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I Ching · No.08 · Pi / Holding Together [union]

Pi / Holding Together [union] (Hexagram 8): English translation of the I Ching judgment, line statements and changing-line readings.

Primary Hexagram

Six RelativesNajiaPi / Holding Together [union]
Wealth 妻财Wu Zi 戊子▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应
Sibling 兄弟Wu Xu 戊戌▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Offspring 子孙Wu Shen 戊申▄▄           ▄▄
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Yi Mao 乙卯▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世
Parent 父母Yi Si 乙巳▄▄           ▄▄
Sibling 兄弟Yi Wei 乙未▄▄           ▄▄

Original Text (The Judgment)

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.

Translation

The Hexagram Pi (Holding Together). Auspicious. Consult the oracle again; it remains highly auspicious and favorable. Inquiring about long-term fortunes, there will be no misfortune. States that are reluctant to submit come to pay court; those who arrive late will face trouble. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Treatise on the Images) says: The lower trigram is Kun (Earth), and the upper trigram is Kan (Water). Kun represents earth, and Kan represents water, resembling water on the earth; this is the image of the Pi hexagram. The ancient kings observed this image, taking the principle of water adhering to the earth and the earth receiving rivers and seas, to establish and enfeoff various states and maintain close relations with the feudal lords.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Water flows on the earth, uniting in close harmony and joy; human relations are close and cooperative, and all matters are free from worry. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram can gain the help of friends and the strength of the multitude, succeeding in their undertakings and reaching the pinnacle of honor and prominence.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Congratulated by the multitude, reaching the pinnacle of honor and prominence.
  • Wealth 财运: Supported by good people, business will flourish greatly.
  • Household 家宅: A harmonious marriage for a hundred years.
  • Health 身体: Fluid accumulation in the chest and abdomen, should seek medical treatment early.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

  • Warfare 战征: Contemplating the line configuration, the military power is as grand as water flowing downward, with an unstoppable momentum. Once pacified in one battle, land should be immediately divided for enfeoffment to establish protective vassal states.
  • Business 营商: Water is on the earth, flowing everywhere without obstruction, and business also benefits from circulation. *Pi* means holding together or close association; obtaining trustworthy and close companions to work together will allow the business to endure forever.
  • Fame & Career 功名: Establishing a state and being enfeoffed as a noble is the pinnacle of honor and prominence for a scholar. *Pi* is the inverse of *Shi* (The Army); the top sixth line of *Shi* says, 'The great ruler gives commands, founding states and conferring families,' which refers to this.
  • Household 家宅: This residence must be low-lying and near water, and also close to the residence of a person of noble rank. The foundation of the house is highly auspicious.
  • Marriage 婚姻: *Pi* means mutual affection and harmony. Earth and water are naturally close and in harmony. In divining for marriage, obtaining this hexagram indicates a harmonious union for a hundred years, and portends nobility.
  • Illness 疾病: Kun is Earth, representing the abdomen. *Kan* is Water, representing the heart. It is feared to be a disease of fluid accumulation in the chest and abdomen. Just as feudal lords govern a state, doctors heal diseases; one should seek treatment nearby. Auspicious.
  • Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter, who will be noble.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (lower Kun, upper Kan). Kun is Earth and Kan is Water. Water adheres to the great earth, and the earth receives rivers and seas, relying on each other in close intimacy. This hexagram is the exact opposite of the Shi (Army) hexagram, being its inverted hexagram. It expounds the principles of mutual affection and support, magnanimity and selflessness, and sincere unity.

