Hexagram 20: Contemplation

Trigrams

Upper trigram: Xun (Wind) · Lower trigram: Kun (Earth)

Judgment

Like the moment of purification before the offering, not yet the offering itself — sincerity inspires reverent awe.

Image

Wind moves over the earth: contemplation. The ancient kings toured the regions, observed the people, and instituted teachings.

Meaning of Hexagram Contemplation

Contemplation (觀) is hexagram #20 of the 64 I-Ching hexagrams, formed by the upper trigram Xun (Wind) and lower trigram Kun (Earth). It represents stepping back to observe with clarity before acting. When this hexagram is cast, the querent should meditate on the judgment and image to grasp what the Yi is saying about the current situation.

The Six Lines Explained

First Line (Six at the Beginning)

"Tong guan, xiao ren wu jiu, jun zi lin — Childlike contemplation; no blame for the petty man, but regret for the superior man"

Seeing like a child (understanding nothing) — for a petty person this is not blameworthy, but for a superior person it is regrettable. Farthest from the center, this line has a narrow view — acceptable for an ordinary person but not for someone of great responsibility.

Second Line (Six in the Second Place)

"Kui guan, li nu zhen — Peeping through a crack; favorable for a woman's perseverance"

Looking through a narrow crack, suitable only for the virtue befitting a woman. A warning about a limited view — suited to a passive role but not to someone who must make major decisions.

Third Line (Six in the Third Place)

"Guan wo sheng, jin tui — Contemplating one's own life to decide whether to advance or withdraw"

Examining one's own conduct to decide whether to advance or retreat. Advice to reflect objectively on oneself before acting, rather than only judging others.

Fourth Line (Six in the Fourth Place)

"Guan guo zhi guang, li yong bin yu wang — Contemplating the glory of the kingdom; favorable to be received as a guest by the king"

Observing the glory of the nation, making use of one's closeness to the ruler to contribute. Near high power, this line has the chance to observe and learn from a good example to develop its talent.

Fifth Line (Nine in the Fifth Place)

"Guan wo sheng jun zi, wu jiu — Contemplating one's own conduct as a superior man; no blame"

Examining one's own actions to see whether they conform to the Way of the superior man; thus there is no blame. The ruling line, in the highest position of leadership, must set an example for those below.

Top Line (Nine at the Top)

"Guan qi sheng jun zi, wu jiu — Contemplating his conduct as a superior man; no blame"

Similar to line 5 but spoken of someone in the highest position (not the ruler) — they too must examine whether their conduct conforms to the Way of the superior man in order to be without blame.

The Transformed Hexagram

The inner trigram is Kun (Earth), the outer is Xun (Wind) — the inverse of hexagram 19, Approach. Identify the exact moving line for the correct transformation.

Applications by Area of Life

Work & Career

Guan speaks of setting an example and learning from the example of others. In leadership, focus on being a good model (line 5); when learning, broaden your view and avoid narrow perception (as warned in lines 1 and 2).

Love & Relationships

Reflect on yourself (as in line 3) before making an important decision in the relationship, rather than judging only the other person.

Health

Carefully “observe” the body's signals (self-examination) to respond appropriately and in time.

Wealth

Learn from and observe the methods of successful people or organizations (as in line 4, “observing the glory of the nation”) to inform your own financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Contemplation

What does hexagram Guan (Contemplation) mean?

Guan means both “to observe” and “to set an example, to display to others”. This hexagram speaks of a two-way relationship between setting an example (from those above) and learning through observation (from those below).

Why do the same line statements (lines 5 and 6) appear twice in this hexagram?

Because line 5 speaks from the ruler's own perspective (using “wo” — I, myself), while line 6 speaks from an outside observer's perspective on that same conduct (using “qi” — his) — showing consistency in requiring those in high positions to examine themselves.

What is the core lesson of Guan?

Those in leadership must set a good example for those below to follow; those in lower positions must broaden their view and learn from that example, rather than perceiving things only superficially and narrowly.