I Ching Hexagram 8 - Pi / Holding Together (union)
- Above K'an the abysmal, Water
- Below K'un the Receptive, Earth
Introduction
The waters on the surface of the earth flow together wherever they can, as for example in the ocean, where all the rivers come together. Symbolically this connotes holding together and the laws that regulate it. The same idea is suggested by the fact that all the lines of the hexagram except the fifth, the place of the ruler, are yielding. The yielding lines hold together because they are influenced by a man of strong will in the leading position, a man who is their center of union. Moreover, this strong and guiding personality in turn holds together with the others, finding in them the complement of his own nature.
See the James Legge translation of this hexagram.
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Holding Together (Union) 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 come too late Meets with misfortune.
Judgement Commentary
What is required is that we unite with others, in order that all may complement and aid one another through holding together. But such holding together calls for a central figure around whom other persons may unite. To become a center of influence holding people together is a grave matter and fraught with great responsibility. It requires greatness of spirit, consistency, and strength. Therefore let him who wishes to gather others about him ask himself whether he is equal to the undertaking, for anyone attempting the task without a real calling for it only makes confusion worse than if no union at all had taken place. But when there is a real rallying point, those who at first are hesitant or uncertain gradually come in of their own accord. Late-comers must suffer the consequences, for in holding together the question of the right time is also important. Relationships are formed and firmly established according to definite inner laws. Common experiences strengthen these ties, and he who comes too late to share in these basic experiences must suffer for it if, as a straggler, he finds the door locked. If a man has recognized the necessity for union and does not feel strong enough to function as the center, it is his duty to become a member of some other organic fellowship.
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.
Image Commentary
Water fills up all the empty places on the earth and clings fast to it. The social organization of ancient China was based on this principle of the holding together of dependents and rulers. Water flows to unite with water, because all parts of it are subject to the same laws. So too should human society hold together through a community of interests that allows each individual to feel himself a member of a whole. The central power of a social organization must see to it that every member finds that his true interest lies in holding together with it, as was the case in the paternal relationship between king and vassals in ancient China.
The Lines
Six 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.
Changing only this line creates. Hexagram 3 - Chun / Difficulty at the Beginning. This line shows how an initial approach to achieving union should be based on sincerity and honesty. Full acknowledgment of the difficulties ahead combined with a correct attitude will lead to success. Legge does not refer to success from without as does Wilhelm merely no error so he is not as sure of the ultimate outcome as Wilhelm. Legge says this line "...shows its subject seeking by his sincerity to win the attachment of his object." Hexagram 3 is the resultant hexagram, which indicates that the start of great ventures is fraught with difficulties "Times of growth are beset with difficulties. They resemble a first birth." So this line can expect a rough initial time of it.
Six in the second place means: Hold to him inwardly. Perseverance brings good fortune.
Changing only this line creates Hexagram 29 - K'an / The Abysmal (Water) so this lines indication of good fortune seems surprising. Legge also says "...there will be good fortune". Both do make the point that the good fortune mentioned is dependent upon perseverance (Wilhelm) and firm correctness (Legge) so perhaps this indicates that if such is not maintained to the end the poor outcome as described by hexagram 29 occurs.
Six in the third place means: You hold together with the wrong people.
Changing only this line creates Hexagram 39 - Chien / Obstruction symbolized by a dangerous abyss lying before us. This line is quite unambiguous, the danger we face comes form associating with the wrong people. Legge says "...seeking for union with such as ought not to be associated with..." so how can we be surprised that the outcome "...an individual is confronted by obstacles that cannot be overcome directly" is not a good one?
Six in the fourth place means: Hold to him outwardly also. Perseverance brings good fortune.
Changing only this line creates Hexagram 45 - Ts'ui / Gathering Together (Massing) which represents a successful union. This line is almost the inverse of the previous one in that we seek union with the correct people/forces and as long as our attitudes and behaviour are correct success is possible. Legge adds "With firm correctness there will be good fortune" so, as often with the I Ching, the correct approach is always necessary, even in apparently auspicious circumstances.
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.
Changing only this line creates Hexagram 2 - K'un / The Receptive. This line shows how someone in authority approaches the task of securing union. Do not seek to force it but rely upon ones own innate attributes to attract followers. Seeking to force or entrap them would be counterproductive. As the changing line results in hexagram 2 the outcome will be very good. Legge puts it well "... the union contemplated is shown to be characterized by mutual confidence and appreciation in virtue and benevolence." What more is there to be said?
Six at the top means: He finds no head for holding together. Misfortune.
Changing only this line creates Hexagram 20 - Kuan / Contemplation (View). This line is straightforward to interpret. A bad beginning a bad end. But! The resultant hexagram is Kuan / Contemplation and this indicates that perhaps all is not lost. This hexagram is implying that perhaps we have merely talked the talk and not walked the walk. If we actually act and not merely think about acting the situation can be recovered. This is more clear in Legge's interpretation "... we see one seeking union and attachment without having taken the first step to such an end..." so start, now..
See the James Legge - I Ching Hexagram 8 - Pi / Holding Together (union) translation of this hexagram.