I Ching · No.06 · Sung / Conflict

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Sung intimates how, though there is sincerity in one's contention, he will yet meet with opposition and obstruction; but if he cherish an apprehensive caution, there will be good fortune, while, if he must prosecute the contention to the (bitter) end, there will be evil. It will be advantageous to see the great man; it will not be advantageous to cross the great stream.

Translation

Sung (Conflict). Although there is profit to be made (capturing prisoners), one must remain vigilant and cautious. The matter is auspicious in the middle, but dangerous in the end. Divining this, it is favorable to see great men, but unfavorable to cross the great river. The Xiang (Image) Commentary says: The upper trigram is Qian, representing Heaven; the lower trigram is Kan, representing Water. Heaven and water move in opposite directions, going their separate ways, which is contrary to reason. This is the image of Sung. Reflecting on this image, the superior man takes heed to prevent conflict, being extremely cautious at the very beginning of planning any enterprise.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Heaven is high and water is deep, reaching far but not in intimacy. Be cautious in planning and retreat to defend; with respect and awe, there will be no misfortune. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, body and mind are unsettled, things are mostly unfavorable, and there are many disputes and lawsuits with others. It is advisable to cultivate character, nurture nature, and act with caution.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fame and official status are obstructed; it is not advisable to make enemies.
• Wealth 财运: Be cautious at the beginning, and profit can eventually be made.
• Household 家宅: The superior man must seek a virtuous maiden.
• Health 身体: Prevention is better than cure.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Heaven is Qian, and Qian represents strength and martial power; Water is Kan, and Kan represents bandits and thieves. Therefore, it governs litigation and also military affairs. The two armies are at variance, leading to war; the reason they are at variance lies in the period before the battle begins. Thus it is said, 'The superior man plans his beginnings when doing things,' which is the essence of Confucius's caution in war.
• Business 营商: In the hexagram of Sung, the inner nuclear trigram is Li, representing funds and tools, and the outer nuclear trigram is Xun, representing commerce, implying the meaning of doing business. The way of business is that harmony leads to success, while variance leads to failure. Furthermore, Qian represents the beginning and Kan represents planning, hence the saying, 'Plan his beginnings when doing things.' Doing well at the beginning allows one to plan for the end; thus business can endure and expand. Auspicious.
• Fame & Career 功名: Qian represents strength, and Kan represents danger. This means Qian wishes to advance but falls into the danger of Kan, which is why fame and official status are difficult to achieve.
• Marriage 婚姻: Marriage is formed by uniting two families in harmony; there should be union, not variance. A man has a family and a woman has a home, which is the beginning of human relationships. Therefore, the superior man must seek a virtuous maiden, which is the way of planning the beginning.
• Illness 疾病: The onset of illness must arise from disharmony between Yin and Yang. Disharmony leads to contrary functioning, and contrary functioning becomes disease. In treating it, one should be cautious from the beginning.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy.
• Lost Items 失物: The object is in a high place, fallen into the water, and cannot be recovered. There is fear of major verbal disputes.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below and Qian above). It is the opposite of the Hsü (Waiting) hexagram, making them reciprocal 'Zong' hexagrams. Qian represents strength and vigor, while Kan represents danger and entrapment. Strength and danger, vigor and danger, oppose each other, inevitably generating conflict. Conflict is not a good thing; one must be prudent and cautious.

