I Ching Hexagram 6 - Sung / Conflict

• Above Ch'ien the Creative, Heaven
•  
• Below K'an the abysmal, Water

Introduction

The upper trigram, whose image is heaven, has an upward movement; the lower trigram, water, in accordance with its nature tends downward. Thus the two halves move away from each other, giving rise to the idea of conflict. The attribute of the Creative is strength, that of the Abysmal is danger, guile. Where cunning has force before it, there is conflict. A third indication of conflict, in terms of character, is presented by the combination of deep cunning within and fixed determination outwardly. A person of this character will certainly be quarrelsome.

See the James Legge translation of this hexagram.

Judgement

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.

Judgement Commentary

Conflict develops when one feels himself to be in the right and runs into opposition. If one is not convinced of being in the right, opposition leads to craftiness or high-handed encroachment but not to open conflict. If a man is entangled in a conflict, his only salvation lies in being so clear-headed and inwardly strong that he is always ready to come to terms by meeting the opponent halfway. To carry one the conflict to the bitter end has evil effects even when one is the right, because the enmity is then perpetuated. It is important to see the great man, that is, an impartial man whose authority is great enough to terminate the conflict amicably or assure a just decision. In times of strife, crossing the great water is to be avoided, that is, dangerous enterprises are not to be begun, because in order to be successful they require concerted unity of focus. Conflict within weakens the power to conquer danger without.

The Image

Heaven and water go their opposite ways: The image of Conflict. Thus in all his transactions the superior man Carefully considers the beginning.

Image Commentary

The image indicates that the causes of conflict are latent in the opposing tendencies of the two trig rams. Once these opposing tendencies appear, conflict is inevitable. To avoid it, therefore, everything must be taken carefully into consideration in the very beginning. If rights and duties are exactly defined, or if, in a group, the spiritual trends of the individuals harmonize, the cause of conflict is removed in advance.

The Lines

Six at the beginning means: If one does not perpetuate the affair, There is a little gossip. In the end, good fortune comes.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 10 - Lu / Treading (conduct) which is an indication that as long as you are not too pushy and arrogant in the face of a stronger foe, you can still be successful. As the line says a little gossip is a small price to pay for turning back from an battle. As Legge says, "let it drop and the effect will be good." So move on to the next thing un winnable.

Nine in the second place means: One cannot engage in conflict; One returns home, gives way. The people of his town, Three hundred households, Remain free of guilt.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 12 - P'i / Standstill (Stagnation) so not withstanding what the line says, the outcome will not be good. Perhaps the situation would have turned out even worse if one had pushed ahead. In the previous line one also retreats from uneven conflict, here the situation is worse but what other choice is to be made? Legge also counsels retreat, at least this preserves your family and city from otherwise certain destruction.

Six in the third place means: To nourish oneself on ancient virtue induces perseverance. Danger. In the end, good fortune comes. If by chance you are in the service of a king, Seek not works.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 44 - Kou / Coming to Meet is a warning about letting the negative influences that you had thought vanquished sneak back into then picture. So this line is a warning to be vigilant and not swayed by the seemingly attractive and self seeking. By concentrating on only the best influences one can avoid temptation. Legge warns us to "keep in the background and be safe."

Nine in the fourth place means: One cannot engage in conflict. One turns back and submits to fate, changes one's attitude, and finds peace in perseverance. Good fortune.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 59 - Huan / Dispersion (Dissolution) a hexagram that counsels freedom from egoism and selfishness and this is in accordance to what this line is saying. By refusing to contend we gain a success that would not otherwise occur. The interpretation by Legge is the same "its subject unequal to the contention. He returns to the study of Heaven's ordinances."

Nine in the fifth place means: To contend before him brings supreme good fortune.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 64 - Wei Chi / Before Completion. This line is indicating a very good outcome, supreme good fortune. However the resultant hexagram 64 contains the reminder that for success to be achieved one must continue to work right to the end or success could slip away "Then of course his effort has been all in vain." Prematurely ending ones efforts will cause failure at the last moment. Legge also predicts success with no warnings. Just remember what Wei Chi represents before taking it for granted that your wish will be granted.

Nine at the top means: 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.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 47 - K'un / Oppression (Exhaustion) which is an unfortunate hexagram to draw. This line indicates that any success achieved will be fleeting and possibly even if kept, be more of a pain than a benefit to the winner. Legge concurs "Persistence in it is sure to end in defeat and disgrace."

See the James Legge - I Ching Hexagram 6 - Sung / Conflict translation of this hexagram.