| | 蹇: |
山上有水，蹇；君子以反身修德。 |
| Xiang Zhuan: |
(The trigram representing) a mountain, and above it that for water, form Jian. The superior man, in accordance with this, turns round (and examines) himself, and cultivates his virtue. |
| | 蹇: |
往蹇来誉，宜待也。 |
| Xiang Zhuan: |
'Advancing will conduct to (greater) difficulties, while remaining stationary will afford ground for praise:' - the proper course is to wait. |
| | 蹇: |
王臣蹇蹇，终无尤也。 |
| Xiang Zhuan: |
'The minister of the king struggles with difficulty on difficulty:' - in the end no blame will be attached to him. |
| | 蹇: |
往蹇来反，内喜之也。 |
| Xiang Zhuan: |
'He advances, (but only) to (greater) difficulty; he remains stationary, and returns to his former associates:' - they, (represented in) the inner (trigram), rejoice in him. |
| | 蹇: |
往蹇来连，当位实也。 |
| Xiang Zhuan: |
'To advance will (only be to) encounter (greater) difficulties; he remains stationary, and unites (with the subject of the line above):' - that is in its proper place and has the solidity (due to it in that position). |
| | 蹇: |
大蹇朋来，以中节也。 |
| Xiang Zhuan: |
'He struggles with the greatest difficulties, while friends are coming (to help him):' - he is in the central position, and possesses the requisite virtue. |
| | 蹇: |
往蹇来硕，志在内也。利见大人，以从贵也。 |
| Xiang Zhuan: |
'To advance will (only) increase the difficulties, while his remaining stationary will (be productive of) great (merit):' - his aim is to assist the (subject of the line) inside of him. 'It will be advantageous to meet the great man:' - by his course he follows that noble (lord of the figure). |
