FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHERS

In fellowship with others,
embody the principles of the Sage.

This hexagram addresses the proper basis for relationships with others. It generally comes as a sign that some kind of self-correction is in order in this arena.

Proper relationships, whether in love, work, family, or friendship, must be founded on and conducted under proper principles in order to succeed. Our model for how to behave with others is the Sage: in relating we are obliged to practice kindness, humility, correctness, equanimity, and openness. Wherever we depart from these we lose the aid of the Higher Power and risk an encounter with misfortune.

The fundamental rule of the I Ching for the conduct of relationships is that they take place in the open. This means that every facet of a relationship should be seen as fair and correct by everyone concerned, not just yourself. It also means that it is improper to enter into or continue in relationships with unspoken reservations or hidden intentions.

Exceptional things can be accomplished by those who come together correctly in fellowship now under the guidance of an enlightened leader or leaders. Seek that role by patterning yourself after the Sage. Meet others halfway in a spirit of sincerity and receptivity. Give trust where it is due; where it is not, do not resort to harshness—reserve and reticence are adequate measures. Avoid the formation of factions and cliques, and correct your errors in relationships as soon as you become aware of them. In this way you can accomplish magnificent deeds now.

同人

FIRST LINE

Hidden intentions or agendas of the ego prevent proper fellowship. Meet in the open without ambitions, and cling to what is correct.

SECOND LINE

Do not form factions, either by excluding others or by failing to correct yourself in some way. Misfortune results when unity and truth are ignored.

THIRD LINE

Mistrust and secrets only lead to more mistrust and secrets. No good comes of this. Turn matters over to the Sage and follow his guidance.

FOURTH LINE

Do not continue to fight and quarrel. It is better to disengage and separate. Perseverance in proper principles brings success in spite of all other influences.

FIFTH LINE

An outward separation will come to an end in time. What is important now is to remain united in your heart with another. The path leads back to happiness.

SIXTH LINE

Reservations about the wisdom of the way of the Sage prevent true fellowship. When you eliminate these in yourself, many doors are opened.

Further guidance from the
Wei Wu Wei Ching

If the Way
were about being
a student of something,
it wouldn’t be alive in the world.
It lives because certain people
say to themselves, “All this
teaching is just for me.
I am the living
expression
of this.”

This isn’t arrogant.
This is humbly keeping the buddhas,
Lao Tzu, Lalla, Rumi, Suzuki, Yuanwu,
Bahauddin, all of them, alive in the
world. Only you can accomplish
this. You are the only one.