I Ching Hexagram reading:Sòng (Conflict)

Philosophical Meaning of Hexagram 6: Sòng (讼) – Conflict

Overview of Hexagram Sòng (讼卦)

The Hexagram Sòng (讼) consists of two different trigrams stacked together: Kǎn (坎, Water) below and Qián (乾, Heaven) above.

Qián (乾) represents strength and perseverance.
Kǎn (坎) symbolizes danger and pitfalls.

The combination of strength encountering danger creates a situation where conflict naturally arises. Strength opposes peril, and resilience clashes with adversity—this inevitably leads to disputes and lawsuits. Since litigation is not a favorable situation, one must exercise great caution and prudence when engaging in conflict.

Sòng follows Hexagram Xū (需, Waiting), and the two hexagrams are inverse (综卦, reciprocal hexagrams). The Sequence of Hexagrams (序卦, Xù Guà) explains:
“Where there is desire for sustenance, disputes will arise. Thus, Sòng follows Xū.”

In other words, human conflict often stems from competing needs and limited resources.

Symbolism in the Book of Changes (I Ching, 易经)

The Book of Changes (易经, Yì Jīng) states:
“Heaven and Water move in opposite directions—this is Conflict (讼). The nobleman plans carefully before taking action.”

The upper trigram Qián (乾, Heaven) represents yang energy moving upward.
The lower trigram Kǎn (坎, Water) represents yang energy flowing downward.

Since these two forces move in opposite directions and repel each other, they create the image of conflict. This symbolizes a world where individuals, driven by self-interest and personal ambition, find themselves at odds. When interests clash and minds fail to unite, disputes inevitably arise, often leading to litigation or struggle as the only means of resolution.

Imagery and Metaphors of Hexagram Sòng

Sòng contains key symbolic interpretations:

“Mouth and tongue” (口舌) as the root of disputes. Many conflicts arise from miscommunication or verbal altercations.
A sleeping tiger beneath the mountain, indicating hidden danger and fear.
A legal document drifting in the clouds, signifying lawsuits that remain unresolved or are far away.
A person standing beneath a tiger, forewarning danger towards the end.

If one receives this hexagram in divination, they should be cautious in speech and actions, avoiding unnecessary disputes. Sòng is known as the “Falcon Chasing the Rabbit” hexagram, indicating a relentless pursuit of justice or vengeance.

Interpretations from Scholars

Duan Yì Tiān Jī (《断易天机》) Interpretation

Sòng belongs to the Lí Palace (离宫) and is categorized as a “wandering soul hexagram” (游魂卦, yóu hún guà).

Qián (乾) above represents strength.
Kǎn (坎) below represents danger.
When strength meets deceit, disputes naturally arise, making this an inauspicious hexagram.

Shao Yōng (邵雍) – Song Dynasty I Ching Scholar

“The sky is high, the water is deep—distant yet disconnected. Plan carefully and retreat cautiously; reverence will keep disaster away.”

For those who receive this hexagram:

Mental and emotional distress may arise.
Obstacles and misfortunes will be frequent.
Conflicts with others are likely.
Cultivating patience and caution in actions is recommended.

Fu Pèi Róng (傅佩荣) – Taiwanese Confucian Scholar

Fortune: Career progression is blocked; avoid making enemies.
Wealth: Start cautiously, but eventual profit is possible.
Home: A noble person should seek a virtuous spouse.
Health: Prevention is better than cure.

Traditional Interpretation of Hexagram Sòng

This hexagram (Kǎn below, Qián above) is the inverse of Xū (需, Waiting), making them reciprocal hexagrams. Qián represents strength, while Kǎn represents danger. Since strength and danger oppose each other, conflict inevitably arises. Litigation is not a favorable matter, so one should be extremely cautious and avoid disputes whenever possible.

Hexagram Image (大象, Dà Xiàng – “The Great Symbol”)

Heaven rises, while water descends—moving apart rather than together. This symbolizes a state of conflict and opposition.

