Transformation · lines 1, 2, 4, and 6
Conflict becomes Initial Obstacles
What this change means
Clouds and thunder: four lines move, the first, second, fourth and top, and 6 Conflict becomes a hard beginning. Two still lines of 3 Initial Obstacles guide the reading. The third says obstacles aren't solved by acting right now; they're solved by stepping back until conditions improve. The fifth asks you to act with caution, step by step, without rushing.
So the dispute leaves you at the start of something difficult, and the advice is restraint. Don't try to break through by force. Pull back, let conditions shift, then move carefully, one small step at a time. Watch for impatience that wants to settle everything today. Slow, cautious progress is what this change supports, and it tends to get further than a charge.
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 3 Initial Obstacles, which stays still
Right now obstacles aren't solved by acting: they're solved by stepping back until conditions improve.
Chasing the deer with no gamekeeper, only going deeper into the forest. The noble person sees the sign and would rather let it go. Going on: distress.
- Line 5 of 3 Initial Obstacles, which stays still
Act with caution, step by step, without rushing.
Holding back its richness. In small things, constancy brings good fortune; in great things, even with constancy, misfortune.
- 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 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 3 Initial Obstacles
This isn't the time to act directly: look for people who can act for you, allies who represent you. Still, stay alert so you know when the time comes to take back the initiative and control.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. Having somewhere to go is of no use yet. It is favorable to install lords.
The trigrams
The way back
3 Initial Obstacles → 6 Conflictlines 1, 2, 4, and 6
Other transformations of Conflict
- 37The Tribelines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 30The Flamelines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 27Nourishmentlines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 26Great Achievementslines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 52Abidinglines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 49Renewallines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 5Inactionlines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 39Held Backlines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 51Shocklines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 2Passivitylines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 46Going Uplines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.