讼
SòngUpper: Heaven · 乾 · Lower: Water · 坎
Judgment有孚，窒，惕，中吉，终凶。利见大人，不利涉大川。
In plain wordsOne has truth on one's side but is blocked, so caution is needed. Meeting halfway can turn out well, while fighting to the end ends badly. It helps to consult a wise person but not to risk the great river.
The imageHeaven above, water below: one goes up and the other flows down, so they move in opposite directions, like two people who cannot meet in the middle.
A hint for youWhen you disagree with someone, state the facts plainly and ask a fair person to mediate, then stop at a reasonable point. A dispute dragged out tends to drain you, so consider stepping back earlier.
Line texts (bottom to top)
- 初六不永所事，小有言，终吉。The first line, 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.
- 九二不克讼，归而逋，其邑人三百户无眚。The second line, 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.
- 六三食旧德，贞厉，终吉。或从王事，无成。The third line, 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.
- 九四不克讼，复即命渝，安贞吉。The fourth line, 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.
- 九五讼，元吉。The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject contending;—and with great good fortune.
- 上九或锡之鞶带，终朝三褫之。The topmost line, 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.
Conflict; step back before it escalates
For entertainment and self-reflection only