Hexagram 6: Conflict

Hexagram 6, Conflict (Sòng, 讼), is formed of the upper trigram Heaven (乾) over the lower trigram Water (坎). Below is the classical judgment, the six line texts, and how to read this hexagram in a reading.

The Judgment

Trigrams

The outer (upper) trigram Heaven describes the situation as it meets the world; the inner (lower) trigram Water describes its inner disposition. Together they set the theme of Conflict.

The Six Lines

• 初六 · Line 1 Do not prolong the dispute. A little gossip, then a good end.不永所事，小有言，终吉。
• 九二 · Line 2 The case cannot be won. Withdraw home, and your people are spared.不克讼，归而逋，其邑人三百户，无眚。
• 六三 · Line 3 Live on proven virtue: danger, but a good end. If you serve, claim no credit.食旧德，贞厉，终吉；或从王事，无成。
• 九四 · Line 4 The case cannot be won. Turn back, accept what is, find peace in steadiness — good fortune.不克讼；复即命，渝，安贞，吉。
• 九五 · Line 5 The dispute is judged fairly. Supreme good fortune.讼，元吉。
• 上九 · Line 6 A belt of honor granted at dawn is stripped away three times by dusk.或锡之鞶带，终朝三褫之。

Reading Hexagram 6 for Your Question

When Conflict appears without changing lines, the judgment above stands as the whole answer. When you cast changing lines (a 6 or a 9), read those line texts first — they are the most specific guidance — then look to the relating hexagram they form for where the situation is heading. For love, career, or a decision, apply the theme of Conflict to your own circumstances rather than reading it as a fixed prediction.