Hexagram 06
SungConflict
Heaven (Qian) · Water (Kan)
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.
This hexagram in one line
The upper trigram, whose image is heaven, has an upward movement; the lower trigram, water, in accordance with its nature, tends downward. Thus the two halves move away from each other, giving rise to the idea of conflict. The attribute of the Creative is strength, that of the Abysmal is danger, guile. Where cunning has force before it, there is conflict. A third indication of conflict, in terms of character, is presented by the combination of deep cunning within and fixed determination outwardly. A person of this character will certainly be quarrelsome.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Water conflicts with heaven
Hexagram Judgment
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.
Conflict develops when one feels himself to be in the right and runs into opposition. If one is not convinced of being in the right, opposition leads to craftiness or high-handed encroachment but not to open conflict. If a man is entangled in a conflict, his only salvation lies in being so clear-headed and inwardly strong that he is always ready to come to terms by meeting the opponent halfway. To carry on the conflict to the bitter end has evil effects even when one is in the right, because the enmity is then perpetuated. It is important to see the great man, that is, an impartial man whose authority is great enough to terminate the conflict amicably or assure a just decision. In times of strife, crossing the great water is to be avoided, that is, dangerous enterprises are not to be begun, because in order to be successful they require concerted unity of forces. Conflict within weakens the power to conquer danger without.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Heaven (Qian)
- Heaven · Creative
- Water (Kan)
- Water · Abysmal
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
Conflict arises when the upper is strong and the lower is dangerous: danger joined with strength becomes litigation. In conflict there is sincerity, obstruction, caution, and good fortune in the middle, because firmness comes and attains the center. Bringing matters to an end is inauspicious, because conflict cannot be made fruitful. It furthers one to see the great person, because one honors balance and correctness. It does not further one to cross the great river, because one would fall into an abyss.
Conflict appears when danger and strength meet head-on. The right way is not to intensify the struggle, but to keep to the center, preserve clarity, and rely on fair authority.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
Heaven and water go their opposite ways: The image of CONFLICT. Thus in all his transactions the superior man Carefully considers the beginning.
The image indicates that the causes of conflict are latent in the opposing tendencies of the two trigrams. Once these opposing tendencies appear, conflict is inevitable. To avoid it, therefore, everything must be taken carefully into consideration in the very beginning. If rights and duties are exactly defined, or if, in a group, the spiritual trends of the individuals harmonize, the cause of conflict is removed in advance.
Further
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Frequently asked questions
What does Sung / Conflict mean in the I Ching?
Conflict develops when one feels himself to be in the right and runs into opposition. If one is not convinced of being in the right, opposition leads to craftin...
How should I study Hexagram 6 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. While a conflict is in the incipient stage, the best thing to do is to drop the issue. Especially when the adversary is stronger, it is not advisable to risk pushing the conflict t...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
Conflict appears when danger and strength meet head-on. The right way is not to intensify the struggle, but to keep to the center, preserve clarity, and rely on fair authority.
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Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.