  • Overall Image 大象: One Yang line rules five Yin lines, symbolizing neighbors holding together and supporting one another in harmony and joy.
  • Fortune 运势: Smooth fortunes bring promotion by a benefactor. All matters should be resolved swiftly; do not hesitate excessively.
  • Career 事业: Smooth progress leads to success and forward development. One can obtain help and assistance from others. Undertake tasks with an attitude of honesty and trust. Be magnanimous, upright, proactive, and enthusiastic; learn from and listen to the advice of those with noble character and talent.
  • Business 经商: Desires can be fulfilled with abundant profits, but close cooperation and sincere interactions with others are required. Value business ethics and keep faith and trust. Seeking only profit, greed, or self-righteousness will lead to severe losses.
  • Seeking Fame 求名: There is hope for success; it depends not only on personal effort, but more importantly on the appreciation and cultivation by others.
  • Love & Marriage 婚恋: A beautiful marriage where the couple loves each other, remains faithful, and grows old together.
  • Decision 决策: Kind-hearted, loyal, and generous to others; willing to help others, which will bring rewards. Work diligently and be strict with oneself; ideals can be realized. However, use your mind more, ponder carefully, and be skilled in judging right from wrong. Be particularly cautious in choosing friends; once associating with untrustworthy people, they will become a source of trouble. Befriending and obtaining help from those superior to oneself will bring lifelong benefits.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Six RelativesNajiaPi / Holding Together [union]Six RelativesNajiaChun / Difficulty at the Beginning
Wealth 妻财Wu Zi 戊子▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应Sibling 兄弟Wu Zi 戊子▄▄           ▄▄
Sibling 兄弟Wu Xu 戊戌▄▄▄▄▄▄▄Officer/Ghost 官鬼Wu Xu 戊戌▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Response 应
Offspring 子孙Wu Shen 戊申▄▄           ▄▄Parent 父母Wu Shen 戊申▄▄           ▄▄
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Yi Mao 乙卯▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世Officer/Ghost 官鬼Geng Chen 庚辰▄▄           ▄▄
Parent 父母Yi Si 乙巳▄▄           ▄▄Offspring 子孙Geng Yin 庚寅▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世
Sibling 兄弟Yi Wei 乙未▄▄           ▄▄  × →Sibling 兄弟Geng Zi 庚子▄▄▄▄▄▄▄

Line Text (Original)

The first line, divided, shows its subject seeking by his sincerity to win the attachment of his object. There will be no error. Let (the breast) be full of sincerity as an earthenware vessel is of its contents, and it will in the end bring other advantages.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the beginning: Capturing captives and pacifying them brings no misfortune. Capturing captives and treating them to food and wine in full vessels. Although there may be unexpected trouble, it is auspicious in the end. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Treatise on the Images) says: Obtaining the first line in divination, although there may be unexpected trouble, it is auspicious in the end.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: Those who obtain this line will meet soulmates and find their undertakings turning out as desired. Officials will experience unexpected joy.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Interacting with sincerity and trust, one's reputation grows daily.
  • Wealth 财运: Outstanding credit and reputation will naturally bring profits.
  • Household 家宅: Harmonious community; marriage is also compatible.
  • Health 身体: Safe and without trouble.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

  • Warfare 战征: It is like Yu's campaign against the Sanmiao, where they submitted through the dance of shields and feathers, hence it is said: 'Possessing sincerity in holding together, no blame.'
  • Business 营商: Business relies solely on honesty and integrity, which will draw merchants from near and far to associate closely; trading becomes extensive and profits are generous. Auspicious.
  • Fame & Career 功名: 'Possessing sincerity in holding together' is what the Zhong Fu hexagram calls 'faith reaching even to pigs and fish.' The second line of *Zhong Fu* says, 'I have a good cup of wine, I will share it with you.' Share means to enjoy together, meaning you and I wish to associate closely and rise to honor together. Hence it says: 'For the first line of Pi, there is other good fortune.'
  • Marriage 婚姻: Contemplating the line text, it refers to obtaining mutual trust and then holding together in close association, representing the height of intimacy. Betrothals made with this are auspicious and free of blame.
  • Household 家宅: *Pi* means being neighbors. Those nearby already share mutual trust and close association, and those far away also hear of this and wish to come and be neighbors. Hence it says: 'In the end others will come, and there will be other good fortune.'
  • Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kun (indicates that in the case which it presupposes) there will be great progress and success, and the advantage will come from being correct and firm. (But) any movement in advance should not be (lightly) undertaken. There will be advantage in appointing feudal princes.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Chun Hexagram. Supreme good fortune, a favorable divination. It is not advantageous to go out. It is advantageous to establish states and appoint feudal lords. The *Image* says: The upper trigram of Chun is Kan, which represents clouds; the lower trigram is Zhen, which represents thunder. Clouds moving above and thunder stirring below is the image of the Chun Hexagram. Observing this image, the gentleman takes pattern from the clouds and thunder, governing state affairs with the benevolence of clouds and the majesty of thunder.

