Conflict
"Do not push the conflict to the bitter end. Seek a middle path and compromise."
The Judgment
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.
Original Text
有孚，窒惕，中吉，终凶。利见大人，不利涉大川。
The Image
Heaven and water go their opposite ways: The image of Conflict. Thus the superior man in all his transactions considers the beginning.
Original Text
天与水违行，讼；君子以作事谋始。
The Lines
Six at the Beginning初六
"If one does not perpetuate the affair, there is a little gossip. In the end, good fortune."
Stop the conflict before it starts. A small dispute is better than a big war.
Original: 不永所事，小有言，终吉。
Nine at the Place 2九二
"One cannot conquer in conflict; one retires and submits. His town has three hundred families. No guilt."
You cannot win this fight. Retreat now to save yourself and others.
Original: 不克讼，归而逋。其邑人三百户，无眚。
Six at the Place 3六三
"To nourish oneself on ancient virtue induces perseverance. Danger. In the end, good fortune. If by chance you are in the service of a king, seek not works."
Rely on your past merits and integrity. Do not seek new achievements now.
Original: 食旧德，贞厉，终吉。或从王事，无成。
Nine at the Place 4九四
"One cannot conquer in conflict. One turns back and submits to fate, changes one's attitude, and finds peace in perseverance. Good fortune."
Accept that you cannot win. Changing your attitude brings peace.
Original: 不克讼，复即命，渝安贞，吉。
Nine at the Place 5九五
"Contention. Supreme good fortune."
With a just cause and a fair arbitrator, the conflict is resolved favorably.
Original: 讼，元吉。
Nine at the Top上九
"Even if by chance a leather belt is bestowed on one, by the end of the morning it will have been snatched away three times."
Victory achieved through conflict is not lasting. It brings only shame.
Original: 或锡之鞶带，终朝三褫之。