Hexagram 20 觀 changing to hexagram 1 乾
Changing lines (counted from the bottom): 1, 2, 3, 4.
What to read
Four changing lines: read the two unchanged lines of the resulting hexagram; the lower one is the main one. (Rule set out by Zhu Xi in the Yixue qimeng.)
Hexagram 1 乾, line 5
飛龍在天,利見大人。
In the fifth line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon on the wing in the sky. It will be advantageous to meet with the great man.
Hexagram 1 乾, line 6
亢龍,有悔。
In the sixth (or topmost) line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon exceeding the proper limits. There will be occasion for repentance.
The two hexagrams
Hexagram 20 觀 — judgment
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).
Hexagram 1 乾 — judgment
元亨。利貞。
Khien (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and firm.
The changing lines of hexagram 20
| Line | Chinese | Legge |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | 窺觀,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. |
| 3 | 觀我生,進退。 | The third line, divided, shows one looking at (the course of) his own life, to advance or recede (accordingly). |
| 4 | 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. |
English: James Legge (1882), public domain. Chinese: Zhou Yi.
Data: English Wikisource (Public domain texts; transcription CC BY-SA 4.0); Chinese Wikisource (Public domain texts; transcription CC BY-SA 4.0). Retrieved 2026-10-22.