What this change means
Moving the first, second and fifth lines brings Biting to 6 Conflict, heaven and water going opposite ways. With three lines changing, both judgments speak with the same weight, and the contrast is instructive. Biting favors bringing things to judgment, acting energetically and setting limits. Conflict warns that a dispute is forming that action alone won't resolve, and that cleverness works better than force. The sum isn't to give up on fairness. It's to recognize when pushing harder would only harden the opposing side. If formal steps or a showdown seem tempting, pause first. Think the matter through from its beginning, let some events run their course, and seek advice from someone wise in this area. A decisive spirit is still useful, but it needs to be aimed at getting out of the conflict, not winning it.
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 21 Biting
It's a time for firm, decisive action to overcome obstacles, even legal action if needed. Success is within reach if you act with energy and set limits. Don't be afraid: act.
Success. It is favorable to bring things to judgment.
- 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.
- Line 1 of 21 Biting
If you realize you're doing the wrong thing, take responsibility for your actions and change course quickly.
Feet in the stocks, the toes lost from sight. No fault.
- Line 2 of 21 Biting
When you see someone acting unjustly or wrongly, it's better to be uncompromising in setting limits than to do nothing.
Biting tender flesh, the nose sinks out of sight. No fault.
- Line 5 of 21 Biting
When you correct mistakes others have made, be steady and impartial, and you'll get results.
Biting dried meat, finding yellow gold. Constancy is in danger. No fault.
The trigrams
The way back
6 Conflict → 21 Bitinglines 1, 2, and 5
Other transformations of Biting
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 1, 2, and 3
- 4Immaturitylines 1, 2, and 4
- 52Abidinglines 1, 3, and 4
- 26Great Achievementslines 2, 3, and 4
- 33Leaving Behindlines 1, 3, and 5
- 1Activitylines 2, 3, and 5
- 20Observinglines 1, 4, and 5
- 61Inner Integritylines 2, 4, and 5
- 37The Tribelines 3, 4, and 5
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 1, 2, and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 1, 3, and 6
- 34Great Manifestationlines 2, 3, and 6
- 2Passivitylines 1, 4, and 6
- 19Fleeting Successlines 2, 4, and 6
- 36Darknesslines 3, 4, and 6
- 45Meetinglines 1, 5, and 6
- 58Inner Peacelines 2, 5, and 6
- 49Renewallines 3, 5, and 6
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.