YisdomYour wisdom for the changing moment

All hexagrams · ← 5 · 7 →

6 · Sòng · Conflict

Heaven over Water — upper Qián (creative, strong, initiating); lower Kǎn (deep, dangerous, flowing)

Hexagram 6, Conflict (Sòng, ), is Heaven over Water. Heaven and water moving apart. Dispute, contention; you may be right, but pressing the point harms.

The situation

Heaven and water moving apart. Dispute, contention; you may be right, but pressing the point harms.

The counsel

Meet halfway. Do not push to the bitter end; seek a fair mediator and be willing to stop early.

The six lines

Line 1 — Drop the matter early. A little talk, then peace.
Line 2 — You cannot win this one. Withdraw; no blame.
Line 3 — Live on what you have already earned; work without claiming.
Line 4 — Turn back, accept the situation, and find peace.
Line 5 — A just judge is present. Good fortune through fairness.
Line 6 — Winning by force. The prize will be taken away again and again.