Shao Yong's Commentary

All things are beginning to live, starting with difficulty; labor first and ease later, bitterness ends and sweetness comes. Inauspicious: For those who get this hexagram, they are in a difficult situation. It is suitable to defend and not to advance. Great effort and hard work are required to overcome difficulties before smooth progress can be achieved. This represents a sign of initial difficulty followed by resolution.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking different trigrams (Zhen below, Kan above). Zhen is thunder, symbolizing movement; Kan is rain, symbolizing danger. Thunder and rain together bring abundant dangers and a harsh environment. 'Chun' originally refers to plants sprouting from the earth. As all things begin to grow, they are full of hardships and obstacles, but if they follow the seasons and correspond to destiny, they will surely flourish.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Six RelativesNajiaPi / Holding Together [union]Six RelativesNajiaK'an / The Abysmal (Water)
Wealth 妻财Wu Zi 戊子▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应Sibling 兄弟Wu Zi 戊子▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世
Sibling 兄弟Wu Xu 戊戌▄▄▄▄▄▄▄Officer/Ghost 官鬼Wu Xu 戊戌▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Offspring 子孙Wu Shen 戊申▄▄           ▄▄Parent 父母Wu Shen 戊申▄▄           ▄▄
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Yi Mao 乙卯▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世Wealth 妻财Wu Wu 戊午▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应
Parent 父母Yi Si 乙巳▄▄           ▄▄  × →Officer/Ghost 官鬼Wu Chen 戊辰▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Sibling 兄弟Yi Wei 乙未▄▄           ▄▄Offspring 子孙Wu Yin 戊寅▄▄           ▄▄

Line Text (Original)

In the second line, divided, we see the movement towards union and attachment proceeding from the inward (mind). With firm correctness there will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the second line: Internal harmony and unity; the divination brings an auspicious omen. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Treatise on the Images) says: Internal harmony and unity means one will not lose the support of the people.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: Those who obtain this line will gain the help of a benefactor, and their plans will go smoothly. Officials will remain free from errors, peaceful, and prosperous. Scholars may achieve fame. Women will obtain a virtuous husband.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Fame follows merit naturally, bringing natural good fortune.
  • Wealth 财运: Working together in unity, profits can be expected.
  • Household 家宅: A double relationship (increasing family ties through marriage).
  • Health 身体: Peace of mind and harmony will heal the illness.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

