Hexagram 6 — Conflict (讼)

Song is conflict — heaven and water move apart. Seek mediation and the middle way; plan at the start to prevent disputes.

The Judgment

有孚，窒惕，中吉，终凶。利见大人，不利涉大川。

Yǒu fú, zhì tì, zhōng jí, zhōng xiōng. Lì jiàn dà rén, bù lì shè dà chuān.

“Sincerity meets obstruction. Center brings fortune, the end brings misfortune. Seek the great person; do not cross the great water.”

In plain terms: Dispute arises — seek mediation, not escalation.

The Image

天与水违行，讼；君子以作事谋始。

Tiān yǔ shuǐ wéi xíng, sòng; jūnzǐ yǐ zuò shì móu shǐ.

“Heaven and water move apart — the noble person plans carefully at the beginning.”

The Image invites us to translate the hexagram's symbolism into practical conduct—not superstitious fortune-telling.

Six Lines (Brief)

• Do not persist in the dispute — withdraw early, eventual good fortune
• Cannot win the lawsuit — retreat home, no calamity
• Feed on old virtue — danger, but good fortune in the end
• Cannot win — return to destiny, change and stay firm; good fortune
• The dispute — supreme good fortune through just judgment
• Gift of honor stripped thrice — gains from conflict don't last

In Daily Life

When Conflict appears in reflection, consider:

• In conflict, take the middle path; early withdrawal beats prolonged fight
• Plan at the beginning to prevent disputes
• Seek fair mediation; avoid risky ventures

Practical scenarios:

• Disagreement with a colleague — talk privately before public confrontation
• Contract dispute — seek mediation, not prolonged litigation
• Family argument — step back and honor shared history

Spatial Note (Feng Shui)

In feng shui, Conflict is often associated with the North and the Water phase.

Lower Kan (north) — heaven and water diverge. Keep the north calm; avoid clutter that triggers old conflicts.

Related Hexagrams

• Fellowship (同人)
• Breakthrough (夬)

A Closing Thought

Conflict reminds us: Dispute arises — seek mediation, not escalation. What is this pattern asking of you right now?