Above is the trigram Qian (Heaven), and below is Kan (Water). The metaphorical image of this hexagram is the discussion of truth and falsehood (affirmative and negative) in a dispute. Heaven is oriented upwards, and Water downwards, meaning Heaven and Water act contrary to each other, not connecting or closing up. Water separates from Heaven when gravity pulls rain from the clouds, just as social harmony splits apart with differing opinions. The inner world and independence, represented by the trigram Heaven, are destroyed by the weight of Water.
If a person encounters obstacles on their path, it often happens that stubbornness and a sporting interest in overcoming the obstacle awaken in them, rather than in achieving their goal. The struggle itself captivates us. A lot of time can pass in struggle – to no avail. Instead of getting carried away by fighting obstacles, it makes sense to look around – maybe there is a bypass. Also, look inside yourself – what compels me to find obstacles and fight with them?
The world has enough miseries and hardships that threaten to harm a person. Even if there are no bad intentions in them, others can inflict undeserved harm through intrigues and machinations. And a person is touched by what is restless in themselves. Therefore, they say: who has defeated a thousand enemies is a skilled warrior, but who has defeated themselves is a great warrior. It is also said: all victories are achieved inside yourself, and only then do you enter the battlefield.
The hexagram talks about the need to keep the truth in the inner vision, not to forget oneself, not to succumb to provocations of the outer world, and not to destroy great deeds because of minor anger. Not always does the strategy of complete victory of one and the definitive defeat of the other bring benefit. Wisdom points us to the search for a situation where both opposing sides win. War weakens, agreement strengthens and nourishes. Any war eventually ends at the negotiation table, so isn’t it better to avoid unnecessary sacrifices and efforts?
Sung advises us to remain calm and cautious, to closely monitor our temperament. Remember that most external conflicts are a reflection of internal ones. Disputes can be avoided if you stay true to your inner feelings and refrain from anger, self-satisfaction, and suspicion.