Hexagram 6: Conflict
Dispute, need for caution
| Chinese | 訟 (Sòng) |
|---|---|
| Upper trigram | ☰ Heaven — The Creative (Metal) |
| Lower trigram | ☵ Water — The Abysmal (Water) |
| Keywords | conflict, caution, compromise, clarity |
| Opposite | Hexagram 36: Darkening of the Light |
| Inverted | Hexagram 5: Waiting |
What does Hexagram 6 (Conflict) mean?
Conflict 訟 (Sòng) is hexagram 6 of the I Ching, formed by Heaven (The Creative) over Water (The Abysmal). Its theme is dispute, need for caution, with key ideas of conflict, caution, compromise, clarity. The Judgment reads: “Conflict. You are sincere and are being obstructed.”
The Judgment of Conflict
Conflict. You are sincere and are being obstructed.
The Image of Conflict
Heaven and water go their opposite ways.
The six changing lines of Hexagram 6
When a casting produces moving lines, their texts speak directly to your situation. Read from the bottom line upward.
Six at the beginning
“If one does not perpetuate the affair, there is a little gossip. In the end, good fortune comes.”
Drop the dispute early; minor criticism fades. Prolonging conflict converts a small matter into a large wound.
Nine in the second place
“One cannot engage in conflict. One returns home; gives way. The people of his town — three hundred households — remain free of guilt.”
Recognise when you cannot win; retreat protects those who depend on you. Humility spares the community.
Six in the third place
“To nourish oneself on ancient virtue brings perseverance. Danger in the end brings good fortune. If perhaps you are in the service of a king, seek not works.”
Build on what is already proven rather than grasping for new gains. Service without ambition keeps one safe in conflict.
Nine in the fourth place
“One cannot engage in conflict. One turns back and submits to fate — changes one's attitude — and finds peace in perseverance. Good fortune.”
Yielding before pride escalates the quarrel brings genuine peace. Acceptance of limitation is its own kind of strength.
Nine in the fifth place
“To contend before him brings supreme good fortune.”
The impartial judge is available; bring the matter to legitimate authority. Justice at this level favours the right.
Nine at the top
“Even if by chance a leather belt is bestowed on one, by the end of a morning it will have been snatched away three times.”
Victory obtained through conflict is never secure. Honours won by strife slip away as quickly as they came.
Will Conflict answer your question?
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