观
GuānUpper: Wind · 巽 · Lower: Earth · 坤
Judgment盥而不荐，有孚颙若。
In plain wordsThe hands are washed but the offering has not yet been made, and the sincere, dignified bearing inspires respect. One should first look and observe, and also have conduct fit to be looked at.
The imageWind above, earth below: wind passes over the land and touches everything, like a tour of inspection, and also like being watched.
A hint for youBefore acting, observe more and understand the whole picture, and notice the impression you give others. Deciding after you have seen clearly is steadier than judging in a hurry.
Line texts (bottom to top)
- 初六童观，小人无咎，君子吝。The first line, divided, shows the looking of a lad;—not blamable in men of inferior rank, but matter for regret in superior men.
- 六二窥观，利女贞。The second line, divided, shows one peeping out from a door. It would be advantageous if it were (merely) the firm correctness of a female.
- 六三观我生，进退。The third line, divided, shows one looking at (the course of) his own life, to advance or recede (accordingly).
- 六四观国之光，利用宾于王。The fourth line, divided, shows one contemplating the glory of the kingdom. It will be advantageous for him, being such as he is, (to seek) to be a guest of the king.
- 九五观我生，君子无咎。The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject contemplating his own life(-course). A superior man, he will (thus) fall into no error.
- 上九观其生，君子无咎。The sixth line, undivided, shows its subject contemplating his character to see if it be indeed that of a superior man. He will not fall into error.
Contemplation; see the whole picture
For entertainment and self-reflection only