Hexagram 20: Contemplation
Outer trigram (upper)
Tốn
Wind · Wood
Inner trigram (lower)
Khôn
Earth · Earth
Judgment
觀：盥而不薦，有孚顒若.
Translation
Contemplation: (as in a sacrificial rite) the hands have been washed but the offering not yet presented — there is sincere reverence and solemn dignity.
Commentary
Xun (Wind) is above, Kun (Earth) is below. Wind moves over the earth, and its influence reaches everywhere. Two yang lines sit above, four yin lines below; the firm and capable above observe those below, and those below look up to them with reverence. This is the image of a sage-ruler of great virtue whom the people admire and look up to. Line 5, yang, is central and correct, and Line 2, yin, corresponds to it. Observing and instructing others should carry the same solemnity and sincerity as a sacrificial rite.
Line Readings
Line 1 (yin)
初六：童觀，小人无咎，君子吝.
Translation
Observing as a child would — for a small-minded person this is no fault, but for the noble person it is a matter of shame.
Commentary
Line 1, yin, sits far from the two yang lines and sees only surface appearances, the way a child observes things. For a small-minded person in a lowly position, this is no fault; but for the noble person to see things this shallowly is something to be ashamed of.
Line 2 (yin)
六二：闚觀，利女貞.
Translation
Peering through a crack — favorable for a woman who holds to what is right.
Commentary
Line 2, yin, is central and correct, but it sits in the lower trigram, still far from the two yang lines, and can only glimpse things as though peering through a crack in a door. This narrow way of observing suits only a woman confined to the home.
Line 3 (yin)
六三：觀我生，進退.
Translation
Examining one's own conduct in order to decide whether to advance or withdraw.
Commentary
Line 3, yin, sits at the boundary between the lower and upper trigrams, and must examine itself to decide whether to advance or hold back. The ability to reflect honestly on oneself matters greatly here.
Line 4 (yin)
六四：觀國之光，利用賓于王.
Translation
Observing the cultural brilliance of the kingdom — favorable to being received as a guest at the king's court.
Commentary
Line 4, yin, is correctly placed and sits close to the two yang lines, giving it a real view of the kingdom's civilizing achievements. A person in this position deserves to be summoned by the ruler as an honored guest and advisor.
Line 5 (yang)
九五：觀我生君子，无咎.
Translation
Examining whether one's own conduct truly follows the way of the noble person — doing so, there is no fault.
Commentary
Line 5, yang, is central and correct in the position of honor. It must examine whether its own conduct truly measures up to the way of the noble person — only then is it free of fault. A ruler must hold himself to this same scrutiny.
Line 6 (yang)
上九：觀其生君子，无咎.
Translation
Examining whether the conduct of those one has influenced truly follows the way of the noble person — doing so, there is no fault.
Commentary
Line 6, yang, sits at the very top, no longer holding the ruler's position, but it can still examine whether its influence on others has led them toward the way of the noble person. Doing so, there is no fault.