What this change means
The lake rises toward heaven: three lines move, the first, third and top, and the hidden water of 6 Conflict surges up into open view. Both judgments carry equal weight. The starting one sees no solution through action; it trusts cleverness over force, patience, and good counsel.
The resulting hexagram, 43 Overflowing, describes a buildup close to bursting. What's happening needs to come into the open, but not by blunt confrontation; choose your words carefully and act generously to ease the tension. Combined, the counsel is to name the problem without starting a war. Speak the truth gently, with good advice behind you, and give something to lower the pressure. Watch for the moment when held-back frustration erupts in words you'd take back.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- The judgment of 43 Overflowing
It's a time of excessive buildup: some situations are about to get out of control and overwhelm you, both personally and in your relationships. You need to bring what's happening into the open, but without speaking about it directly; watch your words so you don't provoke reactions. It's a time to act generously to ease the tension that's there.
It is proclaimed in the king's court. A sincere cry: there is danger. Word comes from one's own city. It is not favorable to take up arms. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.
- 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 3 of 6 Conflict
What you've gained honestly can't be taken from you. Even if gossip comes up, don't be intimidated; hold firm.
Feeding on old virtue. Constancy is in danger; in the end, good fortune. If it serves in the king's affairs, no achievement of its own.
- 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 trigrams
The way back
43 Overflowing → 6 Conflictlines 1, 3, and 6
Other transformations of Conflict
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1, 2, and 3
- 42Increaselines 1, 2, and 4
- 9Small Thingslines 1, 3, and 4
- 53Gradual Progresslines 2, 3, and 4
- 21Bitinglines 1, 2, and 5
- 14Wealthlines 1, 3, and 5
- 56The Travelerlines 2, 3, and 5
- 41Decreaselines 1, 4, and 5
- 23The Falllines 2, 4, and 5
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 3, 4, and 5
- 17Adaptinglines 1, 2, and 6
- 31Attractionlines 2, 3, and 6
- 60Thriftlines 1, 4, and 6
- 8Unionlines 2, 4, and 6
- 48Right Actionlines 3, 4, and 6
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 1, 5, and 6
- 16Passionlines 2, 5, and 6
- 32What Lastslines 3, 5, and 6
- 7The Armylines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.