訟 → 小畜
Hexagram 6: Conflict → Hexagram 9: Small Taming
Changing Lines
This transformation involves 3 changing lines (lines 1, 3, 4).
Line 1
初六 不永所事。小有言。終吉。
Six at the beginning means: If one does not perpetuate the affair, There is a little gossip. In the end, good fortune comes.
Line 3
六三 食舊德。貞。厲終吉。或從王事。无成。
Six in the third place means: 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.
Line 4
九四 不克訟。復即命。渝安貞。吉。
Nine in the fourth place means: One cannot engage in conflict. One turns back and submits to fate, Changes one's attitude, And finds peace in perseverance. Good fortune.
Trigram Changes
Yilin Verse
獐鹿逐牧，安飽其居。反還次舍，無有疾故。
Roe deer follow the pasture, safe and sated in their dwelling. Returning to their resting place; no illness or mishap.
— Jiao Yanshou, Yilin (Forest of Changes), 1st century BCE
Commentary
Heaven and water oppose, but here the roebucks and deer follow their herdsman to safe pasture, well-fed and content. They return to their lodging without illness or mishap. The image is of gentle management resolving discord — not through force but through providing what creatures naturally seek. From Conflict to Small Taming, wind courses over heaven, softly restraining its power. Small Taming's essence is gentle influence that cannot fully contain heaven's force but can redirect it. The herdsman does not overpower the deer; he leads them to where they want to go. Conflict subsides when needs are met, and the taming required is small indeed.
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