8/ 比 / ䷇ / Holding Together [Union]
the judgement
HOLDING TOGETHER brings good fortune.
Inquire of the oracle once again
Whether you possess sublimity, constancy, and perseverance;
Then there is no blame.
Those who are uncertain gradually join.
Whoever comes too late
Meets with misfortune.
the image
On the earth is water:
The image of HOLDING TOGETHER.
Thus the kings of antiquity
Bestowed the different states as fiefs
And cultivated friendly relations
With the feudal lords.
the lines
Siz at the beginning means:
Hold to him in truth and loyalty;
This is without blame.
Truth, like a full earthen bowl:
Thus in the end
Good fortune comes from without.
Six in the second place means:
Hold to hom inwardly
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Six in the third place means:
You hold together with the wrong people.
Six in the fourth place means:
Hold to him outwardly also.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Nine in the fifth place means:
Manifestation of holding together.
In the hunt the king uses beaters on three sides only
And forgoes game that runs off in front.
The citizens need no warning.
Good fortune.
Six at the top means:
He finds no head for holding together
Misfortune.
8/ 比 / ䷇ / The Pî Hexagram
Explanation of the entire figure by king Wăn
Pî indicates that (under the conditions which it supposes) there is good fortune.
But let (the principal party intended in it) re-examine himself, (as if) by divination,
whether his virtue be great, unintermitting, and firm. If it be so, there will be no error.
Those who have not rest will then come to him; and with those who are (too) late in coming it will be ill.
Explanation of the separate lines by the duke of Kâu
The first SIX, divided,
shows its subject seeking by his sincerity to win the attachment of his object.
Let (the breast) be full of sincerity as an earthenware vessel
is of its contents, and it will in the end bring other advantages.
In the second SIX, divided,
we see the movement towards union and attachment proceeding from the inward (mind).
With firm correctness there will be good fortune.
In the third SIX, divided,
we see its subject seeking for union with such as ought not to be associated with.
In the fourth SIX, divided,
we see its subject.
The fifth NINE, undivided,
affords the most illustrious instance of seeking union and attachment.
(We seem to see in it) the king urging his pursuit of the game (only) in three directions, and
allowing the escape of all the animals before him, while the people of his towns
do not warn one another (to prevent it). There will be good fortune.
In the topmost SIX, divided,
we see one seeking union and attachment without having taken the first step (to such an end).
There will be evil.
8/ 比 / ䷇ / Union/ Bí
decision
Seeking union.
Good fortune.
Examine the divination:.
Sublimely persevering, steadfast and upright.
No fault.
Restless factions just coming.
Lagging behind: misfortune.
commentary on the symbol
On the Earth, there is Water
Flowing together, an image of Union.
In correspondence with this,
The ancient king established myriad states
And kept a close relationship with the lords.
yao text (the lines)
Initial Six
With sincerity and truthfulness, seeking union.
No fault.
Be sincere and truthful,
As an earthen vessel that is full.
End coming, there is something.
Good fortune
Second Six
Seeking union from within.
Being steadfast and upright: good fortune.
Third Six
Seeking union with wrong people
Fourth Six
From without, seeking union.
Being steadfast and upright: good fortune.
Fifth Nine
An illustration of seeking union:
The king drives game on three sides,
Loses those running out the front.
Citizens need no admonition.
Good fortune.
Top Six
Seeking union.
Those not having taken the first step:
Misfortune.