  • Warfare 战征: Soldiers share one heart, and upper and lower ranks form a single body, winning every battle. Hence it says: 'Holding together with him from within. Perseverance brings good fortune.'
  • Fame & Career 功名: 'Within' refers to oneself. Possessing true learning is sufficient to inspire and trust others, which is the so-called fame following merit. Auspicious.
  • Business 营商: The staff of a shop are harmonious and close, naturally obedient in all things. Venturing out to trade with this, others will be convinced and trust them, and profits will be made without exception. Hence the *Xiang* says: 'Holding together with him from within, one does not lose oneself.'
  • Illness 疾病: 'Within' refers to the chest and abdomen. For any illness, one should remain peaceful and calm. When the internal organs are clear and smooth, external pathogens will naturally dissipate. Auspicious.
  • Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.
  • Marriage 婚姻: It must be a re-alliance through internal relatives. Auspicious.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Khan, here repeated, shows the possession of sincerity, through which the mind is. penetrating. Action (in accordance with this) will be of high value.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Repeated K'an Hexagram. Capture captives, console and pacify them, leading to success. On the way, one will receive assistance. The Image says: K'an represents water flowing continuously without stagnation, which is the image of the K'an Hexagram. The gentleman observes this image, thereby esteeming virtuous conduct, taking example from the continuous flow of water, and learning the methods of teaching and educating the people.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Difficulties and dangers, repeated perils and entrapments; many obstacles in affairs, proceed with caution. Misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram face poor luck, numerous difficulties and dangers, and many blocked affairs; it is advisable to be cautious in speech and actions, retreat, and maintain safety.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (K'an below, K'an above). K'an represents water and danger. With two K'an stacked, it is danger upon danger, with numerous obstacles. One Yang is trapped between two Yins. Fortunately, Yin is empty and Yang is solid; sincerity and truthfulness can breakthrough and connect. Although dangers and difficulties are numerous, they serve to reveal the brilliance of human nature.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Six RelativesNajiaPi / Holding Together [union]Six RelativesNajiaChien / Obstruction
Wealth 妻财Wu Zi 戊子▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应Offspring 子孙Wu Zi 戊子▄▄           ▄▄
Sibling 兄弟Wu Xu 戊戌▄▄▄▄▄▄▄Parent 父母Wu Xu 戊戌▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Offspring 子孙Wu Shen 戊申▄▄           ▄▄Sibling 兄弟Wu Shen 戊申▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Yi Mao 乙卯▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世 × →Sibling 兄弟Bing Shen 丙申▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Parent 父母Yi Si 乙巳▄▄           ▄▄Officer/Ghost 官鬼Bing Wu 丙午▄▄           ▄▄
Sibling 兄弟Yi Wei 乙未▄▄           ▄▄Parent 父母Bing Chen 丙辰▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应

Line Text (Original)

In the third line, divided, we see its subject seeking for union with such as ought not to be associated with.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the third line: Associating with the wrong people. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Treatise on the Images) says: Associating with the wrong people, is that not indeed sad?

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious: Those who obtain this line make friends imprudently, or face lawsuits, financial loss, and injury. Officials should guard against discord among colleagues causing obstacles. For a woman, it indicates marrying the wrong man, bringing ruin to the family and loss of life; otherwise, it leads to disputes and loss of wealth.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Associating with improper friends, one's reputation is ruined.
  • Wealth 财运: Entrusting the wrong person, loss and depletion are unavoidable.
  • Household 家宅: Be cautious in marriage to avoid regret.
  • Health 身体: Change to a better doctor.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

  • Warfare 战征: Commanding the army while employing eunuchs, and counseling while listening only to flatterers—this is what the line text calls 'Holding together with wrong people.' How could defeat be avoided!
  • Business 营商: The rise and fall of business depends solely on the person. If one associates daily with scoundrels and rascals of the market, keeping close to the wrong people and distancing upright ones, not only will the business immediately fail, but the person's character will also become beyond hope.
  • Fame & Career 功名: Associating with improper companions, the scholar's character deteriorates; not only is the reputation shattered, but disaster also follows.
  • Marriage 婚姻: A woman values chastity and a man values talent and virtue, which is the proper path of human relations. If the match is improper, it ruins a lifetime; is that not indeed tragic!

