The I Ching Speaks!



     8.   Pi / Holding Together [Union]

          ---- ----
          ----------     above     K'an   The Abysmal, Water
          ---- ----
          ---- ----
          ---- ----     below     K'un   The Receptive, Earth
          ---- ----

     The Judgement

          Holding Together brings good fortune.
          Inquire of the oracle once again
          Whether you possess sublimity, constancy, and perseverance;
          Then there is no blame.
          Those who are uncertain gradually join.
          Whoever comes too late
          Meets with misfortune.

     The Image

          On the earth is water:
          The image of Holding Together.
          Thus the kings of antiquity
          Bestowed the different states as fiefs
          And cultivated friendly relations
          With the feudal lords.

     The Lines

          Six at the beginning means:
          Hold to him in truth and loyalty;
          This is without blame.
          Truth, like a full earthen bowl:
          Thus in the end
          Good fortune comes from without.

          Six in the second place means:
          Hold to him inwardly.
          Perseverance brings good fortune.


     60.  Chieh / Limitation

          ---- ----
          ----------     above     K'an   The Abysmal, Water
          ---- ----
          ---- ----
          ----------     below     Tui    The Joyous, Lake
          ----------

     The Judgement

          Limitation. Success.
          Galling limitation must not be persevered in.

     The Image

          Water over lake: the image of Limitation.
          Thus the superior man
          Creates number and measure,
          And examines the nature of virtue and correct conduct.