39. Obstruction
Jiǎn — Obstruction / Difficulty
Trigrams
The Judgment
Obstruction. The southwest furthers. The northeast does not further. It furthers one to see the great person. Perseverance brings good fortune.
The Image
Water above mountain — a dangerous chasm before you, a steep mountain behind. The way forward is blocked. The wise person turns their attention inward to cultivate their virtue.
Interpretation
The path forward is blocked and the way back is difficult. Rather than pushing harder against the obstruction, turn inward. Examine what within you might be contributing to the difficulty. Seek the counsel of a wise person or mentor. The hexagram advises going southwest (the direction of the receptive, of yielding) rather than northeast (the direction of keeping still). Yield, adapt, and seek help.
Advice
Don't push harder against the obstacle. Turn inward and examine yourself. Seek counsel from someone wiser. Yield and adapt rather than forcing your way through. The obstruction may have a lesson for you.