Holding Together (Bǐ)

Judgment

比：吉。原筮元永贞，无咎。不宁方来，后夫凶。

Plain Meaning：Union brings fortune. Consult and stay steadfast—no blame; those who come too late meet misfortune.

Image (Great Commentary)

地上有水，比；先王以建万国，亲诸侯。

Line Texts

• 初六有孚比之，无咎。有孚盈缶，终来有他，吉。

  Sincere union—no blame; sincerity fills the vessel and draws others; fortune.

• 六二比之自内，贞吉。

  Union from within—steadfast fortune.

• 六三比之匪人。

  Uniting with the wrong people—beware.

• 六四外比之，贞吉。

  Union with those outside—steadfast fortune.

• 九五显比，王用三驱，失前禽，邑人不诫，吉。

  Manifest union: the king hunts on three sides, letting some game flee—leniency wins hearts; fortune.

• 上六比之无首，凶。

  Union without a head—misfortune.

Symbolism

Water upon the earth: intimate union and alliance.

Life Lesson

Unite with sincerity, choose good allies, and do not hesitate too long.

Modern Application

Partnerships and belonging: sincerity and initiative; latecomers lose out.

Words of Caution

Hesitation costs the opportunity to belong.