Sung / Conflict

above: Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven
below: K'an The Abysmal, Water

The topmost [nine], undivided, shows how its subject may have the leathern belt conferred on him (by the sovereign), and thrice it shall be taken from him in a morning.

Line 6 is strong and able to contend successfully; but is there to be no end of striving? Persistence in it is sure to end in defeat and disgrace. The contender here might receive a reward from the king for his success; but if he received it thrice in a morning, thrice it would be taken from him again. As to the nature of the reward here given, see on the Li Ki, X, ii.

P. Regis explains several of the expressions in the Text, both in the Thwan and the Hsiang, from the history of King Wan and his son King Wu. Possibly his own circumstances may have suggested to Wan some of the Thwan; and his course in avoiding a direct collision with the tyrant Shau, and Wu's subsequent exploits may have been in the mind of the Duke of Kau. Some of the sentiments, however, cannot be historically explained. They are general protests against all contention and strife.