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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.