Holding Together
"Union and bonding. Look into the oracle to see if you are sincere. Good fortune."
The Judgment
Holding Together brings good fortune. Inquire of the oracle once again whether you possess sublime constancy, perseverance, and correctness; then there is no blame. Those who are uncertain gradually join. Whoever comes too late meets with misfortune.
Original Text
吉。原筮，元永贞，无咎。不宁方来，后夫凶。
The Image
Water on the earth: The image of Holding Together. Thus the kings of antiquity established the different states and cultivated friendly relations with the feudal lords.
Original Text
地上有水，比；先王以建万国，亲诸侯。
The Lines
Six at the Beginning初六
"Hold to him in truth and loyalty; this is without blame. Truth, like a full earthen bowl: in the end, good fortune comes from without."
Sincerity is the foundation of any relationship. It brings unexpected good fortune.
Original: 有孚比之，无咎。有孚盈缶，终来有他吉。
Six at the Place 2六二
"Hold together from within. Perseverance brings good fortune."
True union comes from inner sincerity, not external pressure.
Original: 比之自内，贞吉。
Six at the Place 3六三
"You hold together with the wrong people."
Be careful who you associate with. Bad company brings misfortune.
Original: 比之匪人。
Six at the Place 4六四
"Hold together outwardly. Perseverance brings good fortune."
Support those who are worthy, even if they are outside your inner circle.
Original: 外比之，贞吉。
Nine at the Place 5九五
"Manifestation of holding together. In the hunt the king uses beaters on three sides only and foregoes game that runs off in front. The citizens need no warning. Good fortune."
True leadership is voluntary. Let those who want to leave go; welcome those who come.
Original: 显比。王用三驱，失前禽。邑人不诫，吉。
Six at the Top上六
"He finds no head for holding together. Misfortune."
If you hesitate too long to join, you will be left behind.
Original: 比之无首，凶。