What this change means
A mountain rises under Heaven as the second and third lines move, and the dispute of 6 Conflict starts to become a retreat. The third line leads: what you gained honestly can't be taken, so don't be intimidated by talk, and stand firm on your own ground. The second line points the direction. You can't win this fight, so withdraw in time, even if it looks timid, and spare those around you.
The resulting hexagram, 33 Leaving Behind, says stepping back isn't a bad thing now. It lets you recover your strength and think the situation through; sometimes what looks like a loss becomes a gain. Together, the counsel is to leave with your dignity intact. Keep what's yours, let go of the contest, and regroup. Watch for staying to argue just to show you're not afraid.
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 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 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.
- 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 33 Leaving Behind
Leaving a path behind or stepping back right now isn't a bad thing. On the contrary, it will help you recover your strength and think carefully about the situation and how to set it right. Sometimes what looks like a loss turns into a gain, if you can let go of what isn't good for you and then pick up again in the right direction.
Success. In small things, constancy is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
33 Leaving Behind → 6 Conflictlines 2 and 3
Other transformations of Conflict
- 25Innocencelines 1 and 2
- 1Activitylines 1 and 3
- 61Inner Integritylines 1 and 4
- 20Observinglines 2 and 4
- 57Gentlenesslines 3 and 4
- 38Oppositeslines 1 and 5
- 35Advancelines 2 and 5
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 3 and 5
- 4Immaturitylines 4 and 5
- 58Inner Peacelines 1 and 6
- 45Meetinglines 2 and 6
- 28Excesseslines 3 and 6
- 29Waterlines 4 and 6
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.