䷅ Dispute sòng
Core Meaning
The Dispute hexagram symbolizes conflict and contradiction. Heaven and water moving in opposite directions inevitably lead to conflict. However, disputes should not be prolonged; 'persistence to the end brings misfortune' warns us against a lose-lose situation. The best approach is to seek mediation from a great person, or to yield oneself. 'Plan at the beginning' advises resolving conflicts at their source.
The Judgment
You have sincerity, but it is obstructed. Vigilance in the middle brings good fortune. Persistence to the end brings misfortune. It is advantageous to see a great person; it is not advantageous to cross a great stream.
Interpretation:
The Dispute hexagram symbolizes litigation and contention. Sincerity is obstructed. If one maintains vigilance and adheres to the middle path, there will be good fortune. If the dispute is pursued to the end, there will be misfortune. It is beneficial to seek the mediation of a great person, but unfavorable to venture into dangerous endeavors.
The Image
Heaven and water move in opposite directions, symbolizing dispute. The superior person, in undertaking affairs, plans at the beginning.
Structure
Qian above, Kan below. Heaven and water move in opposite directions. Qian is strong and moves upward, while Kan is perilous and moves downward, symbolizing contention arising from opposition.
The Lines
The six lines are read from bottom to top, representing the progression from the foundation to the culmination.
Initial six: Do not perpetuate the matter; there will be minor criticism, but in the end, good fortune.
Nine in the second place: Unable to prevail in the dispute, one returns and flees. His townspeople, three hundred households, are without mishap.
Six in the third place: You eat of your old virtue. There is danger in being firm, but in the end, good fortune. Or, if one serves the king's business, there will be no achievement.
Nine in the fourth place: Unable to prevail in the dispute, one reverts to one's destiny and changes position. Firm tranquility brings good fortune.
Nine in the fifth place: In the dispute, there is great good fortune.
Top nine: One is perhaps presented with a sash and belt, but in a single morning, it is snatched away three times.
Modern Interpretation
💼 Career & Business
You may face conflicts at work. 'Do not perpetuate the matter' tells us not to get entangled for too long; cutting losses in time is the best strategy. 'Nine in the fifth place: In the dispute, there is great good fortune' suggests that obtaining a fair resolution is best, but 'Top nine: One is perhaps presented with a sash and belt, but in a single morning, it is snatched away three times' warns that even a victory can be fleeting.
❤️ Relationships
Disagreements and arguments may arise in relationships. The state of 'perilous yet strong' can easily escalate conflicts. Reflect on yourself, 'returns and flees' means knowing when to back down. 'You eat of your old virtue' reminds us to cherish past affections and not to ruin a long-term relationship over a temporary argument.
🎯 Decision Making
It's not advisable to be confrontational now. 'It is not advantageous to cross a great stream' indicates that forceful action will lead to difficulties. It is best to seek mediation from a just person, or to proactively make concessions. Remember 'the superior person, in undertaking affairs, plans at the beginning'; the problem must be addressed at its root.
⚠️ Warning & Caution
The greatest danger is unending dispute. 'Persistence to the end brings misfortune' clearly states that continuous confrontation has no winners. 'One is perhaps presented with a sash and belt, but in a single morning, it is snatched away three times' means even a temporary victory may not last. Know when to stop.
Applicable Scenarios
The Dispute hexagram can provide guidance and inspiration when you encounter the following situations:
Historical Context & Cultural Heritage
During the Spring and Autumn period, Jin and Chu contended for supremacy, engaging in multiple battles. After the Battle of Chengpu, Duke Wen of Jin, though victorious, did not annihilate Chu but instead made peace with them. This exemplifies the wisdom of 'dispute cannot be prolonged.' Long-term contention is detrimental to both sides; knowing when to stop is great wisdom.
Related Hexagrams
Based on the connections between hexagrams, the following are also worth exploring:
Deepen Your Understanding
This interpretation provides a foundational understanding of the Dispute hexagram. For a deeper comprehension, consider:
- • Reading commentaries from classical scholars and modern interpreters
- • Studying the hexagram's position within the overall sequence of the 64 hexagrams
- • Reflecting on how its wisdom applies to your current life situation
- • Exploring the changing lines and their resulting hexagrams in divination
Authoritative Resources
Want to explore the I Ching more deeply? These authoritative resources provide scholarly perspectives: