Eighth Hexagram : The Wisdom of Holding Together

Hello, I Ching enthusiasts! Today, let's delve into the eighth hexagram of the I Ching, Bi (比), which symbolizes 'Holding Together' or 'Union'. It represents earth over water, like the earth embracing and uniting with flowing water, emphasizing alliances, mutual support, and proper bonding in relationships or groups during times of gathering. The hexagram statement is: "Bi: Holding Together [Union]. 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 come too late meets with misfortune."

 

The line interpretations in the I Ching can be abstract and hard to remember. So, today, I've woven the six lines into an ancient tale to make them come alive. Read the story to absorb the meanings, and then in the breakdowns, I'll quote relevant parts of the story and add annotations from the I Ching original with sources. This way, you'll easily recall the lessons of each line!

 

강 계곡의 단결

 

엣날 옛적, 비옥한 땅을 가로지르는 강이 흐르는 울창한 계곡에 여러 마을이 있었습니다. 매년 장마철이 되면 강은 범람하여 마을에 큰 피해를 주곤 했습니다. 마을 사람들은 홍수에 맞서 싸우기 위해 단결해야 한다는 것을 알고 있었지만, 어떻게 해야 할지 몰랐습니다.

 

어느 날, 현명한 장로 현아가 모든 마을의 대표들을 소집했습니다. 그녀는 강 계곡 동맹을 결성하여 함께 홍수에 대비하고 서로를 돕자고 제안했습니다. 그녀는 진정한 충성심과 성실함만이 동맹을 굳건히 할 수 있다고 강조했습니다.

 

현아는 흙 그릇을 들어 올리며 말했습니다. "이 그릇에 진실을 채우는 것처럼, 우리는 외부의 행운을 비난 없이 받아들일 것입니다. 우리의 유대감은 강해질 것이며, 행운이 우리에게 찾아올 것입니다." 많은 마을 사람들이 그녀의 비전에 감동받아 동맹에 합류하기로 결심했습니다.

 

다온이라는 젊은 마을 사람은 처음에는 주저했습니다. 그는 과거에 마을들이 서로를 돕지 않았던 것을 기억했습니다. 하지만 찬이라는 또 다른 젊은이는 현아의 비전을 굳게 믿었습니다. 그는 다온에게 동맹에 참여하자고 설득했습니다.

 

대부분의 마을 사람들은 현아의 비전을 끈질기게 붙잡았고, 그들의 유대감은 점점 더 강해졌습니다. 그들은 함께 강둑을 보강하고, 비상시를 대비해 식량을 비축했습니다. 동맹은 마을에 행운을 가져다주었습니다.

 

그러나 일부 마을은 잘못된 그룹, 즉 동맹의 진정한 목적을 이해하지 못하는 마을들과 동맹을 맺었습니다. 그들은 자신의 이익만을 추구하며 동맹의 힘을 약화시켰습니다.

 

다른 마을 사람들은 외적으로 동맹에 온전히 헌신하고 행운을 위해 인내했습니다. 그들은 현아의 가르침을 따르며, 어려움 속에서도 서로를 믿고 지지했습니다.

 

현아는 자원을 찾기 위해 왕 같은 지혜를 발휘했습니다. 그녀는 세 방향에서 비터를 사용하여 주저하는 사냥감을 힘없이 탈출시키는 방법을 알고 있었습니다. 그녀의 지혜로운 전략 덕분에 마을들은 필요한 자원을 쉽게 얻을 수 있었습니다.

 

시민들은 예고 없이 기꺼이 동맹에 합류하여 행운을 가져왔습니다. 그들은 현아의 리더십 아래 하나가 되어, 강 계곡은 번성했습니다.

 

그러나 너무 늦게 도착한 일부 마을들은 동맹이 해체되면서 불행을 겪었습니다. 그들은 그룹을 하나로 묶을 지도자를 찾지 못했고, 결국 홍수의 피해를 고스란히 받았습니다. 강 계곡의 단결은 진정한 충성심과 시기적절한 참여가 얼마나 중요한지를 보여주었습니다.

Line Interpretations: Wisdom Linked to the Tale

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First Line (Initial Six): 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.

This line advises sincere and loyal union from the start, bringing external good fortune. Matching part in the tale: "At the beginning, he emphasized true loyalty and sincerity in joining; like filling an earthen bowl with truth, it brought good fortune from without, without blame." This symbolizes pure beginnings in alliances. Annotation: I Ching Bi hexagram first line: "The first SIX, divided, shows its subject seeking union with the one beyond himself. If he be firmly sincere, there will be no error. Let (the breast) be full of sincerity as an earthenware vessel is of its contents, and there will be other advantages which will come unsought."

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Second Line (Six in the Second Place): Hold to him inwardly. Perseverance brings good fortune.

This line suggests internal commitment to the union for success. Matching part in the tale: "Inwardly, the villagers held to the elder's vision with perseverance, leading to good fortune in their bonds." Inner steadfastness strengthens alliances. Annotation: I Ching Bi hexagram second line: "The second SIX, divided, shows its subject seeking union from within. With firm correctness there will be good fortune."

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Third Line (Six in the Third Place): You hold together with the wrong people.

This line warns of uniting with unsuitable allies. Matching part in the tale: "However, some allied with the wrong groups, misguided associates who weakened the union." Bad associations harm the group. Annotation: I Ching Bi hexagram third line: "The third SIX, divided, shows its subject seeking for union with such as ought not to be associated with."

Fourth Line (Six in the Fourth Place): Hold to him outwardly also. Perseverance brings good fortune.

This line encourages external manifestation of commitment for success. Matching part in the tale: "Outwardly, others committed fully to the alliance, persevering for good fortune." Visible dedication benefits all. Annotation: I Ching Bi hexagram fourth line: "The fourth SIX, divided, shows its subject seeking union with the one beyond himself outwardly also. With firm correctness there will be good fortune."

Image Prompt: "Ornate ancient poster style depiction with all text in English, portraying villagers outwardly committing to the alliance with perseverance for good fortune, symbolizing Bi hexagram fourth line: external union, public gathering in river valley, vibrant blues and golds for dedication."

Fifth Line (Nine in the Fifth Place): 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.

This line describes wise leadership in union, allowing freedom without force. Matching part in the tale: "In the hunt for resources, the king-like elder used beaters on three sides, letting hesitant game escape without force; the citizens joined willingly without warning, bringing good fortune." Gentle guidance fosters voluntary unity. Annotation: I Ching Bi hexagram fifth line: "The fifth NINE, undivided, affords occasion for congratulation in (the ordnance of) union. The king in hunting uses beaters only on three sides, and foregoes (the game) that goes off in front. The people do not respond (to a call for such hunting). There will be good fortune."

Image Prompt: "Traditional Chinese art with intricate patterns and all text displayed in English, showing a king-like elder in a hunt using beaters on three sides, allowing free joining for good fortune, representing Bi hexagram fifth line: wise manifestation of union, dynamic hunt scene in valley, energetic greens and oranges for leadership."

Top Line (Six at the Top): He finds no head for holding together. Misfortune.

This line indicates failure in union due to arriving too late or lacking leadership. Matching part in the tale: "But those who arrived too late found no leader to hold the group together, resulting in misfortune as the alliance dissolved." Timing and guidance are crucial. Annotation: I Ching Bi hexagram top line: "The topmost SIX, divided, shows him with no head for union. There will be evil."

 

Image Prompt: "Dramatic vintage I Ching illustration with bordered frame and all text in English, depicting latecomers finding no leader in the alliance leading to misfortune, symbolizing Bi hexagram sixth line: failed union, dissolving group in river valley, dark purples and grays for dissolution."

This blog should make the six lines of Bi hexagram feel more approachable! The I Ching is full of life wisdom. Share your thoughts in the comments. See you next time~