• Overall Image 大象: Qian-Heaven rises above, Kan-Water descends below; they move in opposite directions, causing conflict.
• Fortune 运势: Things go against one's wishes, everything is unfavorable, and malicious people cause harm; one should guard against traps.
• Career 事业: Smooth and profitable at the beginning, but followed by setbacks. One must remain alert and extremely cautious, not cling to one's own opinions, and make every effort to avoid getting involved in litigation and disputes. Instead of this, it is better to withdraw and yield to others to seek resolution. Abiding by correct principles can avert unexpected disasters. Getting involved in conflict, even if one wins, will eventually result in loss; the gain does not make up for the loss.
• Business 经商: Harmony breeds wealth, and bearing losses is a blessing. Never pursue ill-gotten wealth. In business negotiations, adhere to the principles of fairness, equity, and mutual benefit, and try to avoid conflict. In this way, there will be good results.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Unfavorable. You still lack competitive strength; you should adhere to purity, bear hardship to encourage yourself, strive for self-improvement, and never show off. Rely on the help of people of status to overcome difficulties as early as possible.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Although not fully satisfactory, it is still a decent match. With mutual understanding, it is acceptable. Both parties should handle life in a gentle manner.
• Decision 决策: Competitive and eager to win, unsettled by the status quo, striving to change destiny and surpass others. Smart and quick-witted, with the help of benefactors. However, lacking perseverance, prone to showing off, offending others, and bringing about litigation disaster. It is advisable to accept reality, let nature take its course, be content, and know when to stop. Take the lesson as a warning, and success and fame can be achieved.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, divided, shows its subject not perpetuating the matter about which (the contention is). He will suffer the small (injury) of being spoken against, but the end will be fortunate.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the beginning: One cannot perpetuate the matter. There is a slight blame, but in the end, it is auspicious. The Xiang (Image) Commentary says: One cannot perpetuate the matter, indicating that the lawsuit cannot be prolonged. Although there is a slight blame, the rights and wrongs of the dispute will eventually be made clear.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, disputes will arise, but it will end auspiciously. For the sick, they will recover without medicine. Officials will face slander, but will be vindicated without explanation.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Will not be trapped for long, and will eventually become well-known.
• Wealth 财运: Sell in time, and verbal disputes will cause no harm.
• Household 家宅: There are some disputes; they just need to be clarified.
• Health 身体: Initial illness can be cured; chronic illness is ominous.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Litigation is a dispute between two people, and war is a dispute between two nations. Therefore, pursuing litigation to the end and waging war to the extreme are both ominous events. The line says, 'One cannot perpetuate the matter,' meaning winning a single battle without further resort to arms, which highlights that the sage uses military force only as a last resort, not out of warmongering.
• Illness 疾病: The first line indicates the onset of illness. 'One cannot perpetuate the matter' means it will recover soon, hence 'auspicious'. Chronic illness is ominous.
• Fame & Career 功名: The first line is at the beginning of the hexagram, representing seeking fame when first starting out. 'One cannot perpetuate the matter' means one will not be trapped under others for long, hence 'auspicious in the end'.
• Business 营商: The line says, 'One cannot perpetuate the matter; there is a slight talk.' This means when merchants sell goods, they should dispose of them quickly. Even if there are minor arguments in buying or selling, they cause no great harm, hence 'auspicious in the end'.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

