Hexagram 6 · 天水讼

Conflict

Metal · Li palace

Open disagreement: proceed cautiously, compromise pays.

Meaning

Water flowing downward beneath heaven: two forces moving apart. This hexagram concerns disputes that have already surfaced.

Decision Framework

Contain it; seek a settlement, not a victory.

Decision Guidance

Conflict names a situation where the disagreement is already visible and both sides have something real at stake. The hexagram does not pretend this can be wished away, but it is consistently sceptical of pushing it to the end.

The advice is to define your actual interest and pursue an early, workable settlement rather than an outright win. Litigation and escalation tend to consume more than the disputed stake is worth, and the classical caution is to stop while a fair outcome is still available. If you must continue, do so with clear boundaries and reliable counsel.

Judgment — Classical Text

有孚窒，惕中吉，终凶。利见大人，不利涉大川。

EN Sincerity is blocked; cautious restraint brings good fortune, going to the end brings misfortune. Meeting the great person furthers; crossing the great water does not.

The Six Lines — Classical Text

1. 初六：不永所事，小有言，终吉。

   EN Initial six: do not prolong the dispute; there is small talk, but the end is good fortune.

2. 九二：不克讼，归而逋。

   EN Nine in the second: unable to win the dispute — withdraw and go home.

3. 六三：食旧德，贞厉，终吉。

   EN Six in the third: live on old virtue; perseverance brings danger, yet the end is good fortune.

4. 九四：不克讼，复即命渝，安贞吉。

   EN Nine in the fourth: unable to win, turn back to what is ordained and change your stand; peaceful perseverance brings good fortune.

5. 九五：讼，元吉。

   EN Nine in the fifth: the dispute — supreme good fortune.

6. 上九：或锡之鞶带，终朝三褫之。

   EN Topmost nine: one may be granted a belt of honour, but before the day is out it is stripped three times.

Keywords

I Ching hexagram 6, Conflict hexagram, Song hexagram meaning, hexagram for disputes