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.
Legge
Read as
The judgment
Legge
盥而不薦，有孚顒若。
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
line 1 is at the bottom
- Line 1Yin
童觀，小人无咎，君子吝。
Are you only considering the surface aspects of the situation and how they impact you? This shallow way of thinking lacks depth. A more insightful perspective seeks to understand how the situation connects to the larger picture, allowing you to grasp its true significance in your life.
- Line 2Yin
闚觀，利女貞。
If your aspirations go beyond simply maintaining your own comfort, and if you wish to engage with societal issues, you need to widen your perspective. If you interpret everything only through the lens of your own experiences and views, your growth will be stunted.
- Line 3Yin
觀我生，進退。
To make wise choices in life, it's essential to gain an unbiased understanding of yourself. This cannot be achieved by focusing solely on your own dreams and opinions, as they do not aid in self-reflection. Instead, observe how you impact the world around you; therein lies your true self.
- Line 4Yin
觀國之光，利用賓于王。
You can advance by reflecting on society and identifying the most beneficial cause, leader, or organization to support. This awareness of social dynamics and your active participation will enhance your personal development, enabling you to rise above the crowd and make a meaningful impact.
- Line 5Yang
觀我生，君子无咎。
By considering how your life affects those around you, you will gain insight into your future. If your influence and example are positive, you bear no blame. You will find that this understanding is rewarding in itself.
- Line 6Yang
觀其生，君子无咎。
You have reached a point where you can view your life from a distance, free from self-centered concerns. In this space, you will realize that true freedom from mistakes and blame represents the highest virtue. Reflecting without ego is essential.
When this hexagram changes
These are the moves that have come up most often in readings. Each page keeps the book text.
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. The throw uses the odds of three coins: how a reading is cast.