Luck and Fate (运势, Yùn Shì)

Things will not go as planned.
Expect setbacks and obstacles.
Beware of malicious individuals.
Avoid traps and hidden dangers.

Guidance for Various Aspects of Life

Career and Business

Initial progress may seem smooth and profitable, but setbacks will arise.
Be vigilant and cautious. Avoid being stubborn and overly assertive.
Do not get involved in legal disputes—even if you win, the losses may outweigh the gains.
Compromise is often wiser than confrontation. Seek peace and fairness to avoid unexpected disasters.

Commerce and Negotiation

“Harmony brings wealth” (和气生财, hé qì shēng cái).
Accepting small losses can lead to long-term success.
Avoid unethical financial pursuits.
Business negotiations should be based on fairness and mutual benefit—conflict will only lead to poor outcomes.

Pursuit of Recognition and Success

Not favorable for immediate success.
Your competitive strength is still lacking.
Maintain integrity, endure hardships, and improve yourself.
Avoid arrogance. Seek guidance from influential figures to overcome challenges.

Marriage and Relationships

The relationship may not be ideal, but compatibility is possible with mutual understanding.
Communication and patience are essential to avoid unnecessary conflicts.
A gentle approach is advised for handling relationship matters.

Decision-Making and Personal Growth

Strong-willed and competitive personalities are prone to conflict.
A restless mind seeks to change fate and surpass others.
Highly intelligent and quick-thinking, often attracting benefactors.
However, lacking perseverance and easily offending others can lead to legal troubles.
Accept reality and go with the flow.
Know when to stop—contentment leads to peace.
Learn from mistakes and use them as a warning for future success.

Table of Contents

The Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of the Song Hexagram

The Song Hexagram represents disputes. The first line, 初六 (chū liù), symbolizes the beginning stage. As a yin (阴 yīn) line positioned in a yielding place, it suggests a submissive nature, indicating that the dispute will not last long. There may be minor verbal conflicts, but ultimately, the outcome will be auspicious.

Those who receive this line in divination should learn from the historical figure Lìn Xiāngrú (蔺相如). Conflicts between people are inevitable. When they arise, according to the meaning of this line, the best approach is to dissolve the dispute as soon as possible and achieve reconciliation, ensuring that the conflict ends at the stage of mere verbal exchange rather than escalating further.

If you receive this line, it advises that if someone makes an inappropriate comment or a minor mistake, it is acceptable to point it out once, but do not dwell on it excessively, or it may lead to greater trouble.

Those who draw the Song Hexagram tend to have a self-important personality due to its inner trigram Kǎn (坎, water), which suggests an individual who is somewhat arrogant despite a desire for cooperation. This arrogance often leads to conflicts. If you receive this line, be mindful of self-restraint.

Transformation of the First Line of the Song Hexagram

When the first line (初六) changes, it transforms into Hexagram 10: Lǚ (履, Treading or Conduct). This hexagram consists of the Duì (兑, Lake) trigram below and the Qián (乾, Heaven) trigram above. Qián represents the ruler, while Duì represents the people. The original text states: “Treading on the tiger’s tail, but it does not bite.” This signifies that although there is danger, the outcome will be favorable. When rulers and subjects each fulfill their proper roles, harmony is achieved. Duì (gentle) encountering Qián (firm) suggests potential risk, yet it emphasizes the importance of practical, cautious action.

The Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of the Song Hexagram

Explanation of the Second Line’s Text

克 (kè): To overcome, to be victorious. In this context, “克讼” (kè sòng) is similar to winning a lawsuit.
逋 (bū): To flee or escape.
眚 (shěng): Misfortune caused by one’s own actions.
邑 (yì): A feudal estate of a nobleman.
三百邑 (sān bǎi yì): Refers to the territory of a lower-ranking noble (大夫 dàfū).

The meaning of this line is: The dispute was not successful, so one must retreat and hide. However, the three hundred households under one’s rule remain unharmed.

