Zhouyi BenyiLine statement
Joining with Nine in the Third Place, uniting their strength to overcome the difficulty.
39. Obstruction (蹇)
Line 4
Modern reading
Positioned inside the upper hazard, Line 4 chooses connection over solitary struggle by linking with the capable lines below. The classical gloss underscores that aligning with trustworthy allies turns vulnerability into shared strength.
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I Ching / BaZi reading request (from eastalmanac.com). Page: Hexagram 39 蹇 — Line 4. Interpret through classical principles in two layers: 1) Structural Evidence: identify key line dynamics, changing line pivot, or element balance. 2) Actionable Verdict: direct answer to the inquiry in plain language, followed by 2–3 concrete next steps (action-verb first) and mindful cautions. Grounded wisdom for self-reflection. Source page: https://eastalmanac.com/yijing/39/4
I Ching casting
As a flexible yin line in a correct position, Line 4 finds itself deep within the watery hazard of Kan, yet it bridges the gap between the sovereign above and the resources below.
Its transition to Hexagram 31 (Influence) shows that mutual resonance and honest outreach dismantle obstacles that individual force cannot pierce. Building alliances across levels turns an isolated crisis into collective resilience.
Career
Confronting complicated institutional challenges on your own will lead to fatigue and diminishing returns. By establishing transparent communication across departments and enlisting seasoned peers, you weave a comprehensive safety net.
Collaborating across teams dissolves problems that no single contributor could resolve alone.
Love & relationships
When external circumstances or family pressures strain a relationship, attempting to handle the burden alone creates misunderstandings. Opening up candidly and treating the situation as a shared mission aligns your priorities and dissolves emotional distance.
Facing difficulties hand in hand reinforces mutual intimacy.
Wealth
Navigating tight budgets or difficult enterprise conditions requires joint ventures or risk-sharing partnerships. The influence of Hexagram 31 points toward pooling resources or inviting reliable co-investors to absorb volatility.
Sharing responsibilities with dependable partners stabilizes your financial footing.
References
Original text
Line statement
4. 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).
Small Image
‘To advance will (only be to) encounter (greater) difficulties; he remains stationary, and unites (with the subject of the line above):’—that is in its proper place and has the solidity (due to it in that position).
Classical commentary
Zhouyi BenyiSmall Image
Dāng takes the departing tone.
Yichuan YizhuanLine statement
Going forward plunges deeper into the depths of Kan's danger: 'going brings obstruction.' Dwelling in a time of Obstruction and difficulty, those who share the same hardships have wills that align without prior consultation.
Furthermore, Four occupies a high position, sharing the correctness of occupying a proper position with those below, and is closely adjacent and attached to the Third.
The Second and First lines, belonging to the same kind, associate with each other; thus it shares the same will with those below, and the multitude follows and attaches to it. Hence it is said: 'Coming brings connection.'
Coming back, it joins in solidarity with the multitude below; being able to unite with the multitude is the proper way to handle Obstruction.
Yichuan YizhuanSmall Image
In a time of Obstruction, Four occupies a high position; by coming back instead of going forward, it shares the same will with those below, which is certainly enough to win the multitude.
Moreover, being a yin line dwelling in a yin place, it obtains its genuine reality; dealing with those below in sincerity, it is able to unite with them, while the Second and Third below also each attain their genuine reality.
The First line, as yin dwelling at the bottom, is also true to its reality. In a time of shared adversity, when people interact with genuine sincerity, their unity is assured; therefore, 'coming brings connection' means occupying the proper position with genuine reality.
When dwelling in difficulty, how could one overcome it without sincere reality?
Occupying the proper position is not called 'correctness' here, but 'reality', because the interaction between above and below is governed primarily by sincere reality, each finding its proper application.
Zhouyi ZhuLine statement
Going forward, it lacks a partner; coming back, it rides upon firmness. Both going and coming are difficult, hence it is said: 'Going brings obstruction; coming brings connection.'
Attaining its proper seat and treading in correctness, it accords with its original reality; though encountering difficulty, it was not brought about by delusion or impropriety.
Zhouyi ZhengyiLine statement
The Correct Meaning states: Ma Rong says: 'Lián also means difficulty.' Zheng Xuan says: 'It carries the sense of delay and endurance.'
Six in the Fourth Place lacks a partner if it goes forward, and rides upon firmness if it comes back; both going and coming are difficult, hence it is said: 'Going brings obstruction; coming brings connection.'
Zhouyi ZhengyiSmall Image
The Correct Meaning states: 'Occupying the position with reality': this clarifies that Six in the Fourth Place occupies its proper seat and treads in correctness, according with its original reality.
Encountering difficulty whether going or coming is something brought about by destiny, not caused by crooked depravity; hence it is said, 'Occupying the position with reality.'