Contemplation (Guān)

Judgment

观：盥而不荐，有孚颙若。

Plain Meaning：Contemplation: like the ablution before the offering—sincerity and dignity inspire those who look up.

Image (Great Commentary)

风行地上，观；先王以省方观民设教。

Line Texts

• 初六童观，小人无咎，君子吝。

  A child’s view—harmless in the small, shameful in the noble.

• 六二窥观，利女贞。

  Peeking through a crack—narrow sight, fitting only for quiet steadfastness.

• 六三观我生，进退。

  Contemplate your own conduct to decide advance or retreat.

• 六四观国之光，利用宾于王。

  Contemplating the glory of the realm—it profits to serve as guest of the king.

• 九五观我生，君子无咎。

  In high place, contemplating one’s own life—the noble one is without blame.

• 上九观其生，君子无咎。

  Contemplated by all—constant self-examination keeps one blameless.

Symbolism

Wind moving over the earth: observation, reflection and setting an example.

Life Lesson

Examine yourself before judging others; vision defines your reach.

Modern Application

A phase for research, review and building credibility—avoid shallow judgments.

Words of Caution

Narrow sight cannot bear great responsibility.