I-Ching
Current
Changing
Transformed
Current
06 - Sung / Conflict
Above: CH`IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
Below: K`AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
The upper trigram, whose image is heaven, has an upward movement. The lower trigram, water, in accordance with its nature tends downward. Thus, the two halves move away from each other, giving rise to the idea of conflict.
The attribute of the Creative is strength, that of the Abysmal is danger, and guile. Where cunning has force before it, there is conflict.
A third indication of conflict, in terms of character, is presented by the combination of deep cunning within and fixed determination outwardly. A person of this character will certainly be quarrelsome.
Conflict develops when one feels himself to be in the right and runs into opposition. If one is not convinced of being in the right, opposition leads to craftiness or high-handed encroachment but not to open conflict.
If a man is entangled in a conflict, his only salvation lies in being so clear-headed and inwardly strong that he is always ready to come to terms by meeting the opponent halfway. To carry on the conflict to the bitter end has evil effects even when one is in the right, because the enmity is then perpetuated. It is important to see the great man, that is, an impartial man whose authority is great enough to terminate the conflict amicably or assure a just decision. In times of strife, crossing the great water is to be avoided, that is, dangerous enterprises are not to be begun, because in order to be successful they require concerted unity of focus. Conflict within weakens the power to conquer danger without.
Thus, in all his transactions the superior man carefully considers the beginning.
The image indicates that the causes of conflict are latent in the opposing tendencies of the two trigrams. Once these opposing tendencies appear, conflict is inevitable. To avoid it, therefore, everything must be taken carefully into consideration in the very beginning. If rights and duties are exactly defined, or if, in a group, the spiritual trends of the individuals harmonize, the cause of conflict is removed in advance.
Above: CH`IEN THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN
Below: K`AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
The upper trigram, whose image is heaven, has an upward movement. The lower trigram, water, in accordance with its nature tends downward. Thus, the two halves move away from each other, giving rise to the idea of conflict.
The attribute of the Creative is strength, that of the Abysmal is danger, and guile. Where cunning has force before it, there is conflict.
A third indication of conflict, in terms of character, is presented by the combination of deep cunning within and fixed determination outwardly. A person of this character will certainly be quarrelsome.
The Judgement
CONFLICT. You are sincere, and are being obstructed. A cautious halt halfway brings good fortune. Going through to the end brings misfortune. It furthers one to see the great man. It does not further one to cross the great water.Conflict develops when one feels himself to be in the right and runs into opposition. If one is not convinced of being in the right, opposition leads to craftiness or high-handed encroachment but not to open conflict.
If a man is entangled in a conflict, his only salvation lies in being so clear-headed and inwardly strong that he is always ready to come to terms by meeting the opponent halfway. To carry on the conflict to the bitter end has evil effects even when one is in the right, because the enmity is then perpetuated. It is important to see the great man, that is, an impartial man whose authority is great enough to terminate the conflict amicably or assure a just decision. In times of strife, crossing the great water is to be avoided, that is, dangerous enterprises are not to be begun, because in order to be successful they require concerted unity of focus. Conflict within weakens the power to conquer danger without.
The Image
Heaven and water go their opposite ways: The image of CONFLICT.Thus, in all his transactions the superior man carefully considers the beginning.
The image indicates that the causes of conflict are latent in the opposing tendencies of the two trigrams. Once these opposing tendencies appear, conflict is inevitable. To avoid it, therefore, everything must be taken carefully into consideration in the very beginning. If rights and duties are exactly defined, or if, in a group, the spiritual trends of the individuals harmonize, the cause of conflict is removed in advance.
Changing
Six at the beginning means:
Without blame.
In keeping with the situation, few words are needed. The hindrance is past, deliverance has come. One recuperates in peace and keeps still. This is the right thing to do in times when difficulties have been overcome.
Without blame.
In keeping with the situation, few words are needed. The hindrance is past, deliverance has come. One recuperates in peace and keeps still. This is the right thing to do in times when difficulties have been overcome.
Nine in the second place means:
One kills three foxes in the field and receives a yellow arrow. Perseverance brings good fortune.