From the hexagram structure, Nine-Two (九二, jiǔ èr) is a yang line in a yin position, meaning it is out of place but remains centered. In this hexagram, only Nine-Two and Nine-Five (九五, jiǔ wǔ) are yang lines. The Nine-Five position represents the ruler, while Nine-Two is significantly lower in status. Since they are in opposing positions, conflict arises between them.

Nine-Two, despite being of lower rank, believes it has reason to challenge Nine-Five, assuming that having a justified argument is enough to win, regardless of the opponent’s power. However, this is a mistake—challenging a superior is a risky move, akin to defying authority in an autocratic system. It is almost certain that Nine-Two will lose.

From a structural perspective, the lower trigram Kǎn (坎) represents danger, and Nine-Two is positioned right in the center of Kǎn, meaning it is surrounded by peril. However, Nine-Two wisely realizes its disadvantage and chooses to retreat rather than continue the conflict, thereby avoiding disaster. Furthermore, its people remain unaffected.

Guidance for Those Who Receive This Line in Divination

If you are currently involved in a dispute, assess the situation carefully. If your opponent has a clear advantage, it is wise to retreat to avoid disaster. Taking a break, perhaps by traveling or finding a place to relax, may help ease tensions. This line teaches the importance of knowing when to step back.

Transformation of the Second Line of the Song Hexagram

When the second line (九二) changes, it transforms into Hexagram 12: Pǐ (否, Stagnation or Obstruction). This hexagram consists of the Qián (乾, Heaven) trigram above and Kūn (坤, Earth) trigram below. It is the opposite of Hexagram 11: Tài (泰, Peace). The energy of yang rises while yin sinks, leading to disharmony, stagnation, and lack of communication. This transformation indicates that times of prosperity eventually give way to decline, and vice versa—change is inevitable.

The Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of the Song Hexagram

食 (shí): To eat or to maintain. It metaphorically extends to enjoyment or preservation.
旧德 (jiù dé): Old virtues or inherited merits. This refers to ancestral achievements or past accomplishments.
“食旧德” (shí jiù dé): Maintaining or living off past virtues, akin to “resting on one’s laurels.”

There are two interpretations of this line:

Living off the merits of one’s ancestors and maintaining a righteous course may lead to difficulties, but ultimately, it will be auspicious.
Even if one has contributed significantly to a ruler or a cause, one should not seek recognition or rewards excessively.

For those who receive this line in divination, it serves as a reminder not to rely solely on past achievements. This could refer to inherited wealth, past social connections, or career accomplishments. It is essential to evaluate the present situation, uphold discipline, and simultaneously strive for new successes while maintaining existing resources and relationships.

Since Six-Three (六三, liù sān) does not engage in disputes and simply enjoys the blessings passed down, it remains fortunate. Additionally, it is in correspondence with Nine-Upper (上九, shàng jiǔ), which represents ancestral temples or spiritual heritage, reinforcing the idea that Six-Three benefits from past merits.

Transformation of the Third Line of the Song Hexagram

When the third line (六三) changes, it transforms into Hexagram 44: Gòu (姤, Encountering). This hexagram consists of the Xùn (巽, Wind) trigram below and the Qián (乾, Heaven) trigram above. The imagery suggests wind beneath the sky, spreading across the earth.

The term 姤 (gòu) means “to encounter” and is related to the concept of union between yin and yang. However, in this case, there is only one yin line among five yang lines, making the relationship unstable and unsustainable. This transformation warns that relying too much on past advantages without adaptability may lead to imbalance.

The Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of the Song (讼 sòng) Hexagram

复 (fù): To return or restore.
命 (mìng): Fate or destiny. “复即命” (fù jí mìng) means returning to the original state of destiny.
渝 (yú): To change or alter.

The meaning of this line is that the dispute is unsuccessful, and the individual returns to their original state, settling into the status quo and adhering to the right path, resulting in an auspicious outcome.

In the hexagram, Nine-Four (九四, jiǔ sì) has already entered the upper trigram and is a yang line in a yin position. This is a misplacement, and because it is not centered, it is overly aggressive and competitive, which causes it to lose favor with others. Once Nine-Four acknowledges its mistakes, it shifts from a combative attitude and ultimately finds success.