(Lî suggests the idea of) one treading on the tail of a tiger, which does not bite him. There will be progress and success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Lü Hexagram. Treading on the tail of a tiger, the tiger does not bite the person, auspicious. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Qian, representing Heaven; the lower trigram is Dui, representing Lake. Heaven above and Lake below; the noble and the humble are clearly distinguished. This is the image of the Lü hexagram. The superior person observes this image, thereby distinguishing upper and lower, noble and humble, causing the people to follow rules and behave properly.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Uneasy steps, difficulties and dangers; remain humble and self-respecting, serve the master with respect and caution. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is a difficult period with many setbacks and obstacles. It is not suitable to advance hastily in anything; one must proceed step-by-step and act with caution.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Dui below and Qian above). Qian represents Heaven and Dui represents Lake. Heaven is used as a metaphor for the ruler, and Lake for the people. The original text: 'Treading on the tail of the tiger, it does not bite the person.' Therefore, the outcome is auspicious. The ruler is above and the people are below, each in their proper place. The yielding Dui meets the firm Qian, making the treading perilous. Lü means practice or conduct, and the meaning of the hexagram is to forge ahead down-to-earth.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows its subject unequal to the contention. If he retire and keep concealed (where) the inhabitants of his city are (only) three hundred families, he will fall into no mistake.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the second: One cannot win the lawsuit, so one returns and flees to their town. The people of three hundred households escape. No disaster. The Xiang (Image) Commentary says: One cannot win the lawsuit, returning and fleeing home; this is to evade the counter-suit. A lower official disputing with a higher official, returning in defeat, is a matter of necessity. Fortunately, the disaster did not expand further.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, they will be safe and free of trouble. Officials will have the honor of a fiefdom.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Retreat into seclusion, and one can remain unharmed.
• Wealth 财运: A minor loss; no need to worry.
• Household 家宅: Inadvisable for marriage.
• Health 身体: Contracting illness while away; return home to recuperate.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The second line corresponds to the fifth line, which is in the honored position, representing a large nation. The second line is weak and knows it cannot win. Kan represents hiding, hence 'returns and flees'. A small town of three hundred households; since the second line returns and flees, the fifth line also ceases warfare, so the three hundred households suffer no calamity.
• Business 营商: The Nine at the second has its earthly branch in Yin, corresponding to the constellations Wei, Ji, and Dou, and the star Tianbian, governing marketplaces and gates, which has the image of doing business. When the second line changes, it becomes Pi (Obstruction); Pi is failure, hence 'cannot win', an image of loss and defeat. The outer nuclear trigram is Xun, representing returning, hence 'returns and flees'. Three hundred is a small number, hence 'no calamity'.
• Illness 疾病: Contemplating the image of the line, the illness must have been contracted away from home; one should return home quickly for treatment. Once the patient returns, the illness will not spread, hence 'the people of the town suffer no calamity'.
• Fame & Career 功名: The line says, 'cannot win,' meaning one cannot achieve fame for the time being. Retreating into seclusion causes no harm.
• Marriage 婚嫁: The second and fifth lines oppose each other; status and rank do not match. It is advisable to call off the marriage, which will bring no calamity.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy, but there is fear he may not survive.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In Phî there is the want of good understanding between the (different classes of) men, and its indication is unfavourable to the firm and correct course of the superior man. We see in it the great gone and the little come.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hexagram Pi. Obstructed by petty men, this is an unfavorable divination for the superior man, and undertakings will turn from prosperity to decline. The Image says: Heaven and Earth do not interact, and all things are choked and cannot grow freely; this is the image of the Pi hexagram. The superior man, observing this image, when national politics are obstructed, should contemplate living in seclusion without taking office, practicing thrift to avoid disaster, and not taking pride in wealth and salary.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The great departs and the small arrives, closed and obstructed; when obstruction reaches its extreme, peace arrives; cultivate virtue to avoid disaster. Inauspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is an image of all things being closed and obstructed, upper and lower levels not in harmony, everything going against one's wishes. In all matters, one should endure and wait for the fortune to turn for the better before taking action.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below, Qian above). Its structure is opposite to that of the Tai hexagram. The Yang energy rises while the Yin energy descends; Heaven and Earth do not interact, and all things are blocked. They are 'inverse hexagrams' (Zong Gua) to each other, indicating that extreme peace leads to obstruction, and extreme obstruction leads to peace, serving as cause and effect for each other.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, shows its subject keeping in the old place assigned for his support, and firmly correct. Perilous as the position is, there will be good fortune in the end. Should he perchance engage in the king's business, he will not (claim the merit of) achievement.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the third: Feasting on ancient virtue. Divining danger brings final auspiciousness. However, if engaged in the king's service, one achieves no success. The Xiang (Image) Commentary says: Feasting on ancient virtue, because the image of Six at the third shows it is below Nine at the fourth, and only by relying on the shade of ancestral heritage can it attain auspiciousness.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, it is advisable to maintain the status quo to remain free of disaster. Officials should keep to their current posts, as promotion is hopeless.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Guarding the old business diligently; seeking official posts will bring no success.
• Wealth 财运: Firmly guard family property, and profit can eventually be obtained.
• Household 家宅: Inadvisable to build a new residence.
• Health 身体: It is advisable to follow the original doctor's instructions.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Six at the third is at the end of Kan, approaching the Qian position, which is the so-called 'mutual thinness of Yin and Yang' and 'fighting in Qian'. Kan is originally the second-sought son of Qian. Qian represents old age and virtue. 'Feasting on ancient virtue' means a son consuming his father's inherited emoluments, maintaining routine and keeping to his station, preserving his old business without waging war, hence auspicious. If one wishes to mobilize the king's army, Kan represents destruction and disaster, and there will surely be no success, hence 'no success'.
• Business 营商: The line says, 'Feasting on ancient virtue.' This indicates the business is ancestral heritage. By guarding it cautiously, one will ultimately obtain auspiciousness.
• Fame & Career 功名: It is advisable to inherit and guard the ancestors' old business; if one wishes to go out and seek office, it will surely end without success.
• Illness 疾病: One must continue taking the previous doctor's prescription for it to be auspicious.
• Household 家宅: Keep living in the old house and do not build a new residence, lest it end in failure.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy. When this child grows up, inheriting the father's business will also be auspicious.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kâu shows a female who is bold and strong. It will not be good to marry (such) a female.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Kou Hexagram. Dreaming of an injured woman. In divination, encountering this hexagram is unfavorable for marrying a woman. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Qian, which is heaven; the lower trigram is Xun, which is wind. Thus, wind blowing under heaven is the image of the Kou Hexagram. Recognizing this, the ruler emulates the wind blowing over all things to disseminate teachings throughout the world and make proclamations to the four quarters.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Yin grows and Yang declines, great fortune wanes in the middle; many obstructions, exercise caution to guard against them. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, Yin is strong and Yang is weak, and all affairs are unfavorable. One should act with caution, and pay special attention to amorous disputes.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Qian above). Qian is heaven, and Xun is wind. There is wind under heaven, blowing across the earth; Yin and Yang intermingle, and all things flourish. The Kou Hexagram is the opposite of the Guai Hexagram, forming an inversed pair. Kou means to mate or meet, where Yin and Yang encounter each other. However, with five Yang lines and one Yin line, they cannot coexist for long.

