I-Ching Hexagram 20
觀 Contemplation
Also known as View
The figure of the observer — and of being observed. It concerns vision: seeing widely and truly, and recognising that one's own conduct is a teaching whether one intends it or not.
contemplation · observing · example
The Story
A teacher stood each evening on the temple wall and watched the road. Her students thought she was looking for someone. Asked at last, she said: "I am watching how people walk when they do not know they are seen. That is where their character lives." She gave no sermons; she adjusted her own conduct by what she saw, and her students, watching her, adjusted theirs. A whole valley was slowly reformed without a single lecture. To contemplate is not to withdraw from the world — it is to become the kind of silent presence that teaches by being watched.
The Judgment
The ablution has been made, but not yet the offering. Full of trust they look up to him.
The Image
The wind blows over the earth: the image of contemplation. Thus the kings of old visited the regions of the world, contemplated the people, and gave them instruction.
Interpretation
The figure of the observer — and of being observed. It concerns vision: seeing widely and truly, and recognising that one's own conduct is a teaching whether one intends it or not. Before acting, survey. Before reforming others, become an example worth watching.
Trigrams
The Six Lines
- First (Bottom) Boy-like contemplation. For an inferior person, no blame. For a superior person, humiliation. A child may see simply; a leader must see deeper.
- Second Contemplation through the crack of the door. Furthering for the perseverance of a woman. A partial view is enough for the private sphere but not for wider action.
- Third Contemplation of my life decides the choice between advance and retreat. Honest self-appraisal is the hinge.
- Fourth Contemplation of the light of the kingdom. It furthers one to exert influence as the guest of a king. See clearly into public life; act as counsellor, not claimant.
- Fifth Contemplation of my life. The superior person is without blame. Examine one's own life with unsparing honesty.
- Sixth (Top) Contemplation of his life. The superior person is without blame. Detached perspective on one's whole course — a wisdom that others feel.