Hexagram 6: Conflict

Written by Orbitarot · Sources: James Legge, The Yi King (The I Ching), 1882 (judgment and lines); plain readings our own · Updated October 7, 2026

Hexagram 6 in plain words

Heaven sits above water. Heaven rises upward while water flows downward, so the two move apart, and that split is the image of conflict. Inside there is danger or cunning (water), outside there is firmness (heaven): someone feels wronged and digs in. Tradition says that when you are in a dispute, even with right on your side, pushing it all the way to the end brings misfortune. Halting halfway is what brings good fortune.

In your situation, the wise move is to look for the root of the disagreement and deal with it early. Make your terms clear at the start of any arrangement, because many conflicts grow from vague beginnings. Seek a fair third party or a calm conversation rather than a showdown. This is not a good moment for big risky undertakings, as the strain of the conflict would follow you. Hold your position with sincerity, give way where you can without losing yourself, and remember that a short, fair settlement is usually better than a long victory. Ask what outcome you can live with, and aim for that.

The judgment

Sung intimates how, though there is sincerity in one's contention, he will yet meet with opposition and obstruction; but if he cherish an apprehensive caution, there will be good fortune, while, if he must prosecute the contention to the (bitter) end, there will be evil. It will be advantageous to see the great man; it will not be advantageous to cross the great stream.

Translation: James Legge, 1882 (public domain).

The image

(The trigram representing) heaven and (that representing) water, moving away from each other, form Sung. The superior man, in accordance with this, in the transaction of affairs takes good counsel about his first steps.

From Legge's Appendix II (the Great Symbolism), The Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882 (public domain).

In plain words: Heaven moves up and water flows down, so the two drift apart: the picture of a dispute. Think carefully before you begin anything, because most conflict can be avoided at the first step.

The six lines

Read only the lines that changed in your reading. Lines are counted from the bottom.

Line 1 (bottom)

The first SIX, divided, shows its subject not perpetuating the matter about which (the contention is). He will suffer the small (injury) of being spoken against, but the end will be fortunate.

Do not drag the matter out. There may be some sharp words, but if you let it go early, things end well.

Line 2

The second NINE, undivided, shows its subject unequal to the contention. If he retire and keep concealed (where) the inhabitants of his city are (only) three hundred families, he will fall into no mistake.

You cannot win this fight, so you step back and go home. Withdrawing spares you and those around you from harm.

Line 3

The third SIX, divided, shows its subject keeping in the old place assigned for his support, and firmly correct. Perilous as the position is, there will be good fortune in the end. Should he perchance engage in the king's business, he will not (claim the merit of) achievement.

Rely on what you have honestly earned and stay with old commitments. There is some risk, but staying modest and not seeking credit leads to a good end.

Line 4

The fourth NINE, undivided, shows its subject unequal to the contention. He returns to (the study of Heaven's) ordinances, changes (his wish to contend), and rests in being firm and correct. There will be good fortune.

You cannot carry the conflict through, so you turn back and accept what is right. Changing your attitude brings peace and steadiness.

Line 5

The fifth NINE, undivided, shows its subject contending; and with great good fortune.

You bring the dispute before a fair judge. A just and balanced view brings great good fortune.

Line 6 (top)

The topmost NINE, undivided, shows how its subject may have the leathern belt conferred on him (by the sovereign), and thrice it shall be taken from him in a morning.

Even if you win a prize by fighting, it may be taken from you again and again. A victory won through conflict does not last.

Related hexagrams

All three relations have traditional Chinese names (cuo gua for the opposite, zong gua for the inverse, hu gua for the nuclear). Many modern readers use the opposite as the shadow side of a situation, the inverse as the same moment seen from the other side, and the nuclear hexagram as its inner core.

If one line changes

With a single changing line, hexagram 6 turns into:

Learn more: what the I Ching is, how to read changing lines, the eight trigrams, how to cast with coins or yarrow.

Hexagram 6 in love and relationships

In love, this hexagram points to friction, perhaps an argument or a basic disagreement. Look for what each of you really needs, avoid trying to win, and consider talking with a neutral person if you are stuck.

Hexagram 6 for work and decisions

At work, a dispute or competing interests may be in play. Clarify agreements in writing, seek a fair compromise, and avoid escalating; this is not the time for a bold new venture.

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