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In (the state indicated by) Kien advantage will be found in the south-west, and the contrary in the north-east. It will be advantageous (also) to meet with the great man. (In these circumstances), with firmness and correctness, there will be good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Chien Hexagram. Divining this hexagram, it is beneficial to travel to the southwest, and unfavorable to travel to the northeast. It is beneficial to see noble lords and princes, obtaining an auspicious omen. The 'Xiang Zhuan' (Treatise on the Images) says: The upper trigram is Kan, Kan represents water; the lower trigram is Gen, Gen represents mountain. Mountains and rocks are rugged and jagged, and the streams bend and turn, which is the image of the Chien hexagram. The noble person (Junzi) observes this image, realizes the difficulty of walking the path, and thus turns inward to seek within themselves, cultivating their virtue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Struggling to take a step, facing thousands of hardships; caught in a dilemma between advancing and retreating, one should endure and wait for the right time. Inauspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, body and mind are plagued by anxiety and suffering, and every step is difficult. It is advisable to keep to the correct path, avoid acting rashly; those who venture into dangerous situations will meet with disaster.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (lower Gen and upper Kan). Kan represents water, Gen represents mountain. Mountains are high and waters are deep, presenting numerous difficulties and life's hazards. Seeing danger and stopping, keeping oneself safe through wisdom—this can be called wisdom. Chien means difficulty in walking or limping.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Six RelativesNajiaPi / Holding Together [union]Six RelativesNajiaTs'ui / Gathering Together [Massing]
Wealth 妻财Wu Zi 戊子▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应Parent 父母Ding Wei 丁未▄▄           ▄▄
Sibling 兄弟Wu Xu 戊戌▄▄▄▄▄▄▄Sibling 兄弟Ding You 丁酉▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Response 应
Offspring 子孙Wu Shen 戊申▄▄           ▄▄  × →Offspring 子孙Ding Hai 丁亥▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Yi Mao 乙卯▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世Wealth 妻财Yi Mao 乙卯▄▄           ▄▄
Parent 父母Yi Si 乙巳▄▄           ▄▄Officer/Ghost 官鬼Yi Si 乙巳▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世
Sibling 兄弟Yi Wei 乙未▄▄           ▄▄Parent 父母Yi Wei 乙未▄▄           ▄▄

Line Text (Original)

In the fourth line, divided, we see its subject seeking for union with the one beyond himself. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fourth line: Aligning in friendship with external nations; the divination brings an auspicious omen. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Treatise on the Images) says: Holding together with those outside to support the wise ruler, like a minister obeying the sovereign.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: Those who obtain this line will find going abroad favorable, receiving help from close friends, and finding everything smooth. Officials will enjoy the joy of promotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Appreciated by others, fame and success can be expected.
  • Wealth 财运: Flow of goods brings natural profits.
  • Household 家宅: The whole family is in harmony; betrothal in another place is auspicious.
  • Health 身体: Do more outdoor exercise.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

  • Warfare 战征: The line says 'Holding together with him outwardly,' which is the image of foreign tribes submitting, hence 'Perseverance brings good fortune.'
  • Business 营商: It suggests overseas business, where goods circulate and reach everywhere, hence 'Holding together with him outwardly. Perseverance brings good fortune.'
  • Fame & Career 功名: The fourth line associates outwardly with the fifth, which occupies the honored position, symbolizing being recorded in the Emperor's heart; the prominence of one's fame and success is evident.
  • Household 家宅: The second line occupies the inner trigram and the fourth line occupies the outer trigram; both indicate 'Perseverance brings good fortune,' naturally obtaining harmony inside and outside, and a harmonious family.
  • Marriage 婚嫁: Contemplating the line text, it indicates betrothal in another place. Auspicious.
  • Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In (the state denoted by) Ȝhui, the king will repair to his ancestral temple. It will be advantageous (also) to meet with the great man; and then there will be progress and success, though the advantage must come through firm correctness. The use of great victims will conduce to good fortune; and in whatever direction movement is made, it will be advantageous.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hexagram Ts'ui (Gathering Together). Prosperity. The king approaches his ancestral temple. It is advantageous to see the great man, leading to success; this is a favorable and correct omen. Offering great sacrificial animals (oxen) is auspicious, and having a destination to go to is advantageous. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Dui, Dui is the Lake; the lower trigram is Kun, Kun is the Earth. The lake water overflowing onto the earth is the image of Ts'ui. The gentleman, observing this image, takes warning from the overflowing floods and gathering disasters, thereby repairing weapons to guard against unexpected rebellions.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Abundant resources and rich gathering; guided and assisted by nobility, everything is favorable. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram enjoy excellent fortune, receive help from benefactors, reap abundant profits, and succeed in all endeavors.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling different trigrams (Kun below, Dui above). Kun is Earth and yielding; Dui is Lake and water. The lake overflows and submerges the earth, and with many people contending, crises will lurk everywhere. One must obey Heaven and employ the worthy, prepare for a rainy day, remain gentle yet cheerful, bring out the best in one another, and live and work in peace. Ts'ui means gathering and unity.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Six RelativesNajiaPi / Holding Together [union]Six RelativesNajiaK'un / The Receptive
Wealth 妻财Wu Zi 戊子▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应Offspring 子孙Gui You 癸酉▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世
Sibling 兄弟Wu Xu 戊戌▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  ○ →Wealth 妻财Gui Hai 癸亥▄▄           ▄▄
Offspring 子孙Wu Shen 戊申▄▄           ▄▄Sibling 兄弟Gui Chou 癸丑▄▄           ▄▄
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Yi Mao 乙卯▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世Officer/Ghost 官鬼Yi Mao 乙卯▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应
Parent 父母Yi Si 乙巳▄▄           ▄▄Parent 父母Yi Si 乙巳▄▄           ▄▄
Sibling 兄弟Yi Wei 乙未▄▄           ▄▄Sibling 兄弟Yi Wei 乙未▄▄           ▄▄

