Hexagram 20: Contemplation (观 Guān) — I Ching Guide

Q: What is I Ching Hexagram 20 (观 Contemplation)?

I Ching Hexagram 20, 观 (Guān), represents Contemplation. It is formed by Wind (巽 Xùn) above, Earth (坤 Kūn) below. The core teaching of this hexagram is captured in its Judgment: 'Contemplation. The ablution has been made, but not yet the offering. Full of trust they look up to him....'

Q: What does the Image of Hexagram 20 mean?

The Image states: '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.' This teaches that the superior person responds to the hexagram's situation by cultivating the corresponding inner quality.

Q: How do the six lines of Hexagram 20 develop its meaning?

The six lines trace a progression through the hexagram's situation. Starting from the bottom (Line 1) through Line 6, each position reveals a different aspect of how Contemplation manifests — from initial stirrings to the final outcome. Key lines include the ruler of the hexagram and the culminating line.

Q: What is the relationship between Hexagram 20 and other hexagrams?

Hexagram 20 (Contemplation) follows Hexagram 19 in the traditional King Wen sequence, forming a meaningful progression. Its nuclear hexagram and opposite/complementary hexagram provide additional dimensions of meaning.

Oriens

观

Guān — Hexagram 20

Contemplation

Wind (巽 Xùn) above, Earth (坤 Kūn) below

Published July 22, 2026 · By Oriens

Summary

I Ching Hexagram 20, 观 (Guān), represents Contemplation. Formed by Wind (巽 Xùn) above, Earth (坤 Kūn) below, this hexagram teaches about contemplation. The core message: Contemplation. The ablution has been made, but not yet the offering. Full of trust they look up to him..

Key Takeaways

Hexagram 20 is formed by Wind (巽 Xùn) above, Earth (坤 Kūn) below, combining two of the eight trigrams into a unique archetypal situation
The Judgment reveals the hexagram's core teaching through a concise, oracular statement
The six lines trace a progression from initial conditions through to the culmination and outcome
The Image connects the natural symbolism of the trigrams to the conduct of the superior person
This hexagram's wisdom applies to modern situations involving

The Judgment

Contemplation. The ablution has been made, but not yet the offering. Full of trust they look up to him.

— I Ching, Contemplation

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.

— I Ching, Image

The Six Lines

Line 1: Line 1: Boylike contemplation. For an inferior man, no blame. For a superior man, humiliation.

Line 2: Line 2: Contemplation through the crack of the door. Furthering for the perseverance of a woman.

Line 3: Line 3: Contemplation of my life decides the choice between advance and retreat.

Line 4: Line 4: Contemplation of the light of the kingdom. It furthers one to exert influence as the guest of a king.

Line 5: Line 5: Contemplation of my life. The superior man is without blame.

Line 6: Line 6: Contemplation of his life. The superior man is without blame.

Modern Application

Hexagram 20 is about the power of observation and the difference between superficial and deep seeing. It describes a sacred moment — the purification has been done, but the offering has not yet been made. This is the space of pure attention, before action. The hexagram contrasts childish gawking with the penetrating gaze of the wise. In modern life, Contemplation teaches the value of stepping back to observe before judging or acting. It is the hexagram of mindfulness, strategic thinking, and the leader who understands before commanding.

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