Conflict
Dispute is sometimes unavoidable; never pursue it to the bitter end.
The Judgment
“You are sincere but obstructed. Caution brings good fortune; carrying conflict to the end brings misfortune.”
The Lines
Line texts are an original modern translation of the classical Zhou Yi (public domain).
Meaning
Heaven pulls upward while water flows down—two forces moving apart. Conflict has arisen, and the wise course is to seek fair settlement, not total victory.
Guidance
State your case clearly, then step back; compromise early and avoid letting a quarrel consume you.
When This Hexagram Appears
A disagreement where insisting on winning outright would cost more than it gains.
FAQ about Hexagram 6
What does Hexagram 6, Conflict, mean?
Conflict (天水讼, hexagram 6 of the I Ching). Heaven pulls upward while water flows down—two forces moving apart. Conflict has arisen, and the wise course is to seek fair settlement, not total victory.
What is the Judgment of the Conflict hexagram?
The Judgment reads: “You are sincere but obstructed. Caution brings good fortune; carrying conflict to the end brings misfortune.” Dispute is sometimes unavoidable; never pursue it to the bitter end.
What guidance does Hexagram 6 offer?
State your case clearly, then step back; compromise early and avoid letting a quarrel consume you.
When does the Conflict hexagram apply?
A disagreement where insisting on winning outright would cost more than it gains.