The image is taken from the hunt. The hunter catches three cunning foxes and receives a yellow arrow as a reward. The obstacles in public life are the designing foxes who try to influence the ruler through flattery. They must be removed before there can be any deliverance. However, the struggle must not be carried on with the wrong weapons. The yellow color points to measure and mean in proceeding against the enemy, and the arrow signifies the straight course. If one devotes himself wholeheartedly to the task of deliverance, he develops so much inner strength from his rectitude that it acts as a weapon against all that is false and low.
One kills three foxes in the field and receives a yellow arrow. Perseverance brings good fortune.
The image is taken from the hunt. The hunter catches three cunning foxes and receives a yellow arrow as a reward. The obstacles in public life are the designing foxes who try to influence the ruler through flattery. They must be removed before there can be any deliverance. However, the struggle must not be carried on with the wrong weapons. The yellow color points to measure and mean in proceeding against the enemy, and the arrow signifies the straight course. If one devotes himself wholeheartedly to the task of deliverance, he develops so much inner strength from his rectitude that it acts as a weapon against all that is false and low.
Transformed
40 - Hsieh / Deliverance
Above: CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
Below: K`AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
Here the movement goes out of the sphere of danger. The obstacle has been removed, the difficulties are being resolved. Deliverance is not yet achieved, as it is just in its beginning, and the hexagram represents its various stages.
This refers to a time in which tensions and complications begin to be eased. At such times we ought to make our way back to ordinary conditions as soon as possible, thus, this is the meaning of "the southwest". These periods of sudden change have great importance. Just as rain relieves atmospheric tension, making all the buds burst open, so a time of deliverance from burdensome pressure has a liberating and stimulating effect on life. One thing is important, however. In such times we must not overdo our triumph. The point is not to push on farther than is necessary. Returning to the regular order of life as soon as deliverance is achieved brings good fortune. If there are any residual matters that ought to be attended to, it should be done as quickly as possible, so that a clean sweep is made and no unwanted slowing of the process occurs.
A thunderstorm has the effect of clearing the air, and the superior man produces a similar effect when dealing with mistakes and sins of men that induce a condition of tension. Through clarity, he brings deliverance. However, when failings come to light, he does not dwell on them, but rather he simply passes over mistakes, or unintentional transgressions, just as thunder dies away. He forgives misdeeds, and intentional transgressions, just as water washes everything clean.
Above: CHÊN THE AROUSING, THUNDER
Below: K`AN THE ABYSMAL, WATER
Here the movement goes out of the sphere of danger. The obstacle has been removed, the difficulties are being resolved. Deliverance is not yet achieved, as it is just in its beginning, and the hexagram represents its various stages.
The Judgement
DELIVERANCE. The southwest furthers. If there is no longer anything where one has to go, return brings good fortune. If there is still somewhere where one has to go, hastening brings good fortune.This refers to a time in which tensions and complications begin to be eased. At such times we ought to make our way back to ordinary conditions as soon as possible, thus, this is the meaning of "the southwest". These periods of sudden change have great importance. Just as rain relieves atmospheric tension, making all the buds burst open, so a time of deliverance from burdensome pressure has a liberating and stimulating effect on life. One thing is important, however. In such times we must not overdo our triumph. The point is not to push on farther than is necessary. Returning to the regular order of life as soon as deliverance is achieved brings good fortune. If there are any residual matters that ought to be attended to, it should be done as quickly as possible, so that a clean sweep is made and no unwanted slowing of the process occurs.
The Image
Thunder and rain set in: The image of DELIVERANCE. Thus, the superior man pardons mistakes and forgives misdeeds.A thunderstorm has the effect of clearing the air, and the superior man produces a similar effect when dealing with mistakes and sins of men that induce a condition of tension. Through clarity, he brings deliverance. However, when failings come to light, he does not dwell on them, but rather he simply passes over mistakes, or unintentional transgressions, just as thunder dies away. He forgives misdeeds, and intentional transgressions, just as water washes everything clean.