Hexagram 6 of 64
訟
Conflict
Sòng
Upper Trigram
乾
Heaven
Creative, Strong
Sky · Father
Lower Trigram
坎
Water
Abysmal, Dangerous
Water · Middle Son
The Judgment
Conflict. You are sincere and are being obstructed. A cautious halt halfway brings good fortune. Going through to the end brings misfortune. It furthers to see the great person. It does not further to cross the great water.
When inner sincerity meets outer obstruction, conflict arises. The wise course is to seek impartial counsel and settle disputes before they escalate. Pressing forward relentlessly leads to loss on all sides.
The Image
Heaven and water go their opposite ways — the image of Conflict. Thus in all affairs the superior person carefully considers the beginning.
Conflicts often arise from ambiguous agreements at the start. Prevention through careful planning is wiser than cure through litigation.
The Six Lines
Line 1
If one does not perpetuate the affair, there is a little gossip. In the end, good fortune comes.
Drop minor disputes early. A little friction at the start is far better than prolonged enmity.
Line 2
One cannot engage in conflict. One returns home and gives way. The people of one's town, three hundred households, remain free of guilt.
When facing a stronger opponent, withdraw with dignity. Protecting your community by avoiding unnecessary battle is wisdom, not cowardice.
Line 3
To nourish oneself on ancient virtue induces perseverance. Danger. In the end, good fortune comes.
Hold to time-tested values and what is genuinely yours. Do not pursue what belongs to others.
Line 4
One cannot engage in conflict. One turns back and submits to fate, changes one's attitude, and finds peace in perseverance. Good fortune.
Recognizing that the conflict is not righteous, one has the wisdom to turn back and find peace within.
Line 5
To contend before him brings supreme good fortune.
Seeking a wise and impartial judge to arbitrate the dispute brings a just and favorable resolution.
Line 6
Even if by chance a leather belt is bestowed on one, by the end of the morning it will have been snatched away three times.
Winning through conflict earns no lasting reward. What is gained through force will be contested and lost again.
For contemplation and self-reflection only. Not a substitute for professional advice.