Hexagram 8 · 比 · bǐ
Hexagram 8. Bǐ · Holding Together
☵☷ Water over earth: Kǎn above, Kūn below.
Pi indicates that (under the conditions which it supposes) there is good fortune. But let (the prin¬ cipal party intended in it) re-examine himself, (as if)
Pi indicates that (under the conditions which it supposes) there is good fortune. But let (the prin¬ cipal party intended in it) re-examine himself, (as if)
A time of union around a center — a person, a cause, an idea. First examine yourself: are you worthy of being that center, or is the one you join worthy? Alliance must be made in season; who hesitates and arrives last remains outside the circle.
The Image
Water on the earth gathers into one channel: people converge naturally toward a center. If the center is you, examine whether you hold the inner right to it, and receive those who come without compulsion. If the center is another, join promptly and in earnest: half-alliance is worse than refusal. Those late to the union's forming remain outside it long.
Interpretation of hexagram 8
VIII. The Pf Hexagram. and correct, and his enterprises will be successful. He is denomi¬ nated £ang san, ‘an old, experienced man.’
The lines of hexagram 8
First line
The first line, divided, shows its subject seek- ing 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.
‘ The rules,’ it is said, ‘are twofold;—first, that the war be for a righteous end; and second, that the manner of conducting it, especially at the outset, be right.’ But how this and the warning in the conclusion should both follow from the divided line being in the first place, has not been sufficiently explained.
Second line
In the second line, divided, we see the move¬ ment towards union and attachment proceeding from the inward (mind). With firm correctness there will be good fortune.
How line 2 comes to be the symbol of the general in command of the army has been shown above on the Thwan. The orders of the king thrice conveyed to him are to be understood of his appoint¬ ment to the command, and not of any rewards conferred on him as a tribute to his merit. Nor is stress to be laid on the ‘ thrice.’ ‘ It does not mean that the appointment came to him three times; but that it was to him exclusively, and with the entire con¬ fidence of the king.’
Third line
In the third line, divided, we see its subject seeking for union with such as ought not to be associated with.
The symbolism of line 3 is very perplexing. P. Regis translates it:—‘Milites videntur deponere sarcinas in curribus. Male.’ Canon McClatchie has:—‘ Third-six represents soldiers as it were lying dead in their baggage carts, and is unlucky.’ To the same effect was my own translation of the paragraph, nearly thirty years ago. But the third line, divided, cannot be forced to have such an indication. The meaning I have now given is more legitimate, taken character by character, and more in harmony with the scope of the hexagram. The subject of line 2 is the one proper leader of the host. But line 3 is divided and weak, and occupies the place of a strong line, as if its subject had perversely jumped over two, and perched himself above it to take the command. This interpretation also suits better in the 5th paragraph.
Fourth line
In the fourth line, divided, we see its subject
Line 4 is weak and not central; and therefore ‘to retreat’ is
Fifth line
The fifth line, undivided, affords the most illus¬ trious 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.
by divination, whether his virtue be great, uninter¬ mitting, 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.
Top line
In the topmost line, divided, we see one seek¬ ing union and attachment without having taken the first step (to such an end). There will be evil.
natural for its subject. But its place is even, and proper for a divided line; and the retreat will be right in the circumstances.
Did hexagram 8 come up in your reading? The oracle itself gives the full reading, with changing lines and the second hexagram.
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