Hard Going
jiǎn · Water over MountainStop, look at the obstacle, and find who can help.
利西南，不利東北；利見大人，貞吉。
Water sits atop a mountain and the way is hard. Head for the open southwest, not the steep northeast. Seek out someone wise, and hold to your course.
The six lines
初六：往蹇，來譽。
Going forward leads into difficulty; holding back earns respect. Wait here and watch before you move.
六二：王臣蹇蹇，匪躬之故。
Like a king's servant you press through obstacle after obstacle. None of this is for your own gain.
九三：往蹇來反。
Ahead lies difficulty, so turn around and come home. Returning to the people who need you is no defeat.
六四：往蹇來連。
Moving ahead alone stays hard. Come back and connect with others; linked together, you can manage what one person cannot.
九五：大蹇朋來。
The obstacle is at its greatest, and here friends arrive. Hold your ground at the center and let people gather to you.
上六：往蹇來碩，吉；利見大人。
Pushing on is hard, but turning back toward others leads to something large. Stay engaged and seek out someone wise.
The I Ching is a tool for reflection. Do not use it as the basis for medical, legal or money decisions.