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, 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.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fifth line: Universal harmony. The king uses the method of surrounding on three sides during hunts, letting the escaping game go from the open side. The citizens are not alarmed by the king's hunt. Divining this line is auspicious. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Treatise on the Images) says: Universal harmony is auspicious because the fifth line occupies the central position of the upper trigram, representing one who adheres to the path of centrality and correctness. Letting the game running ahead escape and taking only those that run toward him; this is the meaning of 'losing the game ahead.' The citizens are not alarmed by the hunt because the king acts uprightly in daily life.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: Those who obtain this line will face adversity first and smooth progress later, achieving success in undertakings and finding favor everywhere. Officials will gain great honor. Scholars will achieve excellent exam results.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Treat others well; good fortune will follow.
  • Wealth 财运: Do not covet small gains; surplus will follow later.
  • Household 家宅: Harmony and compliance are suitable.
  • Health 身体: Taking medicine will be effective; no need to worry excessively.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

  • Warfare 战征: Showing the benevolence and majesty of not killing those who surrender and not forbidding those who flee, hence 'The king uses three beaters, losing the game ahead'; displaying the moral transformation where farmers do not change their work and merchants do not stop going to market, hence 'The citizens are not warned. Auspicious.'
  • Business 营商: Contemplating the line text, do not covet immediate small gains or seek unexpected wealth. Let go of the contrary and choose the cooperative; although there are losses initially, surplus will naturally be gained later.
  • Illness 疾病: The symptoms are already manifest. Having taken medicine to expel pathogens, the evil influence seems gone; there is no need for alarm, and the illness will heal on its own. Auspicious.
  • Fame & Career 功名: Striving and riding through affairs, though initial achievements are lost, subsequent results will surely be prominent. Auspicious.
  • 六四 六四: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Khwăn (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and having the firmness of a mare. When the superior man (here intended) has to make any movement, if he take the initiative, he will go astray; if he follow, he will find his (proper) lord. The advantageousness will be seen in his getting friends in the south-west, and losing friends in the north-east. If he rest in correctness and firmness, there will be good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Supreme good fortune and benefit. Divining about a mare yields an auspicious sign. If the gentleman takes a journey, he first loses his way, but later finds his master; auspicious. Traveling to the southwest, he gains property; traveling to the northeast, he loses property. Divining about settling down yields an auspicious sign. The Great Image says: The condition of the Earth is receptive and spacious, conforming to the Way of Heaven. The gentleman, observing this image, models himself on the Earth, sustaining all things with his deep virtue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Gentle, yielding, harmonious, and quiet, possessing the virtue of carrying things with depth; quietly guarding peaceful compliance, while rash action invites loss. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram should adapt to the flow of fortune, control movement with stillness, and avoid acting independently; complying with others and cooperating will lead to great success.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Kun below, Kun above) and is Yin in nature. It symbolizes the Earth (opposite to the Qian hexagram), complying with Heaven. It sustains all things, extending boundlessly. The Kun hexagram is symbolized by a mare, indicating that the Way of the Earth gives birth to and nurtures all things, while complying with Heaven and following the seasons with a gentle disposition. It uses 'first losing one's way, then finding' to prove that Kun complies with Qian and follows Qian, thereby grasping the correct direction, adhering to the right path, and obtaining good fortune.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Six RelativesNajiaPi / Holding Together [union]Six RelativesNajiaKuan / Contemplation (View)
Wealth 妻财Wu Zi 戊子▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应 × →Wealth 妻财Xin Mao 辛卯▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Sibling 兄弟Wu Xu 戊戌▄▄▄▄▄▄▄Officer/Ghost 官鬼Xin Si 辛巳▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Offspring 子孙Wu Shen 戊申▄▄           ▄▄Parent 父母Xin Wei 辛未▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Yi Mao 乙卯▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世Wealth 妻财Yi Mao 乙卯▄▄           ▄▄
Parent 父母Yi Si 乙巳▄▄           ▄▄Officer/Ghost 官鬼Yi Si 乙巳▄▄           ▄▄
Sibling 兄弟Yi Wei 乙未▄▄           ▄▄Parent 父母Yi Wei 乙未▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应

