What this change means
The wind now moves over the earth: with the second and fourth lines moving, the opposing pulls of 6 Conflict give way to a wide, quiet view. The fourth line leads. Accept the conditions you can't change, stay flexible, and turn back from the dispute with calm. The second line agrees and goes further: you can't win this one, so withdraw while it's still possible, whatever it looks like to others.
The resulting hexagram, 20 Observing, says to observe before you act. You can inspire others while learning from those who inspire you, and that lets things unfold at the right moment. So step out of the fight and onto higher ground. Watch, listen, and understand before your next move. Watch for re-entering the quarrel before you've seen it clearly from the outside.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 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 20 Observing
Observe before you act. Right now you're a source of inspiration for others, and at the same time you need to observe those who inspire you. This will let things unfold at the right moment, and perfectly.
Hands washed, the offering not yet made. There is sincere trust, solemn and grave.
The trigrams
The way back
20 Observing → 6 Conflictlines 2 and 4
Other transformations of Conflict
- 25Innocencelines 1 and 2
- 1Activitylines 1 and 3
- 33Leaving Behindlines 2 and 3
- 61Inner Integritylines 1 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.