Hexagram 8
•
比 (Bǐ)
•
Bǐ
Holding Together
Holding Together (比 (Bǐ)): Upper Water, Lower Earth. Union brings good fortune. Sincere latecomers find enduring fellowship.
Upper Trigram
Water
Lower Trigram
Earth
⚖ The Judgment
Union brings good fortune. Sincere latecomers find enduring fellowship.
✧ The Image
Water upon the earth; the ancient kings founded realms and fostered kinship.
Philosophical Interpretation
In the I Ching (Book of Changes), Hexagram 8 (Holding Together / 比 (Bǐ)) embodies the cosmic dynamic between Water above and Earth below. It teaches that wisdom arises from understanding seasonal transitions and adhering to moral constancy.
The Six Changing Lines
- 1 Line 1: Beginning phase of Holding Together; observe quiet reserve.
- 2 Line 2: Inner equilibrium aligned with virtuous company.
- 3 Line 3: Transition point; rash action invites complication.
- 4 Line 4: Deep breakthrough; sincerity dissipates lingering doubts.
- 5 Line 5: Central sovereign seat; radiant integrity guides the collective.
- 6 Line 6: Culmination and apex; beware hubris as the cycle turns.