Line Text (Original)

In the topmost line, divided, we see one seeking union and attachment without having taken the first step (to such an end). There will be evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the top: Petty people associate in conspiracies and intrigue, unable to form a united center, which is very dangerous. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Treatise on the Images) says: Petty people associate in conspiracies and intrigue, unable to form a united center. Naturally, there will be no good end.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious: Those who obtain this line face punishment, clashes, and disaster; human relations are indifferent, and in severe cases, there is fear for one's life. Officials will lose the support of subordinates, placing them in a perilous situation.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Distracted and losing one's bearings, there is fear of disaster.
  • Wealth 财运: Wasting one's efforts and gaining nothing.
  • Household 家宅: Fear of losing the head of the household; the origins of the marriage are unclear.
  • Health 身体: Be careful of diseases of the head.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

  • Warfare 战征: 'Head' refers to the leader of the army, meaning the marshal. 'Without a head' means losing the commander-in-chief. Inauspicious.
  • Business 营商: The fifth line is the host of the hexagram, but the top line does not hold together with it. This is like shop assistants who do not align with the shop owner, which is 'having no head.' Whatever is planned will surely have no conclusion. Inauspicious.
  • Fame & Career 功名: In seeking fame, top candidates are called the head, such as the top of the list or the champion. Without a head, where can fame come from? Inauspicious.
  • Household 家宅: Fear of losing the head of the household. Inauspicious.
  • Marriage 婚姻: It is unknown why there is no one to preside over the wedding. The origin of the marriage family is not very clear. Inauspicious.
  • Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter, with fear of strange diseases.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kwân shows (how he whom it represents should be like) the worshipper who has washed his hands, but not (yet) presented his offerings;--with sincerity and an appearance of dignity (commanding reverent regard).

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Kuan Hexagram. During the sacrifice, libation is poured to summon the spirits but the human sacrifice is not offered, because the head of the captive to be used for the sacrifice is swollen and cannot be used as an offering. The Xiang Commentary (The Image) says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Xun representing wind, and the lower trigram is Kun representing earth. The wind blows across the great earth, brushing over all things—this is the image of Contemplation. The ancient kings, observing this image, took emulation from the wind that flows in all eight directions, thereby inspecting the principalities, observing the conditions of the people, and promoting moral transformation.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Viewing the superior from below, traveling and observing; maintain a calm mind and peaceful spirit, and hold fast to one's post. Minor misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram find themselves in the midst of change, with restless minds; it is advisable to observe with great detail, wait for the right opportunity to act, and never advance rashly.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below, Xun above). The wind blows over the earth, symbolizing the widespread dissemination of moral teachings. The Kuan (Contemplation) hexagram and Lin (Approach) hexagram are inverse hexagrams (zong gua) to each other, used interactively. Those above view the world with righteousness; those below look up to those above with reverence, leading to the submission and obedience of the people's hearts.


III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.

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