Hexagram 20 觀 changing to hexagram 51 震
Changing lines (counted from the bottom): 1, 4, 5, 6.
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 51 震, line 2
震來厲，億喪貝，躋于九陵，勿逐，七日得。
The second line, divided, shows its subject, when the movement approaches, in a position of peril. He judges it better to let go the articles (in his possession), and to ascend a very lofty height. There is no occasion for him to pursue after (the things he has let go); in seven days he will find them.
Hexagram 51 震, line 3
震蘇蘇，震行无眚。
The third line, divided, shows its subject distraught amid the startling movements going on. If those movements excite him to (right) action, there will be no mistake.
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 51 震 — judgment
亨。震來虩虩，笑言啞啞。震驚百里，不喪匕鬯。
A"an gives the intimation of ease Kăn development. When (the time of) movement (which it indicates) comes, (the subject of the hexagram) will be found looking out with apprehension, and yet smiling and talking cheerfully. When the movement (like a crash of thunder) terrifies all within a hundred li, he will be (like the sincere worshipper) who is not (startled into) letting go his ladle and (cup of) sacrificial spirits.
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. |
| 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. |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | 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. |
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.