Hexagram 6: Conflict
Hexagram
6. Conflict · Sung
Structure of the sign
The upper primary trigram, whose image is Heaven, has an upward direction of movement; the lower primary trigram, 'Water,' is by its nature directed downward. The directions of movement of the two halves diverge, giving rise to the idea of conflict. The attribute of the Creative is strength, that of the Abysmal is danger and craftiness. Where cunning is confronted with force, there is conflict. A third derivation suggests itself within character through the combination of abysmal craftiness within and strong determination without. Such a character is bound to be contentious.
The Judgment
Conflict: You are sincere and are obstructed. Cautious halting halfway brings good fortune. Carrying matters to the end brings misfortune. It furthers one to see the great man. It does not further one to cross the great water. Conflict arises when, conscious of being in the right, one meets with resistance. Without the conviction of one's own right, resistance leads to deceit or violent encroachment, but not to open dispute. If one is entangled in conflict, powerful composure, ready at all times to settle the dispute and to reach a compromise halfway, is the only thing that brings good fortune. Pursuing a quarrel to the bitter end, even if one remains in the right, is evil, because one thereby perpetuates enmity. It is important to see the great man, that is, an impartial man whose authority suffices to settle the dispute peacefully or to decide it justly. On the other hand, in times of discord one must avoid 'crossing the great water'—that is, undertaking perilous enterprises—for these require unified, concerted forces if they are to succeed. Strife within paralyzes the strength needed to conquer danger without.
The Image
Heaven and water move in opposite directions: the image of Conflict. Thus the superior man, in all transactions that he undertakes, considers the beginning. The image indicates that the causes of conflict lie in the already existing opposing tendencies of the two parts. Once such mutually conflicting directions exist, dispute follows of necessity. From this it follows that to prevent conflict, everything must be carefully considered at the very beginning. If rights and duties are precisely established, or if, in an association of men, their spiritual directions harmonize, the cause of conflict is eliminated in advance.
The lines
Line 1
If one does not perpetuate the affair, there is a little gossip. In the end, good fortune comes. As long as the dispute is still at its first beginning, one does best to drop it. Especially against a stronger opponent, it is not advisable to let matters come to a contest. A slight exchange of words may occur, but in the end all goes well.
Line 2
One cannot contend; one turns back and yields. The people of his town, three hundred households, remain free of blame. In a struggle with a superior adversary, retreat is no disgrace. By withdrawing in good time, one avoids disastrous consequences. If, out of a false sense of honor, one were to provoke an unequal contest, one would bring calamity upon oneself. Wise yielding in such a case benefits one's whole community, which is not drawn into the dispute in this way.
Line 3
To nourish oneself on ancient virtue gives perseverance. Danger; in the end, good fortune comes. If perchance you enter the king's service, seek no works of your own. Warning is given here against the peril brought by the tendency to reach beyond oneself. Only that which is honestly earned through earlier merits remains a lasting possession. Such a possession may indeed be contested at times, but because it is real property, it cannot be stolen. For what belongs to a man by virtue of the power of his own being cannot be lost. When one enters into the service of a superior, one can avoid conflict only by seeking no achievements for oneself. It may suffice if they are done. The honor may remain with the other.
Line 4
One cannot contend; one turns back and submits to fate, changes, and finds peace in perseverance. Good fortune! The inner disposition is at first unpeaceful. One does not feel comfortable in one's situation and would like to secure a better one through conflict. One has to deal with a weaker opponent and would therefore well be capable of it—a difference from the nine in the second place—yet one cannot contend because one finds neither the inner justification nor the clear conscience for it. Therefore one turns back and submits to one's fate. One changes one's mind and thus finds lasting peace in harmony with eternal law. That brings good fortune.
Line 5▶ ruling line
To contend before him brings supreme good fortune. Here the arbiter of the dispute is shown, who is powerful and just and possesses the strength to lend weight to what is right. To him one can confidently commit a matter in dispute. If one is in the right, one attains great good fortune.
Line 6
Even if a leather belt is bestowed upon someone, by the end of a morning it will be snatched from him three times. Depicted here is one who has carried the dispute to the bitter end and prevailed. He receives a decoration of honor. But his fortune is not lasting. It is contested again and again, and conflict without end is the result.
Below ☵ Water (Kan)
- Direction
- N
- Element
- Water · Moon
- Attributes
- Abysmal · Dangerous · Penetrating · Profound
- Family
- Middle Son
Above ☰ Heaven (Kien)
- Direction
- NW
- Element
- Heaven · Metal
- Attributes
- Creative · Strong · Untiring · Luminous
- Family
- Father