I Ching Hexagram 6: CONFLICT (Sung)

The 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.

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.

The Lines

6

Nine at the top

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.

The Image says: To win a case and receive a belt is not worthy of respect.

5

Nine in the fifth place

To contend before him brings supreme good fortune.

The Image says: 'To contend before him brings supreme good fortune.' This is because he is central and correct.

4

Nine in the fourth place

One cannot engage in conflict. One turns back and submits to fate, changes one's attitude, and finds peace in perseverance. Good fortune.

The Image says: 'One turns back and submits to fate, changes one's attitude, and finds peace in perseverance.' One does not lose.

3

Six in the third place

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 no success.

The Image says: 'To nourish oneself on ancient virtue.' To follow the superior brings good fortune.

2

Nine in the second place

One cannot engage in conflict; one returns home and hides. The people of his town, three hundred households, remain free of guilt.

The Image says: 'One cannot engage in conflict; one returns home and hides.' To bring suit from below against a superior is to invite disaster.

1

Six at the beginning

If one does not perpetuate the affair, there is a little gossip. In the end, good fortune comes.

The Image says: 'If one does not perpetuate the affair.' The conflict should not be prolonged. Although there is 'a little gossip,' the argument is clarified.

The Wisdom of Hexagram — An Eastern Perspective

The Art of Conflict Resolution

In the journey of life, disputes are inevitable. Hexagram 6 (Sung/Conflict) does not just predict arguments; it offers a strategic guide on how to handle them based on the situation.

The hexagram outlines six essential principles for managing conflict:

De-escalate Early: At the very beginning of a disagreement, make your reasoning clear. Even if words are exchanged, stop before it grows. Ending a dispute early is the best victory.
Know When to Retreat: Avoid fighting against the odds (suing a superior or a stronger force). If you realize you cannot win, retreat immediately to avoid paying a higher price later.
Seek Justice with Virtue: If a lawsuit is unavoidable, maintain a broad mind. Rely on virtue and reason, and use the law to protect your rights—but aim for public respect, not just a technical win.
Change Your Mindset: Conflict is often a "lose-lose" situation. Do not be aggressive just for the sake of winning. True wisdom lies in reflecting on yourself and changing your approach to seek harmony.
Be Impartial: For those in the position of a judge or mediator, fairness is the only path to good fortune.
The Hollow Victory: Even if you win the lawsuit, you create lasting resentment and hidden dangers. A prize won through conflict will not last long and brings no true respect.