Hexagram 39
Difficult, limp, halting
The wisdom of the Jian hexagram lies in the word "stop." It teaches us that life will always encounter seemingly insurmountable obstacles. At this time, it is foolish to rush in. Knowing how to stop, retreat, ask for help, and stick to the right path in your heart is the only way to finally get out of the predicament.
Trigram Structure
䷦, Kan above, Gen below
Palace：坎
Key Themes
Difficult, limp, halting
The wisdom of the Jian hexagram lies in the word "stop." It teaches us that life will always encounter seemingly insurmountable obstacles. At this time, it is foolish to rush in. Knowing how to stop, retreat, ask for help, and stick to the right path in your heart is the only way to finally get out of the predicament.
Jian: It is beneficial to the southwest, but detrimental to the northeast. Benefit to meet the adults, chastity and auspiciousness.
Mountain blocking water, a limping person, a blocked road.
Roadblocks, barriers, crutches, dead ends.
The wisdom of the Jian hexagram lies in the word "stop." It teaches us that life will always encounter seemingly insurmountable obstacles. At this time, it is foolish to rush in. Knowing how to stop, retreat, ask for help, and stick to the right path in your heart is the only way to finally get out of the predicament.
Going forward is difficult, coming back is praised.
Guidance
Going forward is difficult; returning is praised.
Modern Insight
This is the beginning of difficulty. You want to advance, but encounter obstacles. At this time, do not force forward. The wisest choice is to retreat temporarily, reassess the situation, and wait for a better opportunity. This is not cowardice, but wisdom.
The king's servant is in trouble, not for himself.
Guidance
The king's servant is in difficulty; not for his own sake.
Modern Insight
You are in difficulty, but this difficulty is not for personal gain, but for serving a higher purpose. Your loyalty and dedication will be recognized. Even in difficulty, maintain your integrity and purpose.
Going forward is difficult, coming back is reversed.
Guidance
Going forward is difficult; returning is also reversed.
Modern Insight
You are in the most difficult position—advancing is difficult, and retreating is also difficult. You are truly stuck. At this time, the only way is to seek help from those above (the great person) and wait for external assistance.
Going forward is difficult, coming back is connected.
Guidance
Going forward is difficult; returning connects with others.
Modern Insight
You are in difficulty, but by retreating, you can connect with others and form alliances. This connection and cooperation will help you overcome difficulties together. Do not go it alone; seek cooperation.
Great difficulty, friends come.
Guidance
Great difficulty; friends come.
Modern Insight
You are in great difficulty, but friends come to help. This shows that your past kindness and integrity have won you support. In times of difficulty, true friends will come to your aid. This is the reward of virtue.
Going forward is difficult, coming back is great. Auspicious, beneficial to meet the great person.
Guidance
Going forward is difficult; returning brings great results. Auspicious; beneficial to meet the great person.
Modern Insight
This is the end of difficulty. By retreating and seeking help from the great person, you can achieve great results. This teaches us that sometimes retreat is the best advance, and seeking help is the wisest strategy.
