Hexagram 8 - Holding Together - PI

By staying true to our inner principles, we can maintain unity in all aspects of our lives. Our internal demeanour has the power to shape our reality. To cultivate harmony in our relationships and seek enlightenment, aligning ourselves with others and the wisdom of the Sage is essential.

Summary

Represents the idea of holding together or a union. It symbolises the need for unity and cooperation to achieve a common goal. The image of a mountain resting on the earth suggests a strong foundation is needed to support unity. The key takeaway from the judgment is that through unity and cooperation, success can be achieved, but one must be careful to not become inflexible and rigid.

Interpretation

The hexagram K'an, which symbolises water on top of the earth, represents unity through inner independence. The strong yang line represents one's moral integrity and the ability to draw out others' best qualities through a shared sense of morality. Holding together with others begins with holding together within oneself, guided by one's inner truth and the principles of Tao.

The I Ching serves as a guide in the search for inner truth, helping us on our spiritual journey towards moral and spiritual integration. To succeed in uniting with others, one must first hold to their principles and remain steadfast in facing challenges and temptations. It is also crucial for those seeking unity to make it possible for others to experience it as well, working together towards a common goal.

The hexagram also highlights the innate human drive to seek harmony and confirms that a person who has developed their potential for greatness can function as a unifying force. However, this requires perseverance and consistency in holding onto one's inner independence and moral integrity. The hexagram questions the reader to reflect on their capabilities in this regard.

Ultimately, "holding together" means creating a union with others where all parties complement and assist each other. The requirements for a successful union include holding to one's inner truth, resisting negative emotions, and making it possible for others to experience the same unity. The image of the mountain is often used to symbolise the strength of a united team.

Sage Advice

Offers Sage advice on striving for balance and harmony in all personal and professional relationships. It emphasises the importance of being willing to compromise, find a middle ground, and work together for the greater good. Additionally, the hexagram encourages self-awareness and looks for the balance and interconnectedness of different aspects of life. The hexagram's symbol of stillness and immovability suggests being steadfast in beliefs and decisions, patient and persistent through difficulties, and humble and grounded in actions. To achieve success, it is vital to maintain a stable inner state, avoid being swayed by emotions or external influences, and stay true to one's values.

Line 1

People may be drawn to us through friendliness, but our steadfast adherence to truth truly binds us to them. This may sometimes require us to be reserved, leading others to misunderstand our behaviour as aloof or indifferent. We must also allow those close to us to face difficult experiences, as this may be the only way for them to realize the harmful consequences of their actions. As their protector, our unwavering loyalty to truth serves as a guiding light, offering a safe haven in a world full of danger. Though we may temporarily release them, our support will always be available should they seek it through the help of the universe.

Line 2

To maintain good fortune, embrace your higher nature and guard your personality by avoiding association with negative influences. It is tempting to let go of our principles and be drawn into the negativity of others, but this only leads to the loss of our dignity and self-esteem. Instead, approach relationships cautiously, maintaining a reserve until the other person demonstrates sincerity and humility. Do not abandon hope for others' growth and understand, as the path of the Sage teaches that truth can transform negative behaviours. Stay true to your principles, and hold yourself in high esteem by avoiding the worship of inferiors.

Line 3

You hold together with the wrong people. This line suggests a deviation from the path of truth and virtue and a temptation to adopt harmful or erroneous attitudes. "Wrong people" may refer to our internal weaknesses, such as a lack of willpower or a tendency towards indulgence. This line indicates that we are fixated on the negative aspects of life, ourselves, or others. Holding onto negative thoughts and beliefs can trap others in our negativity and cause conflicts to persist. When we succumb to our destructive impulses and allow them to guide us, we risk losing the support and guidance of wisdom and Cosmic forces. To avoid this outcome, it is essential to maintain our integrity and independence and to assess the worthiness of our relationships and attitudes constantly. Only by doing so can we avoid misfortune and cultivate the good fortune that arises from wisdom and virtuosity.

Line 4

Steadfastly apply the teachings of the Sage to all situations, and you will find prosperity. By using I Ching principles in every encounter, not just those closest to us, we demonstrate our commitment to personal growth and our determination to live a life guided by wisdom. By embracing this broader application, we open ourselves to new possibilities, experiences, and opportunities for success. Take the leap of faith, and you will be pleasantly surprised at its positive impact on your life and surroundings.

Line 5

Success in relationships requires drawing boundaries, setting limits, and allowing for voluntary cooperation. People will be drawn to your inner strength and consistency, and as they witness your unwavering adherence to moral principles, they will become sincere in their dealings with you. Remember, this sincerity can only be sustained through free will, so be mindful not to overstep your boundaries or impose yourself upon others. Encourage and receive only what is voluntarily exposed and avoid any temptation to scrutinise or judge beyond the issue at hand. By following this path of slow progress and royalty, you will cultivate successful and harmonious relationships.

Line 6

Proceed with caution and resolve, for a rushed start without proper foundation leads to misfortunes. A relationship must have a clear hierarchy of values to be supported. Take the time to wait for the conditions for unity to present themselves and avoid taking the easy, self-assured path. Avoid hasty dismissals of someone's behaviour as it may result in future difficulties. Go forward with sincerity and leave the crossroads behind. Do not dismiss the potential of a great man in another, for this only leads to failure. Love must come from within through devotion to one's inner being and truth. Only then can one draw out the good in others and bring peace and unity. Act as the Sage, with each step guided by patience, tolerance, and a determined commitment to the right.