Bi · 比

Judgment (卦辞)

Holding Together brings good fortune. Inquire of the oracle once again whether you possess sublimity, constancy, and perseverance; then there is no blame. Those who are uncertain gradually join. Those who come too late meet with misfortune.

比：吉。原筮元永贞，无咎。不宁方来，后夫凶。

Image (象辞)

On the earth is water — the image of Holding Together. Thus the kings of antiquity bestowed the many fiefs to the feudal lords and drew close to them. Water upon the earth flows together naturally; union arises from shared need and mutual benefit.

地上有水，比；先王以建万国，亲诸侯。

Modern Application

Bi emphasizes solidarity and coalition-building — forming alliances through genuine connection rather than coercion. Key for partnerships, community building, and political coalition strategy.

比强调团结与联盟建设——通过真诚联系而非胁迫来结盟。对合作关系