蹇 · 难
Judgement
利西南，不利东北；利见大人，贞吉。
It furthers one to the southwest, not the northeast. It furthers one to see the great man. Steadfastness is auspicious.
The Image
山上有水，蹇。君子以反身修德。
Above the mountain, water: obstruction. So the superior man turns inward, examines himself, and strengthens his virtue.
The Lines
往蹇，来誉。
Going brings obstruction; coming brings praise.
“往蹇，来誉”，宜待也。
Going brings obstruction, coming praise: it is right to wait.
王臣蹇蹇，匪躬之故。
Minister upon minister, obstructed; not for his own sake.
“王臣蹇蹇”，终无尤也。
Minister upon minister, obstructed: in the end no fault.
往蹇，来反。
Going brings obstruction; he comes back.
“往蹇，来反”，内喜之也。
Going brings obstruction, he comes back: those within rejoice.
往蹇，来连。
Going brings obstruction; coming brings company.
“往蹇，来连”，当位实也。
Going brings obstruction, coming brings company: the place is right and full.
大蹇，朋来。
Great obstruction; friends come.
“大蹇，朋来”，以中节也。
Great obstruction, friends come: he holds to the middle measure.
往蹇，来硕；吉，利见大人。
Going brings obstruction; coming brings greatness. Good fortune; it furthers one to see the great man.
“往蹇，来硕”，志在内也；“利见大人”，以从贵也。
Going brings obstruction, coming brings greatness: the will is inward. It furthers one to see the great man: to follow the honoured.
Reading
水遇山而止。难是彻底的，经文也直说——进亦不可，退亦不可。它的劝是向内、向那强者：路既已断，功课就变成走路的人自己。