For those who receive this line in divination: If involved in a dispute or lawsuit, you may not win. While this outcome might leave you dissatisfied, perhaps even frustrated or angry, you must exercise self-restraint and accept the result. Return to your normal life without letting the conflict continue to disrupt your routine or work. Do not seek revenge or harm others out of spite. Accept the judgment and understand that it is part of your fate. By returning home and continuing your previous way of life, you will find peace and ultimately benefit.

Transformation of the Fourth Line of the Song Hexagram

When the fourth line (九四) changes, it transforms into Hexagram 59: Fēngshuǐ Huàn (风水涣, Dispersion). This hexagram consists of Kǎn (坎, Water) below and Xùn (巽, Wind) above. Wind moves over water, stirring up ripples and pushing things to spread. Huàn (涣) refers to dispersion, symbolizing a disintegration of organization and unity. To overcome this, positive and active measures must be taken to address the issue and restore stability, turning potential danger into security.

The Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of the Song Hexagram

Explanation of the Fifth Line’s Text

元吉 (yuán jí): Great fortune.

The meaning of this line is that the lawsuit is resolved justly, leading to a very favorable outcome.

In the Song Hexagram, the fifth line, Nine-Five (九五, jiǔ wǔ), is the most favorable position. For those who receive this line, if they are involved in legal matters, they will emerge victorious. The reason for this success is the presence of a just judge or benefactor who ensures a fair decision. Nine-Five represents the ruler’s position, where justice is applied firmly and impartially, leading to a just resolution of disputes. This is reminiscent of the famous historical figure Bao Zheng (包公), who sought justice for the wronged, like in the case of Qin Xianglian (秦香莲), where Bao Zheng executed Chen Shimei (陈世美) for his misdeeds, embodying the ideal of justice depicted in this line.

Transformation of the Fifth Line of the Song Hexagram

When the fifth line (九五) changes, it transforms into Hexagram 64: Huǒshuǐ Wèijì (火水未济, Fire and Water Not Yet Completed). This hexagram consists of Li (离, Fire) above and Kǎn (坎, Water) below. Fire above and water below indicate that the situation is not yet resolved—the fire has overwhelmed the water, but the final task of extinguishing the flames has not been completed, symbolizing a process that is still in progress. This transformation emphasizes the idea that change is ongoing, and outcomes are not yet fully realized.

The Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of the Song Hexagram

锡 (xī): To bestow or grant.
鞶带 (pán dài): A large sash or belt, part of ancient official attire.
褫 (chǐ): To strip off, to remove clothing.

The meaning of this line is that, while one may receive official robes and a position of authority, these may be revoked repeatedly within a single day.

In Chinese culture, the values of “忍为贵” (rěn wéi guì, patience is precious) and “和为高” (hé wéi gāo, harmony is superior) are highly esteemed. Those who receive this line may have a tendency to engage in disputes and show an overbearing attitude in legal matters. While they might gain some benefits—such as being granted a position or wearing official robes—this success is seen as dishonorable by others because it was achieved through contentious means. The public’s negative opinion will tarnish their reputation, and as a result, they may lose their position, with their official attire removed multiple times within a day, signifying unstable and precarious standing.

For those who receive this line, be cautious with matters like housing changes, renting, promotions, or salary increases. There may be repeated disappointments or even mockery in these areas. Be careful not to make promises that you cannot keep or to toy with others’ expectations, as this behavior can backfire.

Transformation of the Sixth Line of the Song Hexagram

When the sixth line (上九, shàng jiǔ) changes, it transforms into Hexagram 47: Zéshuǐ Kùn (泽水困, Oppression). This hexagram consists of Duì (兑, Lake) below and Kǎn (坎, Water) above. The combination of water and lake symbolizes a situation where one is trapped and unable to act freely, unable to express oneself or achieve progress. Despite these difficulties, remaining true to the right path and maintaining inner peace will eventually lead to overcoming adversity and success, allowing one to escape from the困 (kùn) or difficult situation.