䷦ Jian jiǎn
Core Meaning
The Jian hexagram reveals the wisdom of facing difficulties. Difficulties are not frightening; the key is how to respond. The Jian hexagram emphasizes: in the initial stage, retreat when encountering difficulty, 'going into difficulty, coming back praised' means retreating and being commended; dedicating oneself loyally, 'difficulty after difficulty not for selfish reasons' means acting without personal gain; those with strength should retreat, 'going into difficulty, coming back and returning' means retreating to a secure position; when progress and retreat are both difficult, remain steadfast, 'going into difficulty, coming back and continuing' means holding firm and waiting for the right time; when facing the greatest difficulty, help will come, 'great difficulty, friends come' means friends offering aid; ultimately, overcoming hardship and achieving great success, 'coming back with great gain, auspicious' means retreating and gaining much. The wisdom of the Jian hexagram lies in: stopping when encountering danger, reflecting on oneself and cultivating virtue, not being overconfident or stubborn, seeking support, and adhering to the righteous path. In modern society with high pressure, the spirit of Jian is even more needed: when encountering difficulties, calm down first, reflect on oneself to find causes, and seek help appropriately so as not to be alone.
The Judgment
It is advantageous to the southwest, disadvantageous to the northeast. It is advantageous to see a great person, and remaining firm brings good fortune.
Interpretation:
The Jian hexagram symbolizes difficulty in travel. It is advantageous to go towards the flat southwest, and disadvantageous to the perilous northeast. It is beneficial to seek help from a great person; steadfast adherence to the righteous path brings good fortune. Stopping when encountering danger is wisdom; reflecting on oneself and cultivating virtue is key.
The Image
Water on the Mountain is Jian; the superior person reflects on themselves and cultivates virtue.
Structure
The Jian hexagram has Gen below and Kan above. Gen, the mountain, is below, and Kan, the water, is above, forming the image of Water over Mountain, Jian. Water accumulated on a high mountain, with obstacles ahead, makes travel difficult – this is the image of 'Jian'. The lower trigram Gen signifies stopping, and the upper trigram Kan signifies danger. To be able to stop when encountering danger is wisdom. The Jian hexagram does not signify perpetual difficulty, but rather temporary hardship. 'Advantageous to the southwest' means smooth paths; 'disadvantageous to the northeast' means avoiding peril – these are strategies. 'Reflecting on oneself and cultivating virtue' is key, improving oneself internally when facing external difficulties. The Jian hexagram tells us: do not push forward blindly when in difficulty; stop when you should; do not just think about breaking through, but also reflect on yourself; do not fight alone, seek help; adhere to the righteous path, and you will eventually escape hardship. The utility of Jian in times of difficulty is great indeed!
The Lines
The six lines are read from bottom to top, representing the progression from the foundation to the culmination.
Initial six: Going into difficulty, coming back praised.
Six in the second place: A king's minister encounters difficulty after difficulty, not for selfish reasons.
Nine in the third place: Going into difficulty, coming back and returning.
Six in the fourth place: Going into difficulty, coming back and continuing.
Nine in the fifth place: Great difficulty, friends come.
Top six: Going into difficulty, coming back with great gain, auspicious; advantageous to see a great person.
Modern Interpretation
💼 Career & Business
When encountering difficulties in your career, handle them calmly. 'To be able to stop when encountering danger' is wisdom; do not knowingly pursue what is impossible. 'Advantageous to the southwest, disadvantageous to the northeast' means choosing smooth paths and avoiding perils. Do not rush forward when difficulties arise initially; 'going into difficulty, coming back praised' means that retreating when knowing it's difficult is better. If you dedicate yourself to the company, 'difficulty after difficulty not for selfish reasons', although difficult, acting without selfish motives will ultimately be recognized. Those with strength should temporarily retreat; 'going into difficulty, coming back and returning' means returning to your rightful place and waiting patiently. When progress and retreat are difficult, remain steadfast; 'going into difficulty, coming back and continuing' means holding your position. When facing the greatest difficulty, help will come; 'friends come' means colleagues and friends will extend a helping hand. Ultimately, difficulties can be resolved; 'coming back with great gain, auspicious' means retreating can lead to significant gains. The key is to 'reflect on oneself and cultivate virtue', during difficulties, first reflect on yourself and improve your abilities, rather than blaming others.
