8 · 比

Hexagram 8, 比. Original Chinese judgment: 吉。原筮元永貞，无咎。不寧方來，後夫凶。 Read the six line statements, commentaries and separately labeled editorial summaries.

Judgment

吉。原筮元永貞，无咎。不寧方來，後夫凶。

《周易》通行本

Line texts

  1. 初六：有孚，比之，无咎。有孚盈缶，終來有它吉。
  2. 六二：比之自內，貞吉。
  3. 六三：比之匪人。
  4. 六四：外比之，貞吉。
  5. 九五：顯比，王用三驅，失前禽。邑人不誡，吉。
  6. 上六：比之无首，凶。

Tuan commentary

比，吉也。比，輔也，下順從也。原筮，元永貞，无咎，以剛中也。不寧方來，上下應也。後夫凶，其道窮也。

维基文库 · 周易 · 比

Great Image commentary

地上有水，比；先王以建萬國，親諸侯。

Small Images · bottom to top

  1. 比之初六，有它吉也。
  2. 比之自內，不自失也。
  3. 比之匪人，不亦傷乎。
  4. 外比於賢，以從上也。
  5. 顯比之吉，位正中也。舍逆取順，失前禽也。邑人不誡，上使中也。
  6. 比之无首，无所終也。

Traditional source · editorial summary in Chinese

Working translation of this site’s Chinese summaries based on traditional sources, not verbatim quotations from the commentator or a translation of the classical text. Native-language review is incomplete. Traditional imagery is not medical, legal or other professional advice.

朱熹《周易本義》

維基文庫 · 周易本義（四庫全書本）卷一

Judgment exegesis

Zhu Xi explains Bi as closeness and mutual assistance: firm strength at the center in the fifth yang line is correctly placed, and the five yin lines gather around it. Before accepting allegiance, examine whether one is fundamentally good, enduring and steadfastly correct.

Traditional source · editorial summary in Chinese · Line texts

  1. Trustworthiness matters most at the beginning of closeness. Inner truth continually strengthened can not only avoid blame but also receive additional good fortune.
  2. Yielding, centered correctness corresponds upward with the fifth yang line, forming closeness from within outward. Assistance grounded in correctness does not lose its own integrity.
  3. Yielding yin is neither centered nor correct, and those above, below and corresponding are all unsuitable. Closeness with improper people leads to injury.
  4. Yielding strength in a yielding position forms outward closeness with the fifth yang line, approaching the worthy and following those above. The connection is proper and auspicious.
  5. Firm, centered correctness in the fifth yang line is openly close without selfishness. Like leaving one side open in a hunt, it welcomes arrivals without pursuing departures or forcing possession.
  6. Yielding yin at the highest position cannot connect with the people below. Like a relationship without a beginning, it cannot reach a good end and is therefore inauspicious.

Plain-language reading

Working translation of this site’s Chinese editorial reading, not an edition of the classical text, a verbatim quotation from a commentator or a prediction. Native-language review is not yet complete.

Judgment introduction

Bi concerns affinity and mutual support. Before forming a relationship, reconsider whether one has goodwill, constancy and correctness. Sincere newcomers may be received, while hesitation that misses the time makes belonging difficult.

Plain-language reading · Line texts

  1. A relationship begins with sincerity. Full inner honesty without empty display can avoid blame and bring additional good results.
  2. Support arising from within, with proper principles maintained, keeps one from losing oneself in the relationship.
  3. Closeness to unsuitable people harms oneself. Choosing whom to join matters more than forcing union.
  4. Approaching worthy and good people outside while remaining correct gives the association a clear, proper direction.
  5. Relate openly and impartially: do not reject those who come or pursue those who leave. Do not maintain relationships through compulsion.
  6. The relationship lacks a good beginning and a shared center to follow, so a good ending is difficult.

Read the source