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Above; Dangerous
deep water
Below; Earth the passive.
This is the reverse
of # 7, Shi, where the water lay beneath the earth.
Now the water lies on top of the earth, flowing toward
other water, forming streams that unite into rivers
that flow into seas. All the lines are feminine and
yielding except the fifth which holds them all together.
Unity brings good
fortune. Consult the Oracle again to discover whether
you posses true grace, constancy and perseverance
If so, then take the lead. If not, then join the endeavour
and participate fully.
The hexagram represents
inferiors docilely following the lead of the Superior
Man. A strong man is needed to hold the people tgether.
Water on the earth is the image of holding together.
Line 1
True loyalty is
without reproach. When the breast is as full of sincerity
as a flowing bowl, good fortune comes from far away.
The whole is greater
than the parts. The content of the earthenware bowl
is everything. The empty bowl signifies nothingness
of form. The truth in a man’s heart speaks louder
than his words.
The inner strength of the sincere man will attract
unexpected good fortune.
Line 2
The movement to
unity comes from within. Righteous persistence brings
good fortune.
When a man understands
his true nature, he will join with others not as a
servant but as an equal. But if he obsequiously seeks
preferment, he is wasting himself. Only the Superior
Man who acts with dignity and firmness will find success.
Line 3
He joins with
those who are unfit.
We must be aware
of entering into associations with people who surround
us, but who are not of our way of thinking. The Superior
Man does not spurn those below or above him, but opens
his heart only to those who are his equals.
Line 4
Join with the
leader. Righteous persistence brings good fortune.
When the leader
emerges the wise man throws in his lot with him. But
he must still remain constant and not allow himself
to be led astray.
Line 5
This is the sign
of the union. The king hunts with beaters on three
sides only. Losing the game that runs before him.
The people need no threats and there is great good
fortune.
In the royal hunts
of ancient China the game was driven only from three
sides so that some had an opportunity to escape. Those
who did not were driven toward a fence with a gate
behind which stood the king ready to fire his arrows.
A well governed citizenry needs no coercion. They
should join in voluntary union, free to express themselves
while recognizing the authority of their rulers.
Line 6
There is no great
leader, no union. Great misfortune.
No enterprise can
succeed without strong leadership. The right moment
for unity has passed. Now hesitation will only bring
regrets when it is too late.
© 1979 Neil
Powell
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