Hexagram 20
ContemplationGuān 觀
Also translated as Viewing, Observing, Looking Up.
Wind / Wood above Earth below
Wind moves over the whole earth, touching everything. Guan is about seeing and being seen: observing carefully, taking a wider view, and recognizing that your own conduct is watched by others. Like a tower that offers a view and is itself visible from afar, it asks for clear perception and an example worth following.
Judgment
觀：盥而不薦，有孚顒若。
Viewing: hands washed, the offering not yet presented. There is sincerity, and a solemn, upward gaze.
Image
風行地上，觀；先王以省方觀民設教。
Wind travels over the earth: viewing. Taking this as a model, the former kings toured the regions, observed the people and set up teaching.
- Careful observation
- Gaining perspective
- Leading by example
- Self-examination
- Reverence and sincerity
- observation
- perspective
- example
- reflection
- insight
- sincerity
- Look before you act; understanding comes first.
- People learn more from what you do than what you say.
- Examine your own life as carefully as others'.
The six lines
Lines are numbered from the bottom. In a reading, only the lines that are changing apply to your cast.
Line 1Six at the beginning 初六
Line text
童觀，小人无咎，君子吝。
A child's view. For small-minded people, no blame; for the noble one, regret.
Seeing only the surface without understanding the deeper forces is forgivable in the inexperienced but a failing in someone who should know better.
- Superficial view
- Responsibility to see more
- Settling for a shallow understanding
- Deepening your view of the situation
Line 2Six in the second place 六二
Line text
闚觀，利女貞。
Peeping through a crack. Favorable: a woman's steadfastness.
Your view is limited and personal, like peering through a gap. This is fine within a narrow sphere, but a wider perspective is needed for larger decisions.
- Limited perspective
- Seeing from one angle
- Judging the whole from a glimpse
- Recognizing the limits of your viewpoint
Line 3Six in the third place 六三
Line text
觀我生，進退。
Viewing one's own life, to decide whether to advance or withdraw.
Look at the effects of your own actions rather than at others. Honest self-examination shows whether to go forward or step back.
- Self-examination
- Deciding direction
- Looking outward to avoid looking inward
- Clear direction from honest reflection
Line 4Six in the fourth place 六四
Line text
觀國之光，利用賓于王。
Viewing the splendor of the state. Favorable to be a guest of the king.
You can see how things really work in a wider sphere. With that understanding you are well placed to offer your skills, as an honored adviser, not a servant.
- Understanding the larger picture
- Offering counsel
- Keeping valuable insight to yourself
- Contributing as a trusted adviser
Line 5Nine in the fifth place 九五
Line text
觀我生，君子无咎。
Viewing one's own life. The noble one is without blame.
For someone in a position of influence, the measure of their conduct is its effect on others. Examine whether the results of your actions are good.
- Accountability
- Effects on others
- Ignoring the impact of your example
- Leading by an example you can stand behind
Line 6Nine at the top 上九
Line text
觀其生，君子无咎。
Viewing one's life from without. The noble one is without blame.
Freed from ego, you consider life itself, others' and your own, with detachment. Wise distance brings clarity and freedom from blame.
- Detached wisdom
- Contemplating life itself
- Detachment turning into indifference
- A clear, calm overview
Related hexagrams
Have a question on your mind?
Cast a readingChinese text: Zhouyi 周易 (received classical text). English rendering and notes: Site rendering. About our sources
Commentary
The judgment describes the solemn moment in a ceremony after the hands are washed and before the offering: a pause of pure attention in which everyone is drawn into reverence. Guan suggests a time not of acting but of watching, reflecting and understanding. The reading may suggest stepping back to see the whole situation before deciding.
The hexagram's shape is like a tower, and its two strong lines at the top look out over the land while being seen by all. That is the double meaning of contemplation: your own clarity and integrity influence others without words. The lines move from a child's narrow view to a sage's wide one. In relation to a question, Guan may emphasize perspective, self-reflection and the power of example.