Gathering

Lake above

Earth below

Translated from Richard Wilhelm's German (1924)

Introduction

This hexagram is akin to hexagram 8, Holding Together, in form and meaning. There it is water above the earth, here a lake above the earth. The lake is the gathering point of water, so the idea of gathering is expressed even more strongly here than in that hexagram. The same basic idea also follows from the fact that here the gathering is the work of two strong lines, the fourth line and the fifth, while there only one line, the fifth, stands amid the weak lines.

The Judgment

Gathering. Success. The king approaches his temple. It is favorable to see the great person. This brings success. Persistence is favorable. Offering great sacrifices brings good fortune. It is favorable to undertake something.

The gathering of people into larger communities is either natural, as within the family, or artificial, as in the state. The family gathers around the father as its head. This gathering is carried on through the ancestral sacrifices, at which the entire clan gathers. Through the gathered devotion of those they left behind, the ancestors are concentrated in their spirit, so that they do not scatter and dissolve.

Where people are to be gathered, religious forces are needed. Yet a human head must also be present as the center of the gathering. To be able to gather others, this center of the gathering must first be gathered within itself. Only through gathered moral strength can the world be united. Such great times of unification will then also leave great works behind. That is the meaning of the great sacrifices that are offered. And in worldly matters, too, great works are needed in times of gathering.

The Image

The lake lies above the earth: the image of gathering. So the noble one renews their weapons, to meet the unforeseen.

When the water in the lake gathers so that it rises above the earth, it threatens to break through. Precautions must be taken against this. In the same way, strife easily arises where people gather in great numbers; where goods gather, robbery easily arises. So in times of gathering one must arm oneself in good time to ward off the unexpected. Suffering on earth comes mostly from unexpected events against which one is not armed. If one is prepared, it can be prevented.

The Lines

First line, six

If you are sincere, though not to the very end, there is now confusion, now gathering. If you call out, then one grasp of the hand and you can laugh again. Regret nothing. Going is without fault.

The situation here is that one wants to gather around a leader to whom one looks up. Yet one is among many people and lets oneself be influenced by them, so that one wavers in one's resolve. Then one has no firm center for a gathering. But if one gives voice to this distress and calls for help, one grasp of the leader's hand is enough to turn away all distress. So one must not let oneself be led astray. To join that leader is simply the right thing.

Second line, six

To let oneself be drawn along brings good fortune and remains without fault. If one is sincere, it is also favorable to make a small sacrifice.

In times of gathering one should not choose one's way arbitrarily. Secret forces are at work that bring together people who suit each other. One must give oneself over to this attraction; then one makes no mistake. Where inner ties exist, no great preparations and formalities are needed. People understand each other readily, just as the deity graciously accepts even a small sacrifice when it comes from the heart.

Third line, six

Gathering amid sighs. Nothing that would be favorable. Going is without fault. Slight shame.

One often feels the need for connection, but all the others nearby have already joined with one another, so that one remains isolated. The situation as a whole proves untenable. Then what matters is to turn toward progress, resolutely joining someone who stands closer to the center of the gathering and can bring one into the closed circle. That is no mistake, even if, as an outsider, one is at first in a position of slight shame.

Fourth line, nine

Great good fortune. No fault.

Here someone is portrayed who gathers people around themselves in the name of their lord. Because such a person seeks no special advantages for themselves but works selflessly for the unity of all, their work is crowned with success, and everything comes right.

Fifth line, nine

If one holds the position in the gathering, there is no fault. If some are not yet sincerely involved, great and lasting persistence is needed; then regret vanishes.

When people gather around one of their own accord, that is simply good, provided it comes to one unsought. It gives one a certain influence, which can be quite useful. But naturally this also opens the possibility that some will gather around one not out of inner trust but only for the sake of one's influential position. That is certainly regrettable. With such people there is no other means than to win their trust through increased, unwavering devotion to duty and constancy. In this way the secret mistrust is gradually overcome, and the cause for regret falls away.

Top line, six

Lamenting and sighing, floods of tears. No fault.

It can happen that one would like to join someone but is misjudged in one's good intentions. Then one is sad and laments. But that is the right way. For through this it can come about that the other person comes to their senses and one finds after all the connection one sought and painfully missed.

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