Turbulent waters lay before us 
and steep mountains loom behind us. 

OBSTRUCTION.  The southwest furthers.
Nothing in the northeast furthers.

To overcome the surrounding obstruction
assume the attribute of Still Mountain.

It furthers to one to see the great one.
Perseverance brings good fortune.

Southwest is open skies and spaces open
where one is free and can be left alone.

The crowded Northeast is rainy mountain,
over taxation, and they won't leave you alone.

39. Here one is confronted by an obstruction
where one can't win by direct confrontation.

One who withdraws and runs away
can come back to overcome another day.

Seek out allies and accept subordination
to a force that is equal to the situation.

The inferior blames others for one's error,
bewailing fate, with one's head up one's rear.

The superior one takes ownership of failure
converting it to learning and successful fare.

Success requires the will to persevere
by using strategies that appear to veer.

To an authority one subordinately aligns.
One must join forces with like minds.

COMMENTARY

6 IN 2ND PLACE:
The king's servant is in subjection
to obstruction on top of obstruction
none of which is of one's own creation.
Ordinarily it is best to go around it.
(Line of least resistance. Outflank it.)
This is a time when you must face it.

9 IN 3RD PLACE:
Exiting finds obstruction
causing one to reverse direction
bringing those within elation.

SIX IN FOURTH PLACE:
Letting things come to a confrontation
only creates that much more obstruction.
Direct is not the shortest direction
One forges ahead, without preparation,
finding no support, being mistaken,
ending up in a weaker position.
One can't handle the situation alone.
For the time being show reservation.
Returning to home base brings solution.
Gather together a trustworthy union
that can help resolve the obstruction.

9 IN 5TH PLACE: Friends will come.
There's no need for evasive action
no matter how serious the condition.
For one is called to this commission
and one has spiritual constitution
enough to attract helpers, in union,
creating an effective organization.
Through well directed co-operation
all overcome the obstruction.

SIX AT THE TOP:
It is normal to avoid confrontation by seeking seclusion.
But here one should not seek one's own salvation
by abandoning the world to perdition.
Duty calls one back into the confusion
where one's efforts bring good fortune.
Seek out a great one and work in union.