Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 观 (Guān) |
| English Name | Contemplation / Observation |
| Trigrams | Wind over Earth (巽上坤下) |
| Number | 20 of 64 |
The Text (Yijing Classic)
Judgment (卦辞 Guàcí)
Contemplation. The ablution has been made, but not yet the offering. Full of trust they look up to him.
The Image (象辞 Xiàngcí)
The wind blows over the earth: the image of Contemplation. Thus the kings of old visited the regions of the world, contemplated the people, and gave them instruction.
The Six Lines (爻辞 Yáocí)
| Line | Position | Text | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 初六 | Bottom | Boy-like contemplation. For an inferior man, no blame. For a superior man, humiliation. | Acceptable situation; no error in this approach |
| 六二 | 2nd | Contemplation through the crack of the door. Furthering for the perseverance of a woman. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 六三 | 3rd | Contemplation of my life decides the choice between advance and retreat. | Step back; the time for advance has not come |
| 六四 | 4th | Contemplation of the light of the kingdom. It furthers one to exert influence as the guest of a king. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 九五 | 5th | Contemplation of my life. The superior man is without blame. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 上九 | Top | Contemplation of his life. The superior man is without blame. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
Core Meanings
Essence (本质)
- Viewing from above; the power of contemplation and setting an example
- Upper trigram Wind (gentle and penetrating) over lower trigram Earth (receptive and nurturing)
- Embodies the qualities of contemplation, observation, insight and example, reflection, influence
Keywords
ContemplationObservationInsightExampleReflectionInfluence
Divination & Prediction
★★★☆☆Neutral — Contemplative
| Aspect | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Overall | Mixed conditions requiring discernment. Viewing from above; the power of contemplation and setting an example Success is possible through insight and example. |
| Timing | Proceed with care, attending to details and timing. |
| Challenge | Balance contemplation with observation to navigate the complexity. |
Applications in Life
Business & Career
In business, this hexagram counsels contemplation and observation. The Wind trigram above suggests gentle and penetrating energy in your outer dealings, while the Earth trigram below points to receptive and nurturing foundations. Proceed carefully, focusing on essentials.
Health & Wellness
Focus on thighs and immune system and stomach and digestion. Moderate, balanced approaches to health serve better than extreme measures now.
Relationships
In relationships, embody contemplation and observation. Balance giving and receiving. Listen as much as you speak.
Education & Growth
For learning, this hexagram emphasizes insight and example. Steady, methodical study brings better results than ambitious leaps.
Practical Wisdom
Do
- Cultivate contemplation in all your actions
- Practice observation consistently
- Embrace insight as your guiding principle
- Develop example through daily practice
Don’t
- Neglect the importance of reflection
- Abandon influence under pressure
- Act impulsively without considering consequences
Comparative Hexagrams
| Hexagram | Relationship |
|---|---|
| 19. Lín (临) | Approach — active approach vs passive contemplation |
| 8. Bǐ (比) | Holding Together — influence through presence |
| 12. Pǐ (否) | Standstill — withdrawal for reflection |
Sample Reading Dialogue
Querent: “Should I take action or continue observing this market opportunity?”
You received Hexagram 20, Contemplation. The judgment says: 'Contemplation. The ablution has been made, but not yet the offering. Full of tru...' Viewing from above; the power of contemplation and setting an example This is a nuanced sign. Success is possible but requires careful attention to observation and insight. Proceed thoughtfully rather than boldly.