Hexagram 6, Sòng (Conflict): Line 3
讼卦六三 · 天水讼 · 中文版
六三:食旧德,贞厉,终吉,或从王事,无成。
The line (Legge)
The third SIX, divided, shows its subject keeping in the old place assigned for his support, and firmly correct. Perilous as the position is, there will be good fortune in the end. Should he perchance engage in the king's business, he will not (claim the merit of) achievement.
Small Image commentary
'He confines himself to the support assigned to him of old:' - (thus) following those above him, he will have good fortune.
象曰:食旧德,从上吉也。
In plain words
Living on one's old virtue and income; being steadfast is perilous but in the end there is good fortune; perhaps one serves the king, without claiming the success. Living on old virtue means keeping to one's existing station. The third line is weak and does not contend; it keeps to its place and follows those above, so it ends well. The Small Image says following one's superior brings good fortune.
Applying it to your situation
If you are in the middle of conflict, this line suggests holding to the place you already have rather than competing for a new title. What do you already have that is worth treasuring?
Position
A broken (yin) line in the third place, which is a yang (odd) place, so it is not in its proper place. Its partner is line 6; one is yin and the other yang, so they respond to each other.
If this line moves
With this line moving alone, Sòng changes into Hexagram 44 Gòu (Coming to Meet). The Jiaoshi Yilin verse for this change (Chinese): 焦氏易林·讼之姤.
The hexagram
Hexagram 6 Sòng (Conflict). The Judgment: Song intimates how, though there is sincerity in one's contention, he will yet meet with opposition and obstruction; but if he cherish an apprehensive caution, there will be good fortune, while, if he must prosecute the contention to the (bitter) end, there will be evil. It will be advantageous to see the great man; it will not be advantageous to cross the great stream.
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English text: James Legge, The Yi King (Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882), public domain, as transcribed by the Chinese Text Project. Chinese: the received text. Offered for study and reflection, not as prediction. Plain-English readings and position notes by this site.