I Ching hexagram
6. Stress
訟Sòng
Heaven over Water
Also called Conflict, The Symbol of Contention, Strife, Litigation, Quarreling, Arguing, Lawsuit, "It is important to mind one's step at the very beginning then things will have a chance to work out all right." -- D.F. Hook
Hexagram 6, Stress (訟 Sòng) is formed by Heaven over Water. It is also known as Conflict, The Symbol of Contention, Strife, Litigation, Quarreling, Arguing, Lawsuit, "It is important to mind one's step at the very beginning then things will have a chance to work out all right." -- D.F. Hook.
Legge
Read as
The judgment
Legge
有孚，窒惕，中吉，終凶。利見大人，不利涉大川。
Stress indicates that despite sincere motivations, one still meets with opposition and obstruction. Maintain an apprehensive caution. To prosecute the contention to the bitter end will produce evil results. It is advantageous to see the Great Man. It is not advantageous to cross the great stream.
The six lines
line 1 is at the bottom
- Line 1Yin
不永所事，小有言，終吉。
You must steer clear of any conflict or resolve it quickly. Avoid making decisions or entering disputes. You might feel slightly victimized, but everything will ultimately turn out fine.
- Line 2Yang
不克訟，歸而逋，其邑人三百戶，无眚。
Your opponent is stronger than you. Don't let your pride or honor lure you into direct conflict. Stepping back will help you avoid disastrous consequences for yourself and those around you.
- Line 3Yin
食舊德，貞厲，終吉。或從王事，无成。
Maintain a low profile. Adhere to established practices and traditional values. Avoid seeking recognition or status, as material wealth and prestige hold little value now. Your inner qualities matter most.
- Line 4Yang
不克訟，復即命，渝安貞，吉。
You may see opportunities to enhance your position by confronting a weaker opponent. However, such actions won't bring you true satisfaction. A return to dignity, recognizing your inner worth, and accepting your circumstances will bring peace and good fortune.
- Line 5Yang
訟，元吉。
Present your conflict to a fair and powerful authority. If you're in the right, the outcome will be favorable and lead to success.
- Line 6Yang
或錫之鞶帶，終朝三褫之。
If you engage in a forceful conflict now, you might come out on top. However, this will lead to a situation of continuous challenge. Such victories will ultimately lack significance.
When this hexagram changes
These are the moves that have come up most often in readings. Each page keeps the book text.
Use this hexagram in a reading
These are the same judgment and lines that appear when hexagram 6 comes up in a cast. Ask a question to see which lines change, or keep a journal of your readings. The throw uses the odds of three coins: how a reading is cast.