Hexagram 8 of 64
比
Holding Together
Bǐ
Upper Trigram
坎
Water
Abysmal, Dangerous
Water · Middle Son
Lower Trigram
坤
Earth
Receptive, Yielding
Ground · Mother
The Judgment
Holding Together brings good fortune. Inquire of the oracle once again whether you possess sublimity, constancy, and perseverance; then there is no blame.
Union with others requires an examination of one's own motivations. True alliance is built on shared values and sincerity, not convenience. Those who come late may still join; those who refuse are left behind.
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.
Water covers and unifies the earth. Great rulers build lasting union not through force but through cultivating genuine relationships and granting appropriate autonomy.
The Six Lines
Line 1
Hold to it with truth and loyalty; this is without blame. Let the people be gathered as when an earthen bowl brims over with truth.
Sincerity overflowing from within is what creates authentic bonds. Build your alliances on nothing less.
Line 2
Hold to it inwardly. Perseverance brings good fortune.
True union begins inside oneself. Align your inner life and the outer alliances will follow naturally.
Line 3
You hold together with the wrong people.
Associating with those who do not share your values brings harm over time, even if the immediate connection seems comfortable.
Line 4
Hold to it outwardly also. Perseverance brings good fortune.
Having established inner integrity, now act on it publicly. Show your loyalties clearly and consistently.
Line 5
Manifestation of holding together. In the hunt, the king uses beaters on three sides only and forgoes game that runs off in front. Good fortune.
The wise leader does not coerce loyalty. Those who willingly come are bound; those who flee are let go. Quality of union matters more than quantity.
Line 6
There is no head for holding together. Misfortune.
When no worthy center exists around which to unite, and individuals remain isolated, only misfortune results.
For contemplation and self-reflection only. Not a substitute for professional advice.