What this change means
Every line except the third moves, and thunder now stirs within the earth: the conflict turns toward a return. The single still line of 24 Coming Back holds the reading. It warns that acting with insecurity, going back and forth and repeating past mistakes, pulls you off the path and away from right action.
The line that stays is the one in 6 Conflict about what you gained honestly, which no one can take. That's your footing. After the dispute, things can begin again, but only if you stop wavering. Decide, commit, and don't fall back into the habits that started the trouble. Watch for second-guessing every step, and for slipping into the old quarrel out of uncertainty. Steady conviction is what makes the return real.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 24 Coming Back, which stays still
If you act with insecurity, going forward and back and repeating past mistakes, you'll stray from the path and from right action.
Returning again and again. Danger; no fault.
- The judgment of 6 Conflict
A conflict is arising that can't be solved by action; cleverness works better than force. Recognizing that you can't resolve anything right now, letting events take their course, and seeking the advice of someone wise in this area will help you get out of the conflict.
There is sincere trust, but it is blocked. Caution: stopping halfway brings good fortune; going all the way to the end, misfortune. It is favorable to see the great person. It is not favorable to cross the great river.
- Line 1 of 6 Conflict
Even if the situation invites gossip, holding firm is your best move.
Not dragging the matter out. A few words against; in the end, good fortune.
- Line 2 of 6 Conflict
Withdrawing in time, even if it looks cowardly, is the best move right now.
Unable to win the lawsuit. Turning back, slipping away; the people of the town, three hundred households, come to no harm.
- Line 4 of 6 Conflict
Accepting the adverse conditions of this moment without fighting them, and staying flexible, will lead you to success in the middle of difficulties.
Unable to win the lawsuit. Turning back, accepting the decree, changing. Calm constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 5 of 6 Conflict
If you've acted rightly, whoever has to make the decisions that involve you will decide in your favor.
Lawsuit. Great good fortune.
- Line 6 of 6 Conflict
Insisting on being right at this moment will only make you lose.
Perhaps a belt of honor is bestowed; before the morning is out, it is stripped away three times.
- The judgment of 24 Coming Back
After a period of adversity and darkness, the return comes. Still, be aware of the mistakes that led you into the dark, because if you repeat them you could fall again. People will come to help you, and your undertakings and projects will be favored.
Success. Going out and coming in without harm; friends arrive, no fault. Back and forth along its way: in seven days comes the return. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.
The trigrams
The way back
24 Coming Back → 6 Conflictlines 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Conflict
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.