❤️ Relationships
When encountering difficulties in a relationship, handle them rationally. 'Stopping when encountering danger' means if you know it's not suitable, don't force it. 'Advantageous to the southwest' means choosing a suitable partner, 'disadvantageous to the northeast' means avoiding unsuitable ones. If it starts unfavorably, 'going into difficulty, coming back praised' means letting go is better. If you give sincerely, 'difficulty after difficulty not for selfish reasons', though difficult, not seeking回报 (return/repayment) will eventually move the other person. If there is a way to retreat, do so temporarily; 'going into difficulty, coming back and returning' means giving each other space. When progress and retreat are difficult, persevere; 'going into difficulty, coming back and continuing' means holding onto your true feelings. When facing the greatest difficulty, there will be a turning point; 'friends come' means friends helping or new opportunities arising. Ultimately, there can be a good outcome; 'coming back with great gain, auspicious' means a step back can open up a wider world. The key is to 'reflect on oneself and cultivate virtue'; if the relationship is not smooth, first reflect on yourself and improve yourself rather than blaming the other person.
🎯 Decision Making
When encountering difficulties in decision-making, assess the situation. 'The utility of Jian in times of difficulty is great indeed'; difficulties contain opportunities. 'Stopping when encountering danger' means not to advance blindly; 'advantageous to the southwest, disadvantageous to the northeast' means choosing the right direction is very important. If the beginning is not smooth, adjust; 'going into difficulty, coming back praised' means cutting losses in time. Persevere for the greater good; 'difficulty after difficulty not for selfish reasons' means acting without selfish motives. If there's an option to retreat, do so; 'going into difficulty, coming back and returning' means preserving your strength. If progress and retreat are difficult, remain steadfast; 'going into difficulty, coming back and continuing' means holding firm and waiting for the right moment. When facing the greatest difficulty, help will come; 'friends come' means seeking cooperation. Ultimately, danger can be averted; 'coming back with great gain, auspicious' means retreating can still lead to success. The most important thing is to 'reflect on oneself and cultivate virtue'; when in difficulty, first examine yourself to find the causes, and improve yourself rather than avoiding responsibility.
⚠️ Warning & Caution
The biggest warning of the Jian hexagram is not to push forward blindly. 'Going into difficulty' means encountering difficulties everywhere, and stubbornly pushing forward is foolish. 'Disadvantageous to the northeast' warns not to go towards danger; knowingly entering a dangerous situation is seeking death. 'Going into difficulty, coming back and continuing' warns: sometimes progress and retreat are both difficult, but do not panic. The 'six in the fourth place' is the most awkward position, but 'being in its proper place and solid' means holding a righteous position is very important. Beware of: stubbornly pushing through difficulties, not reflecting on oneself and blaming others, fighting alone without seeking help, and abandoning the righteous path for a crooked one. Remember: 'reflecting on oneself and cultivating virtue' is key; when external difficulties arise, it's even more important to cultivate your inner self. 'Advantageous to see a great person'; when in difficulty, seek help and do not try to be strong alone. Jian is temporary; adhering to the righteous path will surely lead to overcoming hardship.
Applicable Scenarios
The Jian hexagram can provide guidance and inspiration when you encounter the following situations:
Historical Context & Cultural Heritage
The King of Yue, Goujian, enduring hardship and tasting gall, embodies the wisdom of the Jian hexagram. Defeated by King Fuchai of Wu, he faced 'great difficulty' to the extreme. He 'stopped when encountering danger' and no longer fought stubbornly, choosing to surrender and seek peace; 'advantageous to the southwest, disadvantageous to the northeast' means avoiding the strong and attacking the weak. 'Going into difficulty, coming back praised', he retreated to become a slave, which preserved his state. 'Difficulty after difficulty not for selfish reasons', he endured humiliation and heavy burdens, not for personal gain. Being a slave in Wu was 'going into difficulty, coming back and continuing', a situation where progress and retreat were both difficult, but he held steadfast to his ambition of restoring his state. 'Reflecting on oneself and cultivating virtue', after returning to his state, he endured hardship, worked diligently, and cultivated internal governance. 'Friends come', wise ministers Fan Li and Wen Zhong assisted him. Ultimately, 'coming back with great gain, auspicious', after ten years of growth and ten years of lessons, he destroyed Wu and avenged himself. This is precisely the wisdom of the Jian hexagram: when in difficulty, do not push forward blindly, reflect on oneself and cultivate virtue, adhere to the righteous path, and you will eventually escape hardship.
Related Hexagrams
Based on the connections between hexagrams, the following are also worth exploring:
Deepen Your Understanding
This interpretation provides a foundational understanding of the Jian hexagram. For a deeper comprehension, consider:
- • Reading commentaries from classical scholars and modern interpreters
- • Studying the hexagram's position within the overall sequence of the 64 hexagrams
- • Reflecting on how its wisdom applies to your current life situation
- • Exploring the changing lines and their resulting hexagrams in divination
Authoritative Resources
Want to explore the I Ching more deeply? These authoritative resources provide scholarly perspectives: