ChineseStudy

20. Guan | Contemplation

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English translation

Guan / Contemplation: Contemplation: to cleanse but not offer; hold sincere and composed dignity.

This is the judgment of Guan (Contemplation), setting the overall situation and guiding principle for the whole hexagram. “sincerity” points to trustworthiness and inner confidence.

First Six: Childlike observance: the vulgar person has no blame; the noble one has regret.

The first line is the lowest position, where a situation is just beginning and its strength is still forming. “no blame” means avoiding fault, not necessarily winning great success; “regret” or “difficulty” points to trouble caused by an ill-measured action.

Second Six: Peering contemplation is advised, and it favors a woman's steadfastness.

The second line often suggests a central and emerging position: no longer hidden, but not yet in command. “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time.

Third Six: Observe one's life carefully and weigh when to advance and when to withdraw.

The third line stands at the end of the lower trigram, where effort and pressure increase and caution becomes important. The image should be read as a concrete way of describing the situation before choosing how to act.

Fourth Six: Observe the state’s radiance, and it is useful to attend the king as a guest.

The fourth line enters the upper trigram and marks a threshold between holding back and advancing. The image should be read as a concrete way of describing the situation before choosing how to act.

Fifth Nine: Observe one's own life; for the upright person, there is no blame.

The fifth line is near the honored position, where influence can be exercised if power remains aligned with what is right. “no blame” means avoiding fault, not necessarily winning great success.

Top Nine: Observe its life course; the upright person has no blame.

The top line is the end of the hexagram's movement, often warning about excess, culmination, or the need to change course. “no blame” means avoiding fault, not necessarily winning great success.

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