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Above; Heaven the
creative
Below; dangerous deep water
Heaven and water
pulling away from each other produces a situation
of tension and conflict. A character combining outward
determination with inner cunning will be a quarrelsome
one.
Confidence is obstructed. A cautious halt at the halfway
stage will bring good fortune. Obstinate determination
to go forward against all obstacles can only end in
misfortune.
No matter what the sincerity of a man’s motives,
it is impossible to avoid the conflict. Danger can
be mitigated by a cautious approach.
Heaven and water moving in opposite directions is
the image of conflict. The Superior Man therefore
appraises the beginning of any venture with great
care.
Line 1
If the conflict
is not prosecuted there will be some gossip, but good
fortune in the end.
The prudent man
desists in advancing his views in the face of opposition
and peace is quickly restored. This may give rise
to scurrilous talks, but once the conflict is resolved
the enterprise will be carried through eventually
to a satisfactory conclusion.
Line 2
He cannot continue
the conflict but yields and returns home. His fellow
townsmen, three hundred households, suffer no reproach.
To retreat in
the face of superior strength is no disgrace. A man,
from a false sense of honour may try to prosecute
the struggle, but in doing so he involves the honour
of his kinsmen and may bring disaster upon a whole
community. He who fights and runs away lives to fight
another day. In confronting a superior adversary it
is wise to retreat thus averting harm for everyone.
Line 3
He nourishes himself
on the ancient virtues and remains firm and constant.
There is danger, but good fortune at last. Who serves
a king should do his work and not seek fame.
He who adheres
to the established code of conduct may find himself
in danger of losing his position. Success will come
in the end. Whatever a man possesses through strength
of his character cannot be taken away from him. If
he is working for a superior he can only avoid conflict
by doing his duty and letting undeserved fame and
prestige go to others.
Line 4
He cannot continue
the conflict but gives way and submits to fate. Changing
his position he finds peace in perseverance. Good
fortune results.
The man, unsatisfied
with his situation attempts to improve it by struggle
since he is now the stronger contender. But his is
an unjust cause and only by accepting his destiny
and adhering to the laws of the Universe does he find
peace and success.
Line 5
To engage in conflict
before a just judge brings supreme success.
The moment has
come for conflict. The cause is good and the judgment
of an impartial man brings good fortune. Time to submit
the conflict to binding arbitration or mediation.
There is nothing to lose.
Line 6
Though he gain
the leather belt, three times before noon it will
be taken from him.
The leather belt
is the trophy of the victor. Although he has won his
battle his success does not last. Others assail him
again and again and the result is unending conflict.
Success gained through unjust or violent means may
gain some initial credit but will not bring peace
or pleasure.
© 1979 Neil
Powell
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