Annotated Book of Changes · Hexagram 6

song

Conflict

See also: Wilhelm commentary for Hexagram 6

Hexagram Statement

卦辭

經 Classic Text

訟卦坎下乾上 訟,有孚,窒惕,中吉。 終凶。利見大人,不利涉大川。

Translation

Hexagram Song: Kan below, Qian above.

Contention. There is sincerity, but it is obstructed. Vigilant caution brings good fortune in the middle course.

Carrying it to the end brings misfortune. It is beneficial to see a great person. It is not beneficial to cross a great river.

注 Wang Bi's Commentary

窒謂窒塞也。皆惕,然後可以獲中吉。

Translation

"Obstructed" (zhi) means blocked and stopped up. Only when all parties are vigilant and cautious can they attain the good fortune of the middle course.

疏 Kong Yingda's Subcommentary

正義曰:「訟,有孚,窒惕,中吉」者,窒,塞也。惕,懼也。凡訟者,物有不和,情相乖爭而致其訟。凡訟之體,不可妄興,必有信實,被物止塞,而能惕懼,中道而止,乃得吉也。

Translation

The Correct Meaning states: In "Contention: there is sincerity, obstructed, vigilant caution, good fortune in the middle course" — "obstructed" (zhi) means blocked, and "vigilant" (ti) means fearful.

In all cases of contention, things are not in harmony, and feelings of opposition and conflict lead to litigation. The essential nature of contention is that it must not be recklessly initiated.

There must be genuine sincerity, and one must be blocked and obstructed by circumstances, yet able to remain fearful and cautious, stopping at the middle course — only then can one attain good fortune.

「終凶」者,訟不可長,若終竟訟事,雖復窒惕,亦有凶也。「利見大人」者,物既有訟,須大人決之,故「利見大人」也。「不利涉大川」者,以訟不可長,若以訟而往涉危難,必有禍患,故「不利涉大川」。

Translation

"Carrying it to the end brings misfortune": contention must not be prolonged. If one pursues litigation to its conclusion, even with obstruction and vigilant caution, there will still be misfortune. "

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Source: eee-learning.com (易學網) · Edition: 武英殿十三經注疏