Hexagram 6
Conflict - Song
讼
Meaning and Overview
The upper trigram of the Conflict hexagram is Qian, representing strength. The lower trigram is Kan, representing danger. Above is strength, below is peril; the image is of heaven and water moving in opposite directions, signifying conflict and litigation arising from disputes over interests. The Conflict hexagram advocates acting with centered rectitude, 'planning at the beginning of affairs,' and through deep foresight, nipping conflict in the bud. Its philosophy aligns with Confucius's approach to litigation. The thought of the Song hexagram is consistent with Confucius’s view on litigation. Confucius said, “In hearing litigation, I am no different from others. What is essential is to make litigation unnecessary.” This is precisely the essence of the “no litigation” principle in the Song hexagram, emphasizing the transformation of disputes through virtue and the cessation of litigation through ritual, which is the true way to govern the world.
Chinese Interpretation
《讼》卦上卦为乾，为健。下卦为坎，为险。上刚下险，卦象天与水相反而行，表示争讼，因为争夺利益产生矛盾。《讼》卦主张中正而行，“作事谋始”，开始时深谋远虑，将争讼消灭于萌芽状态。《讼》卦思想与孔子的诉讼思想一脉相承，孔子曰：“听讼，吾犹人也，必也使无讼乎。”此即《讼》卦“无讼”之旨归，强调以德化争、以礼止讼，方为治世之道。
Line Interpretations
These passages include the core hexagram statement, the six moving line texts, and traditional commentary where available. Read them as layered guidance: the early lines describe the root of the situation, while later lines reveal development, pressure, and outcome.
有孚，窒惕，中吉，终凶，利见大人，不利涉大川。
有诚信，但诚信因猜疑而遭阻隔，小心谨慎，遵循中正之道，则吉祥，如果猜疑纷争，相互攻击，则凶。利于进见大人，不利于渡过大河。
Sincerity held, yet blocked and wary; midway, good fortune; in the end, misfortune. It benefits to see the great person; it does not benefit to cross the great river.
With sincerity, but sincerity blocked by suspicion; be cautious and follow the path of centered rectitude, then good fortune. If suspicion and conflict lead to mutual attack, misfortune. It is favorable to visit the great person, unfavorable to cross the great river.
初六，不永所事，小有言，终吉。
初六爻，所争讼之事不会持续下去，虽然会有小小的指责，最后结果是吉祥的。
At the first six, do not prolong the affair; though there be small words of blame, in the end, good fortune.
The matter of contention will not persist; though there may be minor reproaches, the final outcome is auspicious.
九二，不克讼，归而逋，其邑人三百户，无眚。
九二爻，不能够争讼，逃跑躲回老家，其家乡有三百户人家，不会有灾祸。
At the second nine, unable to prevail in conflict, return and flee; the people of his town, three hundred households, suffer no calamity.
Unable to win the lawsuit, he flees back to his hometown; his hometown with three hundred households will suffer no disaster.
六三，食旧德，贞厉，终吉，或从王事，无成。
六三爻，享用故去父亲原有的食禄，但六三乘九二之阳，虽有危险，只要谨慎小心，最终结果是吉祥的。如果为君主出力服务，则不要居功自傲。
At the third six, feed on the old virtue; perseverance brings danger, but in the end, good fortune. If perhaps serving the king, there is no accomplishment.
Enjoying the inherited stipend from the departed father, but the third yin rides over the second yang; though there is danger, with caution the final result is auspicious. If serving the ruler, do not claim merit arrogantly.
九四，不克讼，复即命，渝，安贞吉。
九四爻，不能争讼，回家等待天时，如果改变争讼的主张，安静坚守正道，就会吉祥。
At the fourth nine, unable to prevail in conflict, return and submit to fate; change, and abide in perseverance, good fortune.
Unable to win the lawsuit, return home and await the right time; if you change your stance on contention and quietly hold to the correct path, there will be good fortune.
九五，讼，元吉。
九五爻，断讼，大吉。
At the fifth nine, conflict; supreme good fortune.
Judging the lawsuit; great good fortune.
上九，或锡之鞶带，终朝三褫之。
上九爻，或许以讼取胜，君王赏赐车马服饰，但引起君王怀疑，一天之内就三次下令追回所赏之物。
At the top nine, perhaps granted a leather belt, but in a single morning, thrice stripped of it.
Perhaps winning the lawsuit, the ruler bestows chariots and robes, but arousing the ruler's suspicion, within one day three times orders the gifts retrieved.