39. Jian | Obstruction
- Line 1 (from bottom): yin (broken)
- Line 2 (from bottom): yin (broken)
- Line 3 (from bottom): yang (unbroken)
- Line 4 (from bottom): yin (broken)
- Line 5 (from bottom): yang (unbroken)
- Line 6 (from bottom): yin (broken)
蹇：利西南，不利东北。利见大人，贞吉。
Translation: 蹇 / Obstruction: 利西南，不利东北。it is beneficial to meet a great person，uprightness is auspicious。.
Reading note: This is the judgment of Jian (Obstruction), setting the overall situation and guiding principle for the whole hexagram. “meeting a great person” points to guidance from someone of virtue and authority; “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time; “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.
初六：往蹇，来誉。
Translation: First Six: Draft rendering: 往蹇，来誉。.
Reading note: The first line is the lowest position, where a situation is just beginning and its strength is still forming. The image should be read as a concrete way of describing the situation before choosing how to act.
六二：王臣蹇蹇，匪躬之故。
Translation: Second Six: Draft rendering: 王臣蹇蹇，匪躬之故。.
Reading note: The second line often suggests a central and emerging position: no longer hidden, but not yet in command. The image should be read as a concrete way of describing the situation before choosing how to act.
九三：往蹇来反。
Translation: Third Nine: Draft rendering: 往蹇来反。.
Reading note: 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.
六四：往蹇来连。
Translation: Fourth Six: Draft rendering: 往蹇来连。.
Reading note: 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.
九五：大蹇朋来。
Translation: Fifth Nine: Draft rendering: 大蹇朋来。.
Reading note: The fifth line is near the honored position, where influence can be exercised if power remains aligned with what is right. The image should be read as a concrete way of describing the situation before choosing how to act.
上六：往蹇来硕，吉；利见大人。
Translation: Top Six: 往蹇来硕，auspicious；it is beneficial to meet a great person。.
Reading note: The top line is the end of the hexagram's movement, often warning about excess, culmination, or the need to change course. “meeting a great person” points to guidance from someone of virtue and authority; “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.