First Six (初六)
Not prolonging the matter; small criticism, but fortunate in the end
Release the dispute before it deepens. You may face minor criticism, yet if you step back early, the outcome will be favorable.
Hexagram 6
Sòng 訟
Upper · Qián (Heaven) | Lower · Kǎn (Water)
Conflict · litigation · dispute · mediation · restraint · compromise
What does Hexagram 6 mean?
Hexagram 6, Sòng (訟), is about conflict, litigation, and dispute. When conflict arises, your intentions may be sincere, yet you will encounter resistance and barriers.
The Judgment
Though sincerity is present, obstruction will arise; caution brings fortune midway, but persistence leads to misfortune.
When conflict arises, your intentions may be sincere, yet you will encounter resistance and barriers. The path forward lies not in pushing forward relentlessly, but in exercising careful restraint—this brings good fortune in the middle course. However, if you persist in the dispute to its bitter end, the outcome will be unfortunate. Seek the counsel of a wise and impartial person; avoid major undertakings or ventures during this time.
The Lines
Second Nine (九二)
Unequal to the contest; retreat and conceal; three hundred families, no error
Recognize when you cannot win. Withdrawing gracefully and living quietly is wiser than fighting a losing battle.
Third Six (六三)
Sustaining old virtue, firm and correct; perilous yet fortunate; serve without claiming credit
Hold to your principles and past integrity. If drawn into larger matters, fulfill your duty without seeking recognition or new achievement.
Fourth Nine (九四)
Unequal to the contest; return to ordinance, change course, rest in firmness; good fortune
Abandon the struggle and return to your proper role and duties. This shift in direction brings peace and stability.
Fifth Nine (九五)
Contending with great good fortune
When a fair arbiter or authority brings clarity, your rightful position is vindicated. Stand firm in what is just.
Sixth Nine (上九)
Honored with a belt, yet stripped of it thrice in one morning
Gains won through conflict are fleeting and unstable. What you seize through strife will not endure.
Hexagram 6 FAQ
What does Hexagram 6 mean for career?
If workplace tension or professional disagreement has arisen, resist the urge to confront directly. Instead, seek a trusted mediator or senior figure to help bridge the gap. This is a time to stabilize your position, not to launch new initiatives or assert dominance.
What does Hexagram 6 mean for love and relationships?
When conflict emerges in a close relationship, pause before reacting emotionally. Listen fully to the other person's perspective and look for common ground. Remember that winning an argument often means losing the relationship—compassion and understanding matter far more than being right.
What does Hexagram 6 mean for study and personal growth?
If you feel treated unfairly in your studies or learning environment, address it calmly and logically rather than with heat. Clear communication and reasoned dialogue will resolve misunderstandings. Collaboration and mutual support yield better results than competition.
What does Hexagram 6 mean for business and money?
Contract disputes or partnership conflicts require professional guidance—do not let them escalate to litigation if possible. Clarify all agreements in writing beforehand and build in dispute-resolution mechanisms. Avoid major expansion or risky ventures while conflict clouds your judgment.
What should I be careful about with Hexagram 6?
Fighting to win may cost you far more than you gain. Prolonged disputes harm both parties and drain resources. Guard against emotional decision-making; weigh the true cost of victory. Do not sacrifice long-term peace for short-term vindication or pride.
What if Hexagram 6 has changing lines?
Read the line statement for each changing line above. With two or more changing lines, Zhu Xi’s rules decide which text leads the reading.
Original English translation by James Legge, 1882 (Public Domain). Editorial adaptation © Yijing.