There is trust, but obstructed. Be wary. Midway, good fortune. In the end, misfortune. Favorable to see a person of stature. Not favorable to cross the great river.
彖傳 · Tuan Zhuan
Judgment Commentary
Song: above is firm, below is dangerous; danger joined with vigor makes Song. In Song there is trust, but obstructed, and wariness; midway, good fortune, because the firm comes and gains the center. In the end, misfortune, because contention cannot be brought to completion. Favorable to see a person of stature because it honors center and correctness. Not favorable to cross the great river, for that is to enter the depths.
象 · Xiang
Image
Heaven and water move in contrary directions: Song. The Noble One plans at the beginning when undertaking affairs.
六爻 · Six Lines
Lines
Line 06
Top Nine
Perhaps a belt is bestowed on him. Before morning is over, it is stripped away three times.
Commentary
If attire is gained through contention, it is still not worthy of respect.
Line 05
Nine in the Fifth
Contention. Prime good fortune.
Commentary
Contention with prime good fortune comes from center and correctness.
Line 04
Nine in the Fourth
Not able to contend. Return and accept the mandate. Change. Rest in perseverance, and there is good fortune.
Commentary
Returning and accepting the mandate, then changing: resting in perseverance does not fail.
Line 03
Six in the Third
Living on old virtue. Perseverance is perilous. In the end, good fortune. Perhaps follow the king's affairs, yet without accomplishment.
Commentary
Living on old virtue: in following what is above, there is good fortune.
Line 02
Nine in the Second
Not able to contend. Return and flee to one's town. The people of three hundred households suffer no calamity.
Commentary
Not able to contend means returning, fleeing, and hiding. When the lower contends with the higher, trouble comes on its own.
Line 01
Initial Six
Do not prolong the affair. There is a little talk. In the end, good fortune.
Commentary
Do not prolong the affair: contention cannot be carried on for long. Though there is a little talk, the distinction is clear.