# Hexagram 20 · Guān (观) · Contemplation

> **GuaCard #20 (Pause)**: Step back and see the whole picture. / 退后一步，看清全局。

This hexagram invites observation and reflection. Before acting, step back to see the whole picture, including yourself. Others are watching how you act, too, and quiet example often influences more than words. Clear seeing comes before wise action.

_Editorial summary_

## Judgment

觀：盥而不薦，有孚顒若。

Kwân shows (how he whom it represents should be like) the worshipper who has washed his hands, but not (yet) presented his offerings;—with sincerity and an appearance of dignity (commanding reverent regard).

## Line 1

初六：童觀，小人无咎，君子吝。

The first line, divided, shows the looking of a lad;—not blamable in men of inferior rank, but matter for regret in superior men.

## Line 2

六二：闚觀，利女貞。

The second line, divided, shows one peeping out from a door. It would be advantageous if it were (merely) the firm correctness of a female.

## Line 3

六三：觀我生，進退。

The third line, divided, shows one looking at (the course of) his own life, to advance or recede (accordingly).

## Line 4

六四：觀國之光，利用賓于王。

The fourth line, divided, shows one contemplating the glory of the kingdom. It will be advantageous for him, being such as he is, (to seek) to be a guest of the king.

## Line 5

九五：觀我生，君子无咎。

The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject contemplating his own life (- course). A superior man, he will (thus) fall into no error.

## Line 6

上九：觀其生，君子无咎。

The sixth line, undivided, shows its subject contemplating his character to see if it be indeed that of a superior man. He will not fall into error.

## Sources

- [周易 · 中文原文（Ruism Digital Library）](https://ruism.org/library/classic-of-changes/20#20.1)
- [James Legge, The Yî King (1882), Sacred Books of the East, XVI](https://ruism.org/library/classic-of-changes/20#20.1)