咸 → 訟
Hexagram 31: Influence → Hexagram 6: Conflict
Changing Lines
This transformation involves 3 changing lines (lines 2, 3, 6).
Line 2
六二 咸其腓。凶。居吉。
Six in the second place means: The influence shows itself in the calves of the legs. Misfortune. Tarrying brings good fortune.
Line 3
九三 咸其股。執其隨。往吝。
Nine in the third place means: The influence shows itself in the thighs. Holds to that which follows it. To continue is humiliating.
Line 6
上六 咸其輔頰舌。
Six at the top means: The influence shows itself in the jaws, cheeks, and tongue.
Trigram Changes
Yilin Verse
情懦行賈，遠涉山阻，與旅為市，不危不殆，利得十倍。
The timid one travels as merchant; crossing far mountains and barriers. Trading with fellow travelers at market; neither peril nor danger. Profit gained tenfold.
— Jiao Yanshou, Yilin (Forest of Changes), 1st century BCE
Commentary
A lake upon a mountain opens channels of influence, and here a timid merchant ventures forth despite his fears. He crosses distant mountains and treacherous terrain, trading with travelers along the way, yet faces neither danger nor peril and returns with tenfold profit. The word 'timid' (情懦) is crucial: this is not a bold adventurer but a reluctant one whose very caution becomes his protection. From Influence to Conflict, the mountain's receptivity transforms into the tension of heaven and water moving in opposite directions. Yet the verse reverses Conflict's expected outcome: precisely because the merchant does not contend or overreach, approaching trade with humility rather than aggression, he navigates opposing forces safely and prospers where the brazen would fail.
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