Hexagram 13, Tóng Rén (Fellowship): Line 1

同人卦初九 · 天火同人 · 中文版

初九:同人于门,无咎。

The line (Legge)

The first NINE, undivided, (shows the representative of) the union of men just issuing from his gate. There will be no error.

Small Image commentary

'(The representative of) the union of men is just issuing from his gate:' - who will blame him?

象曰:出门同人,又谁咎也。

In plain words

Fellowship at the gate: no fault. The first line is strong and low and does not favour its own kin: as soon as it steps out of the gate, it joins with others. The Small Image asks: going out to join others, who could blame you?

Applying it to your situation

If you want to work with others, this line suggests stepping outside your own small circle. Have you met anyone outside it lately?

Position

A solid (yang) line in the first place, which is a yang (odd) place, so it is in its proper place. Its partner is line 4; both are yang, so they do not respond.

If this line moves

With this line moving alone, Tóng Rén changes into Hexagram 33 Dùn (Retreat). The Jiaoshi Yilin verse for this change (Chinese): 焦氏易林·同人之遁.

The hexagram

Hexagram 13 Tóng Rén (Fellowship). The Judgment: Tong Ren (or 'Union of men') appears here (as we find it) in the (remote districts of the) country, indicating progress and success. It will be advantageous to cross the great stream. It will be advantageous to maintain the firm correctness of the superior man.

Next: Line 2

English text: James Legge, The Yi King (Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882), public domain, as transcribed by the Chinese Text Project. Chinese: the received text. Offered for study and reflection, not as prediction. Plain-English readings and position notes by this site.

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