Hexagram 6 of 64

Conflict訟

Heaven and water move apart. The noble person plans carefully before beginning anything.

Upper
Heaven
Lower
Water
Order
6 / 64
Pick a line to read it

有孚，窒，惕，中吉，終凶。利見大人，不利涉大川。

Judgment: There is trust, but it is blocked. Stay alert. Stopping halfway brings good fortune; going to the end brings misfortune. It helps to see a great person. It does not help to cross the great river.

天與水違行，訟；君子以作事謀始。

Image: Heaven and water move apart. The noble person plans carefully before beginning anything.

In plain words

The situation: There is a dispute or a clash.

What you can do: Settle if you can, and do not fight to the end.

For culture and reflection only. Our own plain summary, not a translation.

The six lines

  1. 上九或錫之鞶帶，終朝三褫之。You may be given a leather belt of honor, but it will be taken away three times before the morning is out.In shortWhat you gain by fighting will not last; it can be taken away quickly.
  2. 九五訟，元吉。Bringing the dispute to judgment. Great good fortune.In shortWith a fair person to judge, the dispute can be settled very well.
  3. 九四不克訟，復即命渝，安貞吉。You cannot win the dispute. Turn back, accept what is decreed and change your course. Calm steadiness brings good fortune.In shortIf you cannot win, turn back, change your attitude, and stay steady. That goes well.
  4. 六三食舊德，貞厲，終吉。或從王事，无成。Live on old merit. Stay steady through danger, and good fortune comes in the end. If you serve the king, expect no success of your own.In shortLive on what you already have; it is tense but ends well. Do not seek credit.
  5. 九二不克訟，歸而逋，其邑人三百戶无眚。You cannot win the dispute. Go home and slip away. The three hundred households of your town come to no harm.In shortYou cannot win this fight; step back quietly and those around you stay safe.
  6. 初六不永所事，小有言，終吉。Do not drag the matter on. There is some talk, but good fortune in the end.In shortDo not drag the dispute out; there may be words, but letting go early ends well.

Sources Zhou Yi. English by TaoDial.