觀
Hexagram 20 · 觀
Upper trigram: 巽 · Lower trigram: 坤
Guan (Contemplation): the hexagram of attentive observation. Widen your view, examine your example, and understand before directing others.
The image
Wind moves above earth, passing across a broad landscape. Its influence is felt through many local effects rather than one visible center. Guan means viewing and also being viewed as an example. The image joins careful observation with responsibility for what one's conduct communicates.
Judgment
盥而不薦，有孚顒若。
The hands are washed, but the offering has not yet been presented. There is sincerity and a reverent bearing.
The commentary emphasizes the attentive moment before outward performance. Before leading a meeting, a person can clarify the purpose and listen carefully instead of relying on an impressive presentation alone.
Great Image
風行地上，觀；先王以省方，觀民設教。
Wind travels above the earth: Contemplation. The former kings accordingly visited the regions, observed the people, and established instruction.
Useful guidance begins with seeing how people actually live. A manager visiting the service desk can learn more about customer difficulties than by reading summary figures alone.
Line texts
Line 1 · 初六
童觀，小人无咎，君子吝。
A child's view. No blame for an ordinary person; humiliation for the exemplary person.
Six in the first place is yin with a distant, limited view. The Small Image associates it with an undeveloped perspective, like a leader judging an entire department from one casual impression.
Line 2 · 六二
窺觀，利女貞。
Peering through a narrow opening. A woman's constancy is beneficial.
Six in the second place is central yin, yet its view remains restricted. The Small Image still finds limitation here; beyond the historical domestic wording, a researcher may need evidence outside a familiar setting.
Line 3 · 六三
觀我生，進退。
Observing my own life, I decide whether to advance or withdraw.
Six in the third place is yin at a threshold between inner and outer activity. The Small Image allows this self-review, like considering one's actual work before applying for a larger role.
Line 4 · 六四
觀國之光，利用賓于王。
Observing the state's splendor. It is beneficial to be a guest of the king.
Six in the fourth place is fitting yin near the ruler. The Small Image honors the guest's role, like visiting a well-run organization to understand its practices before offering advice.
Line 5 · 九五
觀我生，君子无咎。
Observing my own life. The exemplary person is without blame.
Nine in the fifth place is central yang whose example affects others. The Small Image says to observe the people, like a supervisor assessing leadership through colleagues' actual experience rather than self-image.
Line 6 · 上九
觀其生，君子无咎。
Observing that life. The exemplary person is without blame.
Nine at the top is yang looking beyond immediate office at a life as a whole. The Small Image keeps its purpose unsettled, like an experienced teacher continuing to examine the influence of past choices.
When asking about
Career
Observation often reveals what reports leave out. Understand everyday conditions before proposing a change.
Love
Careful attention can reveal familiar patterns. Ask how your conduct is experienced instead of relying on intention alone.
Money
A broader view can improve ordinary decisions. Review actual spending rather than judging from a single balance.
Home
Quiet observation may uncover differing household needs. Listen before deciding what improvement everyone wants.
Study
Comparing perspectives often deepens understanding. Examine your own assumptions alongside the material.
Health
Noticing daily rhythms can help you describe rest and mood clearly. See a doctor for any health concern.
Advice
Pause long enough to see both the situation and your place within it. Let careful observation shape an example worth following.
Related hexagrams
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