Transformation · lines 2, 3, and 4
Conflict becomes Gradual Progress
What this change means
A tree grows slowly on a mountain: the second, third and fourth lines move, and the clash of 6 Conflict turns into something that builds by stages. Both judgments carry the same weight. The first warns that the dispute can't be solved by action; it asks for cleverness rather than force, acceptance that nothing can be resolved yet, and the advice of someone wise.
The resulting hexagram, 53 Gradual Progress, says you'll advance step by step, and that rushing brings delays and obstacles. Combined, the message is to stop trying to win in one move. Let the conflict ease over time while you make steady, quiet progress elsewhere. Each small step counts. Watch for forcing a quick settlement, since haste here tends to reopen the quarrel. Slow and lasting beats fast and fragile.
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 53 Gradual Progress
You'll make progress, and it will come step by step, gradually, through stages that make it lasting and stable. Trying to speed things up will bring delays and obstacles. Keep at it, one rung at a time.
The woman goes to be married: good fortune. Constancy is favorable.
- 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 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 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.
The trigrams
The way back
53 Gradual Progress → 6 Conflictlines 2, 3, and 4
Other transformations of Conflict
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1, 2, and 3
- 42Increaselines 1, 2, and 4
- 9Small Thingslines 1, 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
- 43Overflowinglines 1, 3, 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.