Bi
Judgment
比 吉 原筮 元永貞 无咎 不寧方來 後夫凶
It is auspicious, and the original fortune is greatly prosperous. There will be no flaws in fortune telling over a long period of time. If you come to the government from a country that is not subject to you, the person who comes after you will be in trouble.
Interpretation
The hexagram "比" (Bi) is the eighth hexagram in the I Ching, also known as "The Book of Changes." Here is an explanation in English:
Hexagram Bi (Holding Together / Union)
吉 (Ji): Good fortune
原筮 (Yuan Shi): The initial oracle consultation
元永貞 (Yuan Yong Zhen): Primal and eternal correctness, steadfastness
无咎 (Wu Jiu): No blame, no fault
不寧方來 (Bu Ning Fang Lai): Unstable situations arise
後夫凶 (Hou Fu Xiong): Misfortune for those who come later
Interpretation: Hexagram Bi represents the concept of holding together or union. It emphasizes the importance of unity and cooperation to achieve good fortune. The initial oracle consultation indicates that following primal and eternal correctness, and maintaining steadfastness, will lead to no blame or fault. However, the hexagram also warns that unstable situations may arise, leading to misfortune for those who are not prepared or who come later.
This hexagram teaches the value of unity and cooperation while being vigilant and prepared for any instability that may arise. Maintaining integrity and steadfastness in one's actions is key to achieving good fortune and avoiding misfortune.
初六 有孚,比之无咎,有孚盈缶,終來有它,吉
Initial Six: There is trust, comparing without blame, trust fills the jar, in the end, there will be another, good fortune.
'Bu' is the ancient character for 'Bu' and refers to captives and spoils taken from the enemy. 'Bi' means to assist or support. 'Bu' is a ceramic vessel, equivalent to today's bronze containers. 'Rae' is a particle, and 'Ta' signifies unexpected calamity. After an expedition, captives are taken, and the spoils fill the containers. Though unexpected hardship arises, there is no real issue, and there is no fault in assisting the king. A person who receives this line in divination is in a situation where they have captured prisoners and are supporting the king well. They will achieve great accomplishments and gain much. Though unexpected crises may arise, they will not pose significant problems. The matter inquired about in divination will be auspicious.
六二 比之自內,貞吉
Six Second: Comparing within, persistence brings good fortune.
The phrase "In Vizizija" refers to a minister who serves the king in the court. The minister is faithfully assisting the king in the court, which is a favorable sign. The person drawing this hexagram is currently in a situation where a minister is assisting the king in the court. The person should remain faithful to their responsibilities, and the work they are asking about will succeed.
六三 比之匪人,(凶)
Six Third: Comparing with the wrong people, danger.
The individual is surrounded by someone who does not align with the king’s path, creating a situation where things may go wrong. This is a signal of bad luck and misfortune, and it is advised not to trust those who do not follow the correct way.
六四 外比之,貞吉
Six Fourth: Comparing from the outside, persistence brings good fortune.
The term "Wae Bi Ji" refers to a minister serving the king outside the court, which is a favorable situation. The person asking about the hexagram is in a situation where someone is faithfully supporting the king from outside the court. The task will be prosperous.
九五 顯比,王用三驅,失前禽,邑人不誡,吉
Nine Fifth: Showing comparison, the king uses three chariots, loses the previous animal, the townspeople do not warn, good fortune.
The king hunts with wise counsel, losing beasts through the open side, yet the townsfolk remain unalarmed. The task at hand will be auspicious; though success may be elusive, wise decisions will keep trouble from spreading.
上六 比之无首,凶
Top Six: Comparing without a head, dangerous.
A vassal aiding the king loses his head, meeting ruin in loyal service. The task at hand demands utmost caution, risking expulsion from work or home, and it forebodes misfortune.