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Above; heaven the
creative
Below; fire, brightness
It is the nature
of the fire to burn upward into heaven, symbolizing
the concept of fellowship or love. The yin line in
the second place gives the hexagram its central character,
its yielding quality serving to hold together the
five yang lines that surround it. This hexagram is
the complement of the hexagram 7, (Shi), the Troop
of Soldiers. Shi has danger within and obedience surrounding
it, the image of the unquestioning army. But Tong
Ren is clarity within and strength without, the image
of brotherhood held together by its own firmness.
Fellowship and
openness mean success. It is advantageous to cross
the great water. Persevering in all things, the Superior
Man advances.
Tong Ren appears
in the distant parts of the country indicating progress
and success, ‘crossing the great water.’
This symbolizes a great journey of any kind. Someone
weak comes to a position of power, taking the centre
of the stage and responding fully to the creative
power. Such a one may well be known as the beloved.
The central yang line in the upper trigram represents
the Superior Man, the only one who can comprehend
and affect the thinking of all the people.
Heaven and Fire
together symbolize companionship. The Superior Man,
accordingly organizes the people and distinguishes
things according to their kinds and classes. Heaven
moves upward, just as fire does, but it is very different
from Fire. As the stars in the sky mark the divisions
of time, so human society and all that belongs together
must be ordered. Companionship is not just a gathering
together of like-minded people; there must be organization
of the diversity.
Relationships flourish
when there are no ulterior motives. Discernment and
cooperation lead to success. Modest guidance, management
or administration brings a willing unity. Persistence
brings rewards.
Line 1
Companionship
begins with those at the gate. No reproach.
The beginning of
union among many different people should occur in
the open, where all can see and be seen, and all are
on equal footing. They start out as friends, with
high hopes and are agreed upon their aims.
Line 2
The family bands
together. Humiliation.
Forming factions
within the broader brotherhood of man is the first
sign of a coming struggle for power. Out of this will
come failure and disgrace.
Line 3
He hides his weapons
in the thicket. Watching from the top of a high hill.
For three years
he does not show himself.
When factions are formed, no man trusts another. Each
plans a secret ambush, hiding his true feelings, spying
upon the actions of his fellows. For a long time he
waits, hoping to catch his opponents by surprise,
but there is no joy in this.
Line 4
He climbs upon
his battlements for he cannot fight. But good fortune
is near.
The first steps
are taken toward reconciliation. The wise man still
holds aloof in a place of safety, but he does not
make the mistake of attacking those whom he thinks
of as his opponents, and soon all will be well.
Line 5
Lovers begin by
weeping and lamenting but in the end they laugh. The
struggles of many bring them together.
Any association
will begin with troubles that may cause grief, but
when these have been resolved the companions will
find happiness. The troubles endured and overcome
by others will serve as example, and the help and
understanding will bring them together in due course.
Line 6
The beloved is
in a distant place. No regrets.
The companions
trust one another, even when they are far apart. But
the fact that the beloved is in a distant place means
that the association is still not fulfilled; the time
of true brotherhood of man has not yet arrived. But
there is hope and no occasion for reproach.
© 1979 Neil
Powell
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