Jian · 蹇

Judgment (卦辞)

Obstruction. The southwest furthers. The northeast does not further. It furthers one to see the great man. Perseverance brings good fortune. Obstruction blocks progress; one should turn toward favorable directions and seek wise counsel rather than pushing forward obstinately.

蹇：利西南，不利东北；利见大人，贞吉。

Image (象辞)

Water on the mountain — the image of Obstruction. Thus the superior man turns his attention to himself and molds his character. Water blocked by the mountain cannot flow; one must improve oneself while waiting for conditions to change.

山上有水，蹇；君子以反身修德。

Modern Application

Jian teaches self-improvement during obstruction — when external paths are blocked, turn inward. Key for personal development during setbacks, redirecting blocked projects, and strategic waiting.

蹇教导在阻碍期间自我提升——当外部路径被阻断时，转向内在。对挫折中的个人发展、重新导向受阻项目和战略等待至关重要。