Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 讼 (Sòng) |
| English Name | Conflict / Dispute |
| Trigrams | Heaven over Water (乾上坎下) |
| Number | 6 of 64 |
The Text (Yijing Classic)
Judgment (卦辞 Guàcí)
Conflict. You are sincere and are being obstructed. A cautious halt halfway brings good fortune. Going through to the end brings misfortune. It furthers one to see the great man. It does not further one to cross the great water.
The Image (象辞 Xiàngcí)
Heaven and water go their opposite ways: the image of Conflict. Thus in all his transactions the superior man carefully considers the beginning.
The Six Lines (爻辞 Yáocí)
| Line | Position | Text | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 初六 | Bottom | If one does not perpetuate the affair, there is a little gossip. In the end, good fortune comes. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 九二 | 2nd | One cannot engage in conflict. One returns home and gives way. No blame. | Acceptable situation; no error in this approach |
| 六三 | 3rd | To nourish oneself on ancient virtue induces perseverance. Danger. In the end, good fortune. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 九四 | 4th | One cannot engage in conflict. One turns back and submits to fate. Peace in perseverance. Good fortune. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 九五 | 5th | To contend before the great man brings supreme good fortune. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 上九 | Top | Even if a leather belt is bestowed, by the end of a morning it will have been snatched away three times. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
Core Meanings
Essence (本质)
- Conflict present; seek compromise rather than fighting to the end
- Upper trigram Heaven (creative and strong) over lower trigram Water (deep and flowing)
- Embodies the qualities of conflict, compromise, caution and justice, restraint, mediation
Keywords
ConflictCompromiseCautionJusticeRestraintMediation
Divination & Prediction
★★☆☆☆Caution Advised
| Aspect | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Overall | Challenging period requiring patience. Conflict present; seek compromise rather than fighting to the end Preserve your strength through restraint and mediation. |
| Timing | Not the time for bold initiatives. Consolidate and wait. |
| Challenge | The temptation to force progress will backfire. Practice justice. |
Applications in Life
Business & Career
In business, this hexagram counsels conflict and compromise. The Heaven trigram above suggests creative and strong energy in your outer dealings, while the Water trigram below points to deep and flowing foundations. Retrench and preserve resources until conditions improve.
Health & Wellness
Focus on lungs and head and kidneys and ears. Rest and recovery are priorities. Don't push your body beyond its current capacity.
Relationships
In relationships, embody conflict and compromise. Patience and understanding are needed. Avoid confrontation; focus on maintaining what you have.
Education & Growth
For learning, this hexagram emphasizes caution and justice. Focus on fundamentals and review. Build a strong foundation before advancing.
Practical Wisdom
Do
- Cultivate conflict in all your actions
- Practice compromise consistently
- Embrace caution as your guiding principle
- Develop justice through daily practice
Don’t
- Neglect the importance of restraint
- Abandon mediation under pressure
- Act impulsively without considering consequences
Comparative Hexagrams
| Hexagram | Relationship |
|---|---|
| 5. Xū (需) | Waiting — patience prevents conflict |
| 47. Kùn (困) | Oppression — conflict that has become entrenched |
| 64. Wèi Jì (未济) | Before Completion — opposing forces not yet reconciled |
Sample Reading Dialogue
Querent: “Should I sue my former business partner?”
You received Hexagram 6, Conflict. The judgment says: 'Conflict. You are sincere and are being obstructed. A cautious halt halfway brin...' Conflict present; seek compromise rather than fighting to the end This is a cautionary sign. The current conditions call for restraint rather than action. Preserve your resources and wait for the cycle to turn.