Skip navigation
Show Comments :
Hexagram 8 Holding Together [Union]
Expression Bi 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.
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.
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.
66
      Expression: He finds no head for holding together. Misfortune.
Image: 'He seeks union and attachment without taking the first (step to such an end):'--there is no possibility of a (good) issue.
95
  Expression: Manifestation of holding together. In the hunt the king uses beaters on three sides only and foregoes game that runs off in front. The citizens need no warning. Good fortune.
Image: 'The good fortune belonging to the most illustrious instance of seeking union and attachment' appears in the correct and central position (of the fifth line, undivided). (The king's) neglecting (the animals) confronting him (and then fleeing), and (only) taking those who present themselves as it were obediently, is seen in his allowing the escape of those in front of him.' 'That the people of his towns do not warn one another (to prevent such escape),' shows how he, in his high eminence, has made them pursue the due course.
64
      Expression: Hold to him outwardly also. Perseverance brings good fortune.
Image: 'Union is sought (by the party intended here) with one beyond himself, and (in this case) with a worthy object:'--he is following (the ruler) above him.
63
      Expression: You hold together with the wrong people.
Image: 'Union is sought with such as ought not to be associated with:'--but will not injury be the result?
62
      Expression: Hold to him inwardly. Perseverance brings good fortune.
Image: 'The movement towards union and attachment proceeds from the inward (mind):'--(the party concerned) does not fail in what is proper to himself
16
      Expression: 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.
Image: From 'the seeking union with its object' shown in the first SIX, (divided),there will be other advantages.