39. Chien; Obstruction Above; K'an the Abysmal water Below; Ken Keeping Still mountain |
21st Century | Comparisons |
| An obstruction prevents passage, prevents
closure, prevents movement. Removing the obstruction is not as
straightforward as you might think. When the work at hand is parlous but
not of your doing then the fault for any consequences cannot lie with
you.
Withdrawal is of itself not an option, however, nor is going forward. Here a conundrum rises. Without assistance you cannot go forward. You cannot go back. You must stand and endure. Your example will embolden others so they will be drawn to the struggle. Leaving the mundane for rarefied pursuits may also be absconding from responsibility. The wise know that engagement with the real world is where the justification for one's existence, if one is needed, can be found.
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Below are the comparative interpretations of a) Leg ge, b) Willhelm, c) Riefler, d) Crowley
a) advance (on the part of its subject) will lead to (greater) difficulties, while remaining stationary will afford ground for praise.
b) Going leads to obstructions. Coming meets with praise.
c) Either the man advances and encounters great difficulties or he stands still and earns praise.
d) Advance adds trouble; stillness aids thee now.
a) the minister of the king struggling with difficulty on difficulty, and not with a view to his own advantage.
b) The king's servant is beset with obstruction upon obstruction. But it is not his own fault.
c) The man encounters one difficulty after another. Still, he conscientiously pursues his mission.
d) Keep struggling, with no self to mar thy vow.
a) advancing, (but only) to (greater) difficulties. He remains stationary, and returns (to his former associates).
b) Going leads to obstructions, hence he comes back.
c) Either the man advances and encounters great difficulties or he stands still with his former allies.
d) Advance not; seek again thine ancient clan;
a) advancing, (but only) to (greater) difficulties. He remains stationary, and unites ( with the subject of the line above).
b) Going leads to obstructions, Coming leads to union.
c) Either the man advances and encounters great difficulties or stands still forming alliances.
d) Advance not; be with those united thou.
a) struggling with the greatest difficulties, while friends are coming to help him.
b) In the midst of the greatest obstructions, Friends come.
c) The man struggles with the greatest difficulties; his finds come to the rescue.
d) Struggle! Friends come to prosecute thy plan.
a) 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.
b) Going leads to obstructions, Coming leads to great fortune. It furthers one to see the great man.
c) Either the man advances and encounters great difficulties or stands still, finding fulfilment. Auspicious if you confer with the great man.
d) Advance not! Wait for aid from the Great Han!