Hexagram 6, Line 6

The Line Text

Interpretation

This top line represents the culmination and excess of conflict. The person has pushed the fight to its absolute limit, driven by an unyielding desire to win. The image is one of achieving a seeming victory—receiving a ceremonial sash, a symbol of honor and success. However, this victory is hollow, temporary, and ultimately meaningless. It is immediately taken away, not just once, but repeatedly ("three times in a morning"), emphasizing the instability and futility of the situation. The victory is a Pyrrhic one; the cost of the battle has far outweighed the value of the prize. By pursuing conflict to this bitter end, you have become a contentious warrior, and any success you achieve is tainted by the struggle. The commentary is explicit: an honor won through such means is not worthy of respect. You may have won the case, but you have lost your peace and your good name.

Guidance for Action

You have gone too far. The struggle has become an end in itself, and you must stop immediately. Continuing to fight, even if you believe you can win, will only lead to further loss, exhaustion, and disgrace. The prize you seek is an illusion; even if you grasp it, it will be torn from your hands. The wisest course of action now is to withdraw from the conflict entirely. Let go of the need to be right or to vanquish your opponent. True victory at this stage lies in ceasing hostilities and salvaging your own integrity and peace of mind. Do not initiate any new legal action or press your advantage. The battle is lost, even in victory.

For Love & Relationships

In a relationship, this line signifies a toxic dynamic where winning arguments has become more important than love and harmony. You or your partner may have "won" a recent fight, forcing the other to concede. However, this victory is empty. The "sash" of being right is immediately "snatched away" by resentment, bitterness, and the start of a new conflict. The relationship is now defined by a perpetual power struggle, which is exhausting and unsustainable. The only way forward is to surrender the fight. Ask yourself: is it more important to be right or to be happy together? Let go of your grievances and cease all contentious behavior. If this pattern cannot be broken, the relationship itself is a hollow prize that will ultimately be lost.

For Career & Business

This line points to a career situation where you have fought a ruthless battle for a position, project, or recognition. You may even win—securing the promotion or closing the hostile deal. However, this success will be short-lived and unstable. The "sash" of your new status or victory will be "snatched away." This could manifest as your authority being immediately undermined by resentful colleagues, the new project failing spectacularly, or your hard-won position being eliminated in a restructuring. Your aggressive methods have created enemies and earned you disrespect, making your foundation precarious. Stop the fight. A victory won this way is not sustainable. Focus on mending relationships and building genuine alliances rather than conquering territory.

For Financial Matters

This line is a strong warning against pursuing money through contentious means, such as a lawsuit, a bitter inheritance dispute, or an aggressive corporate battle. You might achieve a momentary win and be awarded the money (the "sash"). However, this financial gain will prove to be an illusion. It will be "snatched away" repeatedly—eaten up by exorbitant legal fees, unexpected taxes, counter-lawsuits, or other troubles that arise directly from the conflict. The money will bring more stress than security. Continuing this fight is a fool's errand. It is far wiser to settle the matter, even for less than you feel you deserve, and walk away with your peace of mind intact. A fortune built on strife is built on sand.