficial contemplation. While it may cause no harm to those who are inexperienced, it brings regret for the superior person, who should strive for deeper insight.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"闚觀，利女貞。"
(Kuī guān, lì nǚ zhēn.)

"Contemplation from the outside. It is favorable for the perseverance of a woman."

This line suggests observation from a distance or limited perspective. For a woman, this type of perseverance may bring success. It advises careful, indirect observation before taking action.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"觀我生，進退。"
(Guān wǒ shēng, jìn tuì.)

"Contemplation of one’s own life. Advancing or retreating."

This line speaks of introspection and self-reflection. The person contemplates their own life and actions, deciding whether to advance or retreat based on what they see. It advises careful self-examination.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"觀國之光，利用賓于王。"
(Guān guó zhī guāng, lì yòng bīn yú wáng.)

"Contemplating the radiance of the kingdom. It is beneficial to see the great person."

This line speaks of observing the greatness of the kingdom or a powerful leader. By contemplating their example, one learns valuable lessons. It is beneficial to meet and follow the wisdom of the great person.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"觀我生，君子无咎。"
(Guān wǒ shēng, jūn zǐ wú jiù.)

"Contemplation of one’s life. The superior person has no blame."

This line describes a superior person who reflects on their life and actions with clarity and honesty. By doing so, they avoid blame and make wise decisions.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"觀其生，君子无咎。"
(Guān qí shēng, jūn zǐ wú jiù.)

"Contemplation of their life. The superior person has no blame."

This line speaks of observing the lives of others. The superior person gains insight by watching how others live, learning from their successes and mistakes. This observation leads to wisdom and success.