6. Conflict (Conflict)
Opposing forces above and below breed disputes and disagreements. Handle conflicts with care and favor harmony over victory — insisting on winning will only bring trouble back to you.
Plain-Language Translation: Sincerity meets obstruction; staying cautious brings good fortune, but pursuing the conflict to the end brings misfortune. It favors seeing a person of standing, but not favorable to cross the great river.
Plain-Language Translation: Song shows firmness above and danger below — inward danger paired with outward strength, hence the endless dispute. In conflict, sincerity meets obstruction, yet staying cautious and balanced brings good fortune, because the firm line has come to occupy the center. Pursuing the dispute to the end brings misfortune, for conflict should never be carried through to its conclusion. It favors seeing a person of standing, since that honors the way of centrality and correctness. It is not favorable to cross the great river, for that would be like plunging into an abyss.
Plain-Language Translation: Heaven moves upward while water flows downward, moving apart — a picture of conflict; the noble person plans carefully from the outset to avoid disputes.
Modern Application Guide
Career: Disagreements with colleagues or superiors are likely — favor harmony and avoid letting friction escalate.
Relationships: Arguments can heat up quickly — stepping back to talk it through preserves the relationship better than digging in.
Wealth: Money matters shared with others risk turning into disputes — put every term in writing, clearly.
Health: Tension can disrupt sleep and digestion — practice letting go rather than dwelling on a single worry.
Line-by-Line Detail
不永所事，讼不可长也。虽有小言，其辩明也
You're at the beginning, still gentle and untested — like the first sprout of something new.
不克讼，归而逋也。自下讼上，患至掇也
You're settling into the inner position — a good stage to put your strength to use and earn recognition.
食旧德，从上吉也
You're at a transition point between inner and outer, feeling soft amid a shifting situation — a little unease is natural here.
复即命，渝安贞；不失也
You're drawing close to the center of power or authority — a sensitive spot where every word and move gets noticed.
讼元吉，以中正也
You're in the central, honored position — a key stage to lead and earn the trust of others.
以讼受服，亦不足敬也
You've reached the peak or the tail end of this situation — success at its height can turn, so stay alert even now.