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, undivided, shows its subject unequal to the contention. He returns to (the study of Heaven's) ordinances, changes (his wish to contend), and rests in being firm and correct. There will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the fourth: One cannot win the lawsuit, so one returns and submits to the decree, changing one's mind to find peace. Divining this brings auspiciousness. The Xiang (Image) Commentary says: Returning and submitting to the decree, quietly keeping to one's station, and not losing the correct path.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, danger will turn into safety. Idle officials will be reinstated.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Turning danger into safety.
• Wealth 财运: Failure of cooperation turns out to be a good thing instead.
• Household 家宅: Changing the marriage does not lose the correct path.
• Health 身体: There is danger; changing one's lifestyle will bring auspiciousness.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The fourth line is hostile to the first line. Since the first line 'cannot perpetuate the matter,' the fourth line also has nothing to win, hence 'cannot win.' Qian represents the ruler, and 'decree (ming)' is the ruler's command, returning in triumph to report to the ruler. War is a dangerous affair; changing from danger to safety is therefore auspicious.
• Business 营商: Contemplating the image of the line, we know that the business must be run jointly with the first line. Since the first line 'cannot perpetuate the matter,' the fourth line also returns and 'submits to the decree'—submitting to the decree is like calling off the matter—hence it is auspicious.
• Marriage 婚姻: The inner trigram Kan represents the bride's family, and the outer trigram Qian represents the groom's family. The first line of Kan says 'cannot perpetuate the matter,' and the fourth line of Qian also returns and 'submits to the decree,' indicating a change of plans and modifying the marriage. The Xiang says 'not losing,' meaning not losing the correct path.
• Illness 疾病: Failing to win is an ominous sign. 'Return' means rebirth. Kan represents disease and inflammation, while Qian represents life and celebration. Submitting to the decree is returning to Qian. Turning to find peace is therefore auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hwân intimates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and success. The king goes to his ancestral temple; and it will be advantageous to cross the great stream. It will be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Huan (Dispersion). Success. The king approaches his ancestral temple. It is beneficial to cross the great river. This is a favorable divination. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Xun, Xun is wind; the lower trigram is Kan, Kan is water. Wind moving over the water is the image of Dispersion. The ancient kings, observing this image, presented sacrifices to the Supreme Deity, established ancestral temples, and promoted the 'moral education' of honoring Heaven and filial piety toward ancestors.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Separation and dissolution, disasters disperse. Seize the opportunity to observe changes, nurture prestige, and build up strength. Minor good fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, there may be difficulties at first, but in the end, the troubles will be resolved. If one is careful in all things, everything will go smoothly; avoid self-indulgence and lawlessness.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below and Xun above). The wind blows over the water, swelling the waves and spreading in all directions. Huan means the scattering of flowing water. It symbolizes the dispersion of organization and people's hearts. Proactive measures and methods must be taken to overcome and defeat evils, rescue the situation from dispersion, and turn danger into safety.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject contending;--and with great good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the fifth: Litigating; supreme auspiciousness. The Xiang (Image) Commentary says: Litigating with supreme auspiciousness, because the Nine at the fifth occupies the central position of the upper trigram, representing one who abides by the central and correct path.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, managing business, planning affairs, and seeking wealth are all highly auspicious. Officials will be heavily relied upon. Scholars will achieve excellent results.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Seek advancement through correctness, and one will surely manifest greatness.
• Wealth 财运: Operate fairly and obtain rightful wealth.
• Household 家宅: Marry into a wealthy and noble family.
• Health 身体: Breathing exercises (tuna) preserve health.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The fifth line occupies the honored position, representing the great ruler who leads the war. The campaign has a righteous cause and attains the central and correct way; it is the king's army, invincible in the world, hence 'supreme auspiciousness'.
• Business 营商: Qian represents profit, and Kan represents fairness. While business naturally seeks profit, it also requires fairness and uprightness so as not to lead to conflict. Thus, doing business attains its correctness, hence auspicious.
• Fame & Career 功名: The character 'Sung' (讼) consists of 'speech' (言) and 'public/lord' (公). The fifth line is the ruling line. One who seeks fame does so by speech to win the recognition of the lord. 'Yuan' (元) refers to the three top scholars (Sanyuan), representing the head of fame and status. There is no greater auspiciousness.
• Marriage 婚姻: The fifth line is the host of the hexagram. Marrying the fifth line is the lowly following the noble, and the poor following the rich, hence 'supreme auspiciousness'.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy. This child will have upright features and be blessed.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Wei Ȝî intimates progress and success (in the circumstances which it implies). (We see) a young fox that has nearly crossed (the stream), when its tail gets immersed. There will be no advantage in any way.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Wei Chi (Before Completion). Success. The little fox has almost crossed the river, but gets its tail wet. There is no advantage in any direction. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Li, representing fire; the lower trigram is Kan, representing water. Fire is above water; water cannot overcome fire. This is the image of Before Completion. The superior man, observing this image, senses that water and fire are misplaced and cannot overcome each other, and thus with caution distinguishes the nature of things and examines their proper positions.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Cannot assist, wait for the right time to act; grow from small to large, do not advance impetuously. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortune is obstructed, and things do not go as wished. It is advisable to progress from small to large, advance steadily, and patiently break through difficulties, then success will eventually be achieved.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below, Li above). Li represents fire, and Kan represents water. Fire is above and water is below. The fire overpowers the water, and the task of putting out the fire is not yet completed, hence it is called Wei Chi (Before Completion). The Book of Changes (I Ching) begins with the two hexagrams Qian and Kun, and ends with Chi Chi (After Completion) and Wei Chi (Before Completion), fully reflecting the philosophy of change and development.

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The topmost line, undivided, shows how its subject may have the leathern belt conferred on him (by the sovereign), and thrice it shall be taken from him in a morning.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the top: One may be bestowed a ceremonial sash by the king, but within one day, it will be stripped three times. The Xiang (Image) Commentary says: Getting a ceremonial sash through litigation is not worthy of respect.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, there will be worries of disputes and lawsuits; it is advisable to cultivate virtue, nourish the body, and turn big problems into small ones. Officials will experience success and failure, worrying about gains and losses. Scholars who study hard will surely achieve excellent results.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Worrying about gains and losses; it is utterly not worth it.
• Wealth 财运: Not rightful wealth; the gain is not worth the loss.
• Household 家宅: Difficult to live in peace.
• Health 身体: The condition of the illness fluctuates between good and bad; fear it is ominous.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The top line is at the extreme of Qian's Yang. Fighting at the extreme of Yang makes victory difficult. To win three times and lose three times within one day—defeat is indeed a humiliation, but even victory is not a glory.
• Fame & Career 功名: 'Xi' (锡) means to bestow; 'Chi' (褫) means to strip away; 'Huo' (或) indicates uncertainty. Supposing it is bestowed, yet stripped away three times before the day ends, this is merely a vulgar man worrying about gains and losses. How is he worthy of respect!
• Business 营商: Contemplating the words of the line, it is repeated gain and loss, ultimately resulting in the loss outweighing the gain. Furthermore, what is gained is not wealth obtained through proper channels—the so-called ill-gotten wealth goes out as it comes in—which is also contemptible.
• Illness 疾病: It must be that the illness suddenly heals and suddenly relapses, with the condition fluctuating throughout a single day. Being at the top line, which is the extreme of the hexagram, the situation is extremely difficult to reverse; fear it will end in misfortune.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy. It is feared that the male offspring will mostly not survive; only by the fourth pregnancy can a child be raised successfully.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In (the condition denoted by) Khwăn there may (yet be) progress and success. For the firm and correct, the (really) great man, there will be good fortune. He will fall into no error. If he make speeches, his words cannot be made good.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Kun (Oppression/Exhaustion). Success. Divination regarding matters of princes and nobles is auspicious, without misfortune. When encountering this hexagram in divination, a person with guilt cannot clear themselves through explanations. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Image Commentary) says: The upper trigram is Dui (Lake), and the lower trigram is Kan (Water). Water seeps beneath the lake bed, drying up the lake; this is the image of Oppression. Observing this, the superior person encourages himself in times of hardship, becoming stronger through adversity, and sacrifices his life to carry out his long-cherished ambitions.

Shao Yong's Commentary

No water in the lake, experiencing oppression and exhaustion; myriad things do not grow, cultivate virtue and quietly maintain one's position. Inauspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram fall into difficult straits, with nothing going as desired. It is advisable to resolutely adhere to the correct path and wait for the right opportunity.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below, Dui above). Dui is Yin, representing the Lake, signifying joy; Kan is Yang, representing Water, signifying danger. Lake over Water is Oppression. Falling into adversity, it is difficult to display one's talents; yet by resolutely maintaining the correct path and remaining content in oneself, one will surely achieve success and break free from the predicament.

III. Casting Example

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