What this hexagram is about
Water atop the mountain, peril ahead and barrier behind — the image of every step a struggle. Meeting obstruction, do not batter against it; rather halt, turn within to cultivate virtue, and seek a helping hand, waiting until the road opens to go on.
The Judgment 卦辞
蹇，利西南，不利东北。利见大人，贞吉。
The southwest is favorable; the northeast is not. It is favorable to see the great person. Perseverance brings good fortune.
The Image 大象传
《象》曰：山上有水，蹇；君子以反身修德。
Water rests upon the mountain, hard to pass; so the noble person turns within and cultivates his virtue.
Commentary on the Lines 小象传
往蹇来誉，宜待也。
Going meets obstruction, returning brings praise — it is fitting to wait.
The Six Lines (hover over the figure above)
Six at the top往蹇来硕，吉，利见大人。
To go forward meets danger, but to turn back brings, instead, great achievement — good fortune; it is fitting to seek out the great person and weather the hard time together.
Nine in the fifth place大蹇朋来。
Caught in great danger and hardship — yet, happily, friends and many helpers come to one's aid.
Six in the fourth place往蹇来连。
To go forward meets danger, so one turns back to join hands with those of like mind.
Six in the third place往蹇来反。
To go forward meets danger, so one turns and withdraws — measuring one's strength and drawing back.
Six in the second place王臣蹇蹇，匪躬之故。
The king's servant toils with all his loyalty through danger and hardship to relieve the obstruction — and not for any gain of his own.
Initial Nine往蹇来誉。
To go forward meets danger; to stay, to turn back, instead wins praise — knowing the hardship, one knows where to stop.