39. Chien / Obstacle
(Water above Mountain)
Description
Ominous roiling in the Crater Lake atop the Volcano:
When meeting an impasse, the Superior Person turns his gaze within, and views the obstacle from a new perspective.
Offer your opponent nothing to resist.
Let a sage guide you in this.
Good fortune lies along this course.
Analysis
The Obstacle lies in obstinance.
An insistence on only one way of proceeding has brought things to an impasse.
You may either continue banging your head with irresistible force against this immovable object, or you might step back and survey this situation from a fresh perspective.
Which is immobile here -- the obstruction or your attitude?
Changing Lines
Line 1
Advance will meet with opposition; Remaining in place will meet with praise.
Line 2
He stoically faces trial after trial, knowing his loyal labors will benefit another.
Line 3
Advance will meet with breathtaking obstacles.
Remaining will meet with criticism from family and friends.
Line 4
Advance alone against insurmountable odds, or remain in place, gathering strength and allies.
Line 5
On the brink of crushing defeat, friends come to the rescue.
Line 6
Advance will meet with disastrous difficulties.
What you seek is right at hand.
Ask guidance from someone you respect.