Hexagram 8 of 64

Bǐ — Union by Choice

水地比 · Legge: Pi · Water above, Earth below

Union of choice: test your own ground first, then let others come; those who arrive late miss it.

uniontrustsincerity

The Judgment

Bǐ. There is good fortune. But let re-examine himself, 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 late in coming it will be ill.

Legge’s 1882 translation

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

VIII. (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.

地上有水,比;先王以建万国,亲诸侯。

The Six Lines

The first six · 初六

The first line, divided, shows its subject seeking by his sincerity to win the attachment of his object. There will be no error. Let be full of sincerity as an earthenware vessel is of its contents, and it will in the end bring other advantages.

Legge’s 1882 translation

The first six, divided, shows its subject seeking 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 second six · 六二

In the second line, divided, we see the movement towards union and attachment proceeding from the inward. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.

Legge’s 1882 translation

In the second six, divided ' we see the movement towards union and attachment proceeding from the inward (mind). With firm correctness there will be good fortune.

The third six · 六三

In the third line, divided, we see its subject seeking for union with such as ought not to be associated with.

Legge’s 1882 translation

In the third six, divided, we see its subject seeking for union with such as ought not to be associated with.

The fourth six · 六四

In the fourth line, divided, we see its subject seeking for union with the one beyond himself. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.

Legge’s 1882 translation

In the fourth six, divided, we see its subject seeking for union with the one beyond himself. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.

The fifth nine · 九五

The fifth line, undivided, affords the most illustrious instance of seeking union and attachment. The king urging his pursuit of the game in three directions, and allowing the escape of all the animals before him, while the people of his towns do not warn one another. There will be good fortune.

Legge’s 1882 translation

The fifth nine, undivided, affords the most illustrious 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.

The topmost six · 上六

In the topmost line, divided, we see one seeking union and attachment without having taken the first step. There will be evil.

Legge’s 1882 translation

In the topmost six, divided, we see one seeking union and attachment without having taken the first step (to such an end). There will be evil.

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