Seek union with others
and with the Sage.
“Holding together”
denotes a time for creating union
with others in order to complement and assist
one another, just as the rain complements and assists
the earth, which is an image often associated with
this hexagram. In order for your unions to bear
the greatest possible fruit, certain
requirements must
be met.
The first
requirement for holding
together with others is that we hold
together with our own inner truth. This means
that we adhere to proper principles as a matter of habit,
striving always to remain innocent, balanced, and
correct. In short, marry the Sage first and
faithfully, and good fortune will
come to all subsequent
marriages.
The second
requirement for holding
together with others is that we
steadfastly resist the clamoring of
the emotional inferiors within. Every union
meets with challenges, and if we are not resolute
against the effects of fear, doubt, despair, and anger,
no lasting success will be possible in any relationship.
This is a good time to ask yourself if you are
displaying the steadfast correctness and
strength of character that are
at the heart of all great
unions.
Finally,
it is the responsibility
of one who would unite to see
that it is possible for others to enjoy union
as well. The desire for community is deeply felt by
all humans, and it is the shared responsibility of all those
on the higher path to make some sort of “family”
available to those in need. In doing this,
we pay homage to
the Sage.
from The I Ching, or Book of Changes
Hexagram 8, Pi / Holding Together
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