Hexagram Statement
卦辭
西南，地也。東北，山也。以難之平則難解，以難之山則道窮。 往則濟也。 爻皆當位，各履其正，居難履正，正邦之道也。正道未否，難由正濟，故貞吉也。遇難失正，吉可得乎？
The southwest is the earth. The northeast is the mountain. If one takes difficulty toward level ground, the difficulty is resolved; if one takes difficulty toward the mountain, the way is exhausted.
Going forth, one achieves deliverance.
The lines all occupy their proper positions, each treading its correct place. Dwelling in difficulty and treading correctness—this is the Way of ordering the state. When the correct Way has not yet been blocked, difficulty is overcome through correctness; therefore correctness brings good fortune.
If one encounters difficulty and loses correctness, how can good fortune be obtained?
正義曰：蹇，難也。有險在前，畏而不進，故稱為蹇。「利西南不利東北」者，西南地位，平易之方。東北險位，阻礙之所。世道多難，率物以適平易，則蹇難可解。若入於險阻，則彌加擁塞。去就之宜，理須如此，故曰「蹇，利西南不利東北」也。
The Correct Meaning states: Jian means difficulty. There is danger ahead, and one fears to advance; therefore it is called Jian. 'Benefit in the southwest, no benefit in the northeast': the southwest is the position of earth, a level and easy direction.
The northeast is a position of danger, a place of obstruction and hindrance. When the way of the age is full of difficulties, leading things toward level ease allows the obstruction to be resolved. If one enters into dangerous obstruction, the blockage only increases further. '
「利見大人」者，能濟眾難，惟有大德之人，故曰利見大人。
'Benefit in seeing a great person': one who can deliver the many from difficulty is only a person of great virtue; therefore it says 'benefit in seeing a great person.'
「貞吉」者，居難之時，若不守正而行其邪道，雖見大人，亦不得吉，故曰貞吉也。
'Correctness brings good fortune': in a time of dwelling in difficulty, if one does not maintain correctness but practices deviant ways, even seeing a great person will not bring good fortune; therefore it says 'correctness brings good fortune.'
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Source: eee-learning.com (易學網) · Edition: 武英殿十三經注疏