Hexagram #39
Jian · 蹇
坎 above · 艮 below
Hexagram 39, Jian (蹇), combines the Kan (upper) and Gen (lower) trigrams. Obstruction.
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。
Trigram Composition
Upper: ☵ Kan (坎)
Water · Abysmal, Dangerous
Lower: ☶ Gen (艮)
Mountain · Keeping Still, Resting
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。
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Frequently Asked Questions常见问题
What does Hexagram 39 (Jian) mean?第 39 卦 蹇 是什么意思？+
Hexagram 39, Jian (蹇), represents the interaction of Kan (above) and Gen (below). 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 favorab
What are the trigrams of Hexagram 39?第 39 卦的上下卦是什么？+
Hexagram 39 has Kan as the upper trigram and Gen as the lower trigram.
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