訟 Conflict

Also known as Dispute

Two forces that cannot share the same ground. The figure counsels that even a just cause is dangerous to push to extremes — compromise early, settle for a partial vindication, consult a wiser head.

conflict · litigation · dispute

The Story

Two brothers quarreled over a field their father had left them. Each swore the boundary stone had been moved. They brought the case to the magistrate, who walked the line with them. The stone was where it had always been; each had been remembering a different summer. "Take nine-tenths of what you hoped, and end this," said the magistrate, "or you will both lose the field." The elder agreed. The younger pressed on; in three years he had the field, the debts, and no brother. The man who wins the lawsuit sometimes loses the life the lawsuit was for.

The Boundary Stone panel 1 for Hexagram 6, Conflict. — The Boundary Stone

Different Summers panel 2 for Hexagram 6, Conflict. — Different Summers

Before The Magistrate panel 3 for Hexagram 6, Conflict. — Before The Magistrate

Nine Tenths And Peace panel 4 for Hexagram 6, Conflict. — Nine Tenths And Peace

One Brother Lets Go panel 5 for Hexagram 6, Conflict. — One Brother Lets Go

Winning The Field Alone panel 6 for Hexagram 6, Conflict. — Winning The Field Alone

The Judgment

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 person. It does not further one to cross the great water.

The Image

Heaven and water go their opposite ways: the image of conflict. Thus in all transactions the superior person considers the beginning carefully.

Interpretation

Two forces that cannot share the same ground. The figure counsels that even a just cause is dangerous to push to extremes — compromise early, settle for a partial vindication, consult a wiser head. Prevent conflict by scrutinising beginnings; once in it, do not embark on any great venture.

Trigrams

Upper · Outer

乾

Qián · Heaven

the creative, strong, active

Lower · Inner

坎

Kǎn · Water

the abysmal, danger, flow

The Six Lines

First (Bottom) If one does not perpetuate the affair, there is a little gossip. In the end good fortune. Let the small quarrel die; do not feed it.
Second One cannot engage in conflict; one returns home and gives way. The people of his town, three hundred households, remain free of guilt. To retreat from a superior force is wisdom, not cowardice.
Third To nourish oneself on ancient virtue induces perseverance. Danger. In the end good fortune. If by chance one is in the service of a king, seek not works. Stand on what has been earned; do not seek new ground.
Fourth One cannot engage in conflict. One turns back and submits to fate, changes one's attitude, and finds peace in perseverance. Fortune. Drop the quarrel with reality; accept and orient anew.
Fifth To contend before him brings supreme good fortune. When a true judge hears the case, take it there; in fair court the right is recognised.
Sixth (Top) Even if by chance a leather belt is bestowed, by the end of a morning it will have been snatched away three times. Honours won by strife will not hold.