䷇ Bi bǐ
Core Meaning
The Bi hexagram emphasizes closeness, unity, and assistance. Like water on the earth, mutually dependent. However, one must choose the right people to be close to; 'associating with improper persons' will bring harm. 'Conspicuously approaching' means establishing relationships openly and honorably. 'The king uses three-sided net to allow former birds to escape' embodies wisdom of inclusivity and harmony.
The Judgment
Auspicious. The original divination of an enduring omen, without fault. Those who are not at peace will come; those who come late will be inauspicious.
Interpretation:
The Bi hexagram symbolizes closeness and assistance, which is auspicious. Delving into the origin, maintaining the righteous path to be eternally firm and correct, there will be no fault. Restless lords will also come to pledge allegiance, but those who arrive late will face misfortune.
The Image
Water on the earth, Bi; ancient kings established myriad states and drew close to their lords thereby.
Structure
Kan above, Kun below, water is on the earth. Water moistens the earth, and the earth carries the water, symbolizing intimate reliance and mutual assistance.
The Lines
The six lines are read from bottom to top, representing the progression from the foundation to the culmination.
Initial Six: Having trust, approaching it, without fault. Having trust fills the jar, eventually others will come, auspicious.
Six in the second place: Approaching from within, firm and auspicious.
Six in the third place: Associating with improper persons.
Six in the fourth place: Approaching from the outside, firm and auspicious.
Nine in the fifth place: Conspicuously approaching; the king uses three-sided net to allow former birds to escape. The people of the city are not warned, auspicious.
Top Six: Approaching without a head, inauspicious.
Modern Interpretation
💼 Career & Business
Suitable for forming alliances and seeking cooperation. Nine in the fifth place, 'conspicuously approaching', indicates engaging in interactions openly and honorably. 'Approaching from within' suggests uniting internally first, then forming external alliances. However, be wary of 'associating with improper persons', as choosing the wrong partners will lead to losses. 'Those who come late will be inauspicious' warns against missing opportunities.
❤️ Relationships
Emphasizes sincerity and choice. 'Having trust fills the jar' means treating others with genuine heart. 'Approaching from within' indicates that emotions should come from the heart. But 'associating with improper persons' warns against careless choices; not everyone is worth getting close to. 'Approaching without a head' suggests that a relationship needs a core and direction.
🎯 Decision Making
Currently, it is suitable to seek support and establish relationships. But one must be proactive; 'those who come late will be inauspicious' means hesitation will lead to missed opportunities. 'The original divination of an enduring omen' reminds one to choose the right object of allegiance. Remember 'approaching without a head is inauspicious'; actions should have a core and a goal.
⚠️ Warning & Caution
The greatest danger is choosing the wrong person. 'Associating with improper persons' will cause harm. 'Approaching without a head' means blind reliance and lacking one's own opinion can be very dangerous. Maintain sincerity, but also have discernment; not all closeness is good.
Applicable Scenarios
The Bi hexagram can provide guidance and inspiration when you encounter the following situations:
Historical Context & Cultural Heritage
King Wu of Zhou conquered King Zhou, first 'established myriad states and drew close to their lords', uniting many vassal states. He 'conspicuously approached', not engaging in conspiracies, but openly rallying the world. King Zhou of Shang, however, 'associated with improper persons', befriended wicked officials, alienated loyal subjects, and eventually lost all support. This is the lesson of the Bi hexagram's 'original divination of an enduring omen': one must choose the right people to be close to and to follow.
Related Hexagrams
Based on the connections between hexagrams, the following are also worth exploring:
Deepen Your Understanding
This interpretation provides a foundational understanding of the Bi hexagram. For a deeper comprehension, consider:
- • Reading commentaries from classical scholars and modern interpreters
- • Studying the hexagram's position within the overall sequence of the 64 hexagrams
- • Reflecting on how its wisdom applies to your current life situation
- • Exploring the changing lines and their resulting hexagrams in divination
Authoritative Resources
Want to explore the I Ching more deeply? These authoritative resources provide scholarly perspectives: