8. HOLDING TOGETHER (UNION)
Pi
The Judgement
HOLDING TOGETHER brings good fortune. Inquire of the oracle once again Whether you have 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 top: He finds no head for holding together. Misfortune.
The Image says: 'He finds no head for holding together.' There is no end.
Nine in the fifth place: Manifestation of holding together. In the hunt the king uses beaters on three sides only and forgoes the game that runs off in front. The citizens need no warning. Good fortune.
The Image says: The good fortune of the 'manifestation of holding together' lies in the correctness of the position. 'Forgoing the game that runs off in front' means that the superior lets them go their way. 'The citizens need no warning,' because the superior is in the middle.
Six in the fourth place: Hold to him outwardly also. Perseverance brings good fortune.
The Image says: 'Hold to him outwardly,' in order to follow the superior.
Six in the third place: You hold together with the wrong people.
The Image says: 'You hold together with the wrong people.' Is this not injurious?
Six in the second place: Hold to him inwardly. Perseverance brings good fortune.
The Image says: 'Hold to him inwardly,' and you will not lose yourself.
Six at the beginning: 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 elsewhere.
The Image says: In the six at the beginning of HOLDING TOGETHER, good fortune comes from elsewhere.