Conflict (Sòng)

Judgment

讼：有孚，窒惕，中吉，终凶。利见大人，不利涉大川。

Plain Meaning：Conflict: sincerity blocked. Halt midway for fortune; pressing to the end is calamitous. Seek an impartial authority.

Image (Great Commentary)

天与水违行，讼；君子以作事谋始。

Line Texts

• 初六不永所事，小有言，终吉。

  Do not prolong the dispute—minor words, but ends well.

• 九二不克讼，归而逋，其邑人三百户，无眚。

  Cannot win the suit—retreat and withdraw; no disaster.

• 六三食旧德，贞厉，终吉。或从王事，无成。

  Live on old virtue—steadfast amid danger ends well; claim no success.

• 九四不克讼，复即命，渝安贞，吉。

  Cannot win—return to your mandate, change and rest in steadfastness; fortune.

• 九五讼，元吉。

  Conflict judged justly—supreme good fortune.

• 上九或锡之鞶带，终朝三褫之。

  Even if awarded a sash, it is stripped thrice in a morning—such wins do not last.

Symbolism

Heaven and water moving apart: conflict and litigation.

Life Lesson

Plan carefully to prevent disputes; seek resolution over relentless combat.

Modern Application

In disputes and contracts: set terms early and settle wisely; avoid mutual ruin.

Words of Caution

Fighting to the bitter end: even victory does not endure.