I Ching hexagram 39
Hexagram 39: Jian
Obstruction · 水山蹇 · Water above, Mountain below
When force cannot clear an obstacle, you stop and look to yourself first, then to others for help.
What this hexagram is about
Pushing on makes an obstruction worse, so the way out runs through what you can change in yourself and through people who can help. Danger lies ahead, and the sensible response is to stop and take stock.
A way to think about it
What is blocking you, and what in your own approach could change? Think of one person who could help you see the obstacle from another angle.
The text, with Legge's translation
Judgment
利西南，不利東北；利見大人，貞吉。
In (the state indicated by) Kien advantage will be found in the south-west, and the contrary in the north-east. It will be advantageous (also) to meet with the great man. (In these circumstances), with firmness and correctness, there will be good fortune.
Southwest is open ground and northeast is hard going, which points you toward the easier route. It helps to see a capable person, and staying steady and correct bodes well.
Image
山上有水，蹇；君子以反身修德。
(The trigram representing) a mountain, and above it that for water, form Kien. The superior man, in accordance with this, turns round (and examines) himself, and cultivates his virtue.
Line 1 · 初六
往蹇，來譽。
From the first line, divided, we learn that advance (on the part of its subject) will lead to (greater) difficulties, while remaining stationary will afford ground for praise.
Going forward meets an obstacle, while stopping and coming back earns praise. At the very start, waiting is the wiser move.
Line 2 · 六二
王臣蹇蹇，匪躬之故。
The second line, divided, shows the minister of the king struggling with difficulty on difficulty, and not with a view to his own advantage.
The picture is a ruler's minister struggling through obstacle after obstacle, for duty and with no private gain in it.
Line 3 · 九三
往蹇來反。
The third line, undivided, shows its subject advancing, (but only) to (greater) difficulties. He remains stationary, and returns (to his former associates).
An obstacle blocks the way forward, so you turn back toward the people who rely on you. They are glad to have you back.
Line 4 · 六四
往蹇來連。
The fourth line, divided, shows its subject advancing, (but only) to (greater) difficulties. He remains stationary, and unites (with the subject of the line above).
Advancing runs into trouble again, so you stay and join with the steady person next to you. Together you are better placed to handle it.
Line 5 · 九五
大蹇朋來。
The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject struggling with the greatest difficulties, while friends are coming to help him.
This is the greatest obstruction, and friends come to help. At the center of the trouble, you have people who show up for you.
Line 6 · 上六
往蹇來碩，吉；利見大人。
The topmost line, divided, shows its subject going forward, (only to increase) the difficulties, while his remaining stationary will be (productive of) great (merit). There will be good fortune, and it will be advantageous to meet with the great man.
Going out again only adds to the trouble, and coming back brings great merit. That is the encouraging reading, and it helps to see a capable person.
Chinese text: the received Zhouyi, public domain. English: James Legge, The Yi King, Sacred Books of the East vol. 16 (1882), public domain. Plain notes written by this site.
Questions
I cast hexagram 39. Which text do I read?
With no changing lines, read the judgment: "In (the state indicated by) Kien advantage will be found in the south-west, and the contrary in the north-east. It will be advantageous (also) to meet with the great man. (In these circumstances), with firmness and correctness, there will be good fortune." With changing lines, read the lines that changed. When several change at once, Zhu Xi's rules decide which text leads, and the casting page marks it for you.
What are the nuclear, opposite and inverted hexagrams of Jian?
The nuclear hexagram is 64. Wei Ji (Not Yet Across). The opposite is 38. Kui (Estrangement). The inverted hexagram is 40. Jie (Release).