I Ching hexagram
20. Contemplation
觀Guān
Wind over Earth
Also called View, The Symbol of Steady Observation, Looking Down, Observation, Viewing, Looking Up, Observing, Admiration, To Examine, Rulers and Their Subjects, Introspection, Perception, Contemplation of the Work
Hexagram 20, Contemplation (觀 Guān) is formed by Wind over Earth. It is also known as View, The Symbol of Steady Observation, Looking Down, Observation, Viewing, Looking Up, Observing, Admiration. The judgment is James Legge. The six lines are R.L. Wing — the same texts used in a reading on this site.
The judgment
James Legge
Contemplation shows us a worshipper who has purified himself, but must still present his sacrifice with that dignified sincerity which inspires reverence.
The six lines
R.L. Wing · line 1 is at the bottom
- Line 1Yin
Are you just looking at the surface of the situation and its most superficial effect upon you? This is an inferior, unenlightened form of contemplation. The superior mind will attempt to see the situation as part of a larger whole. This way you can know its actual meaning in your life.
- Line 2Yin
If you have goals more ambitious than maintaining your own private world, if your dreams extend into the affairs of society, then you must develop a broader viewpoint. If you relate everything that comes your way in terms of your own life and attitudes, you cannot develop.
- Line 3Yin
In order to make the correct decisions in your life, you must gain objective self-knowledge. This is not accomplished by exploring your own dreams, attitudes, and opinions. These are useless in self-examination. Instead, contemplate your effect upon the world around you. There you will find yourself
- Line 4Yin
You can now progress by Contemplating society and determining the best cause, leader, or organization you can join or support. This social awareness and its enactment will further your growth, for you can transcend your position as one of the masses and exert significant influence.
- Line 5Yang
You will gain an understanding of what the future holds for you by Contemplating the effect of your life upon others. If your influence and example are good, then you are without blame. This, you will find, is its own reward.
- Line 6Yang
You are somewhat beyond the situation and able to contemplate your life without egotistical involvement. You will discover, here, that freedom from error and blame are the highest good. Egoless contemplation is the key.
Use this hexagram in a reading
These are the same judgment and lines that appear when hexagram 20 comes up in a cast. Ask a question to see which lines change, or keep a journal of your readings.