The hexagram pictures a dangerous abyss lying before us and a steep, inaccessible mountain rising behind us. We are surrounded by obstacles; at the same time, since the mountain has the attribute of keeping still, there is implicit a hint as to how we can extricate ourselves. The hexagram represents obstructions that appear in the course of time but that can and should be overcome. Therefore all the instruction given is directed to overcoming them.
The Judgement
Obstruction. The southwest furthers.
The northeast does not further.
It furthers one to see the great man.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
The southwest is the region of retreat, the northeast that of advance. Here an individual is confronted by obstacles that cannot be overcome directly. In such a situation it is wise to pause in view of the danger and to retreat. However, this is merely a preparation for overcoming the obstructions. One must join forces with friends of like mind and put himself under the leadership of a man equal to the situation: then one will succeed in removing the obstacles. This requires the will to persevere just when one apparently must do something that leads away from his goal. This unswerving inner purpose brings good fortune in the end. An obstruction that lasts only for a time is useful for self-development. This is the value of adversity.
The Image
Water on the mountain:
The image of Obstruction.
Thus the superior man turns his attention to himself
And molds his character.
Yes, these are truly times that try our resolve and challenge our ingenuity. But life teaches great lessons to those who are open to learning. This is a time to pause and plan our immediate future - and show the will to persevere. Some things must change in the short term, some must change in the long term. Together we will succeed and emerge stronger. In the hexagram above. note that the image of the mountain has the attribute of keeping still - this is what we have accomplished over the decades as a Division - we have provided some of the best arts education in the U.S. We have led by innovation and excellence. The danger, as it says above, is falling into the trap of doing something which leads away from our goal. We must continue to dedicate ourselves to uncompromising excellence, even with dramatically reduced resources.
If we continue to offer the best educational product, we cannot fail.
