For various reasons, one seldom interpret for others since Yi diviners should strive to learn more about the Book of Changes and related studies to improve upon their knowledge and to become more sincere. The most important thing to know is whether the Yi did speak to the diviner, for if the Yi did not speak, any interpretation on or given on the received ‘oracle’ could be a sheer waste of time. Interpreters may also realize that Yi masters often turn up in forums or to read blogs. Therefore it could be embarrassing for one to speak out of turn unless something of significance in Yi’s message has been left out or missed by various interpreters including that of the diviner. After all it is not difficult to interpret a few Yi’s messages to the same diviner in one go if we know how to ‘connect the lines’. (There is a previous blog entry on that.)
Since it is Christmas and to bring some cheer to others, one will make an interpretation of Hexagram 6 Song / Conflict, based on a simple understanding of the hexagram, the first and third lines, for a fellow diviner. Let us assume the question was not given, and that the Yi wanted to tell the sincere diviner something important.
The Judgment
Conflict. You are sincere and are being obstructed. A cautious halt halfway brings good fortune. Going through to the end brings misfortune. It furthers one to see the great man. It does not further one to cross the great water.
The judgment talks about a sincere person whose progress is being blocked by others. It is not the right time for big undertakings such as a crossing of great water that is in this context, not to start or continue a conflict. It is timely to stop halfway since going to the bitter end brings misfortune. A great man can resolve the issue at hand, if the diviner seeks his help.
The first line:
If one does not perpetuate the affair, there is little gossip. In the end, good fortune comes.
If the diviner drops the issue at this initial stage, there will be good fortune in the end. While this is a good time to drop the matter, it actually depends if the diviner wants to follow Yi’s guidance. It appears that the diviner still intends to proceed further with the conflict since there is a higher moving third line (the ruling line in this prognostication).
The third line:
To nourish oneself on ancient virtue induces perseverance. Danger. In the end, good fortune comes. If by chance you are in the service of a king, seek not works.
The Chinese believe that what one learns through studies and from experience can never be taken away or robbed by others. Danger may arise from holding onto a wrong attitude. If our superior (the king) wants to take all the credit for work done by us, it is alright. Sooner or later our working knowledge and experience – our merit - will be recognized. There is no need for further conflict with the superior. If the diviner understands this truism and drop the issue then the end result could be similar to the Judgment in Hexagram 1 Qian / The Creative: The Creative works sublime success, furthering through perseverance.
If the diviner has faith in the Yi and its guidance, the expected ending will become more important than the means. In times like this, it is better to wait cheerfully and patiently (think Hexagram 5 Xu / Waiting) rather than mobilize the army (think Hexagram 7 Shi / The Army) to perpetuate the conflict. What is the point of continuing a conflict that one cannot win? (Think Iraq War.)
A Merry Christmas to all and to the diviner who asked for an interpretation!
Cheerio!
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