I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 6 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 15
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 6.2.3.4.5.6 -> 15
6. Conflict (訟 Sòng)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☰ Qián (Heaven) — 天 · Creative
- Below
- ☵ Kǎn (Water) — 水 · Depth
The Symbolism of Hexagram 6
Hexagram 訟 (Sòng) describes contention, dispute, and opposing claims. It arises when two sides move against each other and no natural accord is present. The hexagram does not treat conflict as inherently heroic; it shows that once contention hardens, it becomes difficult to conclude well.
In human terms, conflict tends to escalate if not recognized early. Clarity, restraint, and careful judgment shape whether it remains manageable or grows into something more difficult to resolve.
Hexagram 6 Judgment
有孚，窒惕，中吉，终凶。利见大人，不利涉大川。
(Yǒu fú, zhì tì, zhōng jí, zhōng xiōng. Lì jiàn dà rén, bù lì shè dà chuān.)
"There is underlying alignment, but also obstruction and apprehension. A middle course brings favorable outcome; carrying it through to the end brings unfavorable outcome. It is favorable to engage a person of great capacity. It is not a case where it is favorable to undertake a major transition."
This passage describes a conflict in which one may be sincere and justified, yet still blocked by opposing forces. The best outcome comes from handling the matter before it hardens into a prolonged struggle. Once pushed to the extreme, even a justified dispute turns harmful.
Seeking sound judgment and avoiding major undertakings while contention is active allows the situation to remain contained. Resolution depends on measured handling rather than total victory.
Hexagram 6 Image
天与水违行，訟。君子以作事谋始。
(Tiān yǔ shuǐ wéi xíng, sòng. Jūn zǐ yǐ zuò shì móu shǐ.)
"Heaven and water move in opposite directions: conflict. The superior person considers the beginning of affairs."
The image shows two movements that do not align, making friction inevitable. Conflict often begins not at the moment of open dispute, but much earlier, in mismatched intentions and directions.
For that reason, the lesson is to think carefully at the outset. When beginnings are handled well, open contention is less likely to arise.
Line 2 Changing
不克訟，归而逋。其邑人三百户，无眚。
(Bù kè sòng, guī ér bū. Qí yì rén sān bǎi hù, wú shěng.)
"One cannot prevail in the dispute. Return and withdraw. The people of one's town, three hundred households, are without harm."
This line recognizes a conflict that cannot be won. The wise response is retreat, not because one is necessarily wrong, but because continuation would bring needless damage.
Withdrawal protects what is still intact. By stepping back, one preserves one's circle and avoids wider harm.
Line 3 Changing
食旧德，贞厉，终吉。或从王事，无成。
(Shí jiù dé, zhēn lì, zhōng jí. Huò cóng wáng shì, wú chéng.)
"Living on former virtue. Correct alignment: risk present, yet ending in a favorable outcome. One may follow the governing authority's work, but without personal achievement."
This line points to relying on what has already been earned rather than forcing a claim in the present. Holding firm is risky, but not ruinous, if one remains properly grounded.
It also suggests serving a larger cause without seeking credit. The matter may be carried through, but not in a way that brings personal distinction.
Line 4 Changing
不克訟，復即命渝，安貞吉。
(Bù kè sòng, fù jí mìng yú, ān zhēn jí.)
"One cannot prevail in the dispute. Turn back and return to what is appointed; changing course and settling into correct alignment leads to a favorable outcome."
This line shows the moment when pressing further no longer serves any purpose. The proper response is to stop contending, accept the situation, and alter one's course.
Good fortune comes through settling oneself rather than pushing for victory. Peace is restored by returning to stability.
Line 5 Changing
訟元吉。
(Sòng yuán jí.)
"In conflict, there is primary favorable outcome."
This line points to a dispute handled at the right level and in the right way. It suggests sound judgment, fairness, and the ability to bring the matter to proper resolution.
The good fortune does not come from contention itself, but from the just settlement of it. Under capable handling, even conflict can lead to a good outcome.
Line 6 Changing
或锡之鞶带，终朝三褫之。
(Huò xī zhī pán dài, zhōng zhāo sān chǐ zhī.)
"One may be granted a belt of honor, yet before the morning is over it is stripped away three times."
This line warns that apparent victory in conflict may be unstable and short-lived. Recognition gained through contention does not rest on secure ground.
What is won outwardly can be quickly lost again. The image cautions against pursuing triumph for status or display.
Changing to:
15. Leveling (謙 Qiān)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☷ Kūn (Earth) — 地 · Receptive
- Below
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain) — 山 · Stillness
The Symbolism of Hexagram 15
Hexagram 謙 (Qiān) describes a condition in which what is elevated is lowered and what is low is raised, creating balance. It is not self-effacement, but the proper adjustment of excess and deficiency.
Hexagram 15 Judgment
謙亨，君子有終。
(Qiān hēng, jūn zǐ yǒu zhōng.)
"Leveling brings smooth progress. The superior person brings it to completion."
When excess is reduced and deficiency is filled, movement becomes smooth. This creates a condition in which processes can continue without disruption.
The superior person carries this adjustment through to its conclusion, ensuring that balance is not temporary but sustained.
Hexagram 15 Image
地中有山，謙。君子以裒多益寡，稱物平施。
(Dì zhōng yǒu shān, qiān. Jūn zǐ yǐ póu duō yì guǎ, chēng wù píng shī.)
"A mountain rises within the earth: leveling. The superior person gathers what is excessive and adds to what is lacking, distributing things according to balance."
The mountain is contained within the earth, its height moderated rather than exposed. This reflects reduction of excess.
Balance is achieved not by equalizing everything blindly, but by measuring and adjusting according to what each situation requires.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team