What this change means
Heaven above, Water below, moving away from each other: all but the first line change. The unmoved first line of 6 Conflict says that when the situation breeds gossip, standing firm is the wisest course. A conflict is arising that action won't solve; cleverness works better than force. Simplicity's habit of staying modest is useful here. Don't rise to provocations or try to win the argument at any cost. Recognize that you can't resolve everything now, let events run their course, and seek advice from someone wise in the matter. Think every undertaking through from the start. Stay where you are, keep your integrity, and say less rather than more. Gossip tends to lose its force when it finds nothing to push against, so let the noise around you fade on its own.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 6 Conflict, which stays still
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.
- The judgment of 15 Simplicity
This isn't the time to boast or show off. It's time to keep things simple and to make sure you act fairly; your qualities and talents will show on their own and be recognized.
Success. The noble person reaches the end.
- Line 2 of 15 Simplicity
If you do things from the heart and with simplicity, you'll be recognized.
Humility that makes itself heard. Constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 3 of 15 Simplicity
If, despite your position and fame, you stay humble, you won't create rivalries and you'll succeed.
A noble person humble in toil. Reaching the end: good fortune.
- Line 4 of 15 Simplicity
If you carry out your tasks with dedication and without expecting recognition, you'll have great success.
Nothing that is not favorable. Humility spread wide.
- Line 5 of 15 Simplicity
If you hold a position of power, don't abuse it, but don't be careless about other people's mistakes either. It's time to observe and to take measured action.
Not rich, alongside the neighbors. It is favorable to attack and subdue. Nothing that is not favorable.
- Line 6 of 15 Simplicity
If situations come up that aren't right, your stance must be firm: take the actions needed to correct them.
Humility that makes itself heard. It is favorable to set the army in motion against the town and the country.
- 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 trigrams
The way back
6 Conflict → 15 Simplicitylines 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Simplicity
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.