Hexagram 20: Contemplation
Observation, inner reflection
| Chinese | 觀 (Guān) |
|---|---|
| Upper trigram | ☴ Wind — The Gentle (Wood) |
| Lower trigram | ☷ Earth — The Receptive (Earth) |
| Keywords | contemplation, observation, reflection, insight |
| Opposite | Hexagram 34: Great Power |
| Inverted | Hexagram 19: Approach |
What does Hexagram 20 (Contemplation) mean?
Contemplation 觀 (Guān) is hexagram 20 of the I Ching, formed by Wind (The Gentle) over Earth (The Receptive). Its theme is observation, inner reflection, with key ideas of contemplation, observation, reflection, insight. The Judgment reads: “Contemplation. The ablution has been made, but not yet the offering.”
The Judgment of Contemplation
Contemplation. The ablution has been made, but not yet the offering.
The Image of Contemplation
The wind blows over the earth.
The six changing lines of Hexagram 20
When a casting produces moving lines, their texts speak directly to your situation. Read from the bottom line upward.
Six at the beginning
“Boy-like contemplation. For an inferior man, no blame. For a superior man, humiliation.”
Seeing only surface appearances is adequate for the ordinary person but falls far short of what leadership demands.
Six in the second place
“Contemplation through the crack of the door. Furthering for the perseverance of a woman.”
A narrow, domestic perspective has its place, but a leader cannot be confined to it. Know the limits of your vantage point.
Six in the third place
“Contemplation of my life decides the choice between advance and retreat.”
Honest self-examination is the basis of all sound decisions. Look within before committing to a direction.
Six in the fourth place
“Contemplation of the light of the kingdom. It furthers one to exert influence as the guest of a king.”
Gaining access to the highest level of governance clarifies understanding. The right observer in the right place can do great good.
Nine in the fifth place
“Contemplation of my life. The superior man is without blame.”
The leader who continually examines their impact on others maintains integrity. Self-scrutiny at the highest level is the mark of a noble character.
Nine at the top
“Contemplation of his life. The superior man is without blame.”
Even beyond active involvement, the sage continues to observe and refine. Detached contemplation at the summit is blameless and illuminating.
Will Contemplation answer your question?
Cast the three coins yourself — the I Ching reading is free, no account needed.
Cast the I Ching →