What to do when life is full of difficulties

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There are four trigrams in the I Ching that represent difficulties: the third trigram, Tun; the twenty-ninth trigram, Kan; the thirty-ninth trigram, Jian; and the forty-seventh trigram, Kun. The Tun hexagram symbolizes birth, indicating that difficulties have just begun. The Kan trigram features two waters together, symbolizing that crossing the river is even more difficult. The Jian hexagram symbolizes someone who is clumsy and finds it difficult to take even a single step. The Kun hexagram depicts water in a pond with no water present, symbolizing that the vital energy has run out. The Tun hexagram represents the beginning of difficulties, the Kan hexagram signifies the continuous arrival of difficulties, the Jian hexagram denotes the midst of difficulties, and the Kun hexagram represents the end of difficulties. This article will discuss the Jian hexagram. The inner trigram of the Jian hexagram is Gen, and the outer trigram is Kan. Gen represents mountains, while Kan represents water. The climb itself is already very difficult; now, as one moves downstream, the mountains block the way below, so one can only imagine how difficult it is. In terms of direction, Kan is in the north, while Gen is in the northeast. A trigram develops from bottom to top, from the inside out. The Jian hexagram develops from east to north. The movement of the heavens is from north to east, then south, and then west. The Jian hexagram represents acting against the will of heaven, which is why it brings difficulties. The inscription for the Jian hexagram: Favorable in the southwest, unfavorable in the northeast. The northeast is the standard, so it’s all the more difficult. Dui is in the west, and Li is in the south. The southwest is the complete opposite of the northeast; it means that all six lines of the Jian trigram change, turning it into the Kui trigram. Going southwest is in the proper sequence; there are signs of brightness, so it is favorable. The first and second lines of the Jian hexagram are empty, indicating an unstable internal foundation. The character for “jian” has “han” above it and “zu” below; cold air enters through the feet. If one asks about the body and this hexagram appears, one should pay attention to any problems with the feet. The five intermediate trigrams in the Jian hexagram are Jian itself, Wei Ji, Ji Ji, Lu, and Kan. There are further difficulties within the difficulties, meaning that there are challenges within challenges ； When things are not yet resolved, it means it’s not over yet – it’s the beginning of another cycle ； Stranded on a journey, out of time and out of place, adrift without a fixed abode – it’s extremely miserable ； Jian Zhong Kan indicates difficulties coming one after another. Through the analysis of the hexagrams within the hexagram, you will also discover the difficulties of “Jian”. If all three lines of the lower trigram in the Jian hexagram change, it becomes the Shuize Jie hexagram ； No matter what one does in life, moderation and balance are necessary. If all three lines of the upper trigram in the Jian hexagram change, it becomes the Huo Shan Lu hexagram ； The Travel Hexagram represents a very important state in life. If all six lines of the Jian hexagram change, it becomes the Kui hexagram. The first line of the Jian hexagram is empty; if it changes, it becomes the Ji Ji hexagram. This serves as a reminder to wait for the right moment, as Jian will inevitably become something of the past. If the second line moves, it becomes the Water-Wind Well trigram ； If the third line moves, it becomes the Bi hexagram with water as the element ； If the fourth line moves, it becomes the Hexagram of Salty Water over Mountain ； If the fifth line moves, it becomes the Qian hexagram of Earth and Mountain ； If the six lines move, it becomes the Wind over Mountain Gradual hexagram. The Tuan Commentary on the Jian hexagram states: The time for using Jian is indeed crucial. In difficult times, one must recognize the role of those challenges; one should not become sad because of them, nor should one stop moving forward due to them. One must strive to find the right direction, follow the proper path, and keep striving hard; naturally, good results will follow. The Commentary on the Great Image for the Jian hexagram states that a gentleman should reflect on himself in order to cultivate virtue. When faced with difficulties, don’t focus too much on them; instead, consider whether there are any shortcomings in your virtues and think about how to improve them. When virtue is cultivated, difficulties will pass away. I think this is also the profound meaning behind the fact that the Jian hexagram contains the Jiji hexagram as one of its internal hexagrams.