Contemplation to Temptation

Hexagram 20, Contemplation, gives a step-wise view of how we relate to the universe depending on the breadth of our view.  The lowest lines are bound in egotism and can only see confused images bound up in their own self-regard.  As you go higher and higher up toward the sixth line, the view becomes clearer and self-regard gradually vanishes.  This hexagram also symbolizes a traditional Chinese arch -- it stood tall and the people around could get their bearings from it and know where the center of the village was. 

Here, the second, third and fourth lines change.  The second line says our view is only through a crack in the door because of limits our self-regard gives to our view -- this is OK for some people. The third line says that we have been able to clear up our egotism by contemplating our selves -- we have reached a transition leading to a truer, more complete view of life. The fourth line indicates that having completed the transition, our ability to see makes us fit to work for the ruler. Perspective can be gained from methodical observation conducted over many years.

These changes lead to hexagram 44 Temptation or Coming to Meet.  It indicates that evil, here a tiny seed at the bottom first line, enters the situation and can completely take over things if we indulge it.  What we gained from contemplation or meditation and self-examination can be lost through carelessness.