Bi
Seeking Union
When you receive Hexagram 8, Bi, the I Ching turns your attention to seeking union. Seeking Union brings good fortune. Below is its judgment, its image, and the meaning of each changing line.
The Judgment
Seeking Union brings good fortune. Let the one who leads examine himself, as if by divination, whether his virtue is great, constant, and firm. If so, no error. Those without rest will come to him. For those who arrive too late, misfortune.
Classical (Legge)Pi 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.
The Image
Water over the earth forms Bi. The ancient rulers established their realms and kept close bonds with their people.
Classical (Legge)(The trigram representing) the earth, and over it (that representing) water, form Pi. The ancient kings, in accordance with this, established the various states and maintained an affectionate relation to their princes.
The Changing Lines
Sincerity in seeking union. No error. Let the heart be full of sincerity as an earthenware vessel is full to the brim. In the end, further blessings come.
Classical (Legge)There is sincerity (in him who seeks) union. 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 movement toward union rises from within. Steadfastness brings good fortune.
Classical (Legge)The movement towards union proceeds from the inward (mind). With firm correctness there will be good fortune.
Union is sought with those who should not be one's companions.
Classical (Legge)Union is sought with such as ought not to be associated with.
Union is sought outwardly, with one beyond oneself. Steadfastness brings good fortune.
Classical (Legge)Union is sought (by the party intended here) with the one beyond himself. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.
The king drives the game from three sides only, letting the quarry escape before him. The people of his lands do not warn each other to block the path. Good fortune.
Classical (Legge)The king urges his pursuit of the game (only) on three sides, and allows the escape of all the animals before him. The people of his towns do not warn one another (to prevent it). There will be good fortune.
He seeks union without having taken the first step toward it. Misfortune.
Classical (Legge)He seeks union without having taken the first step (to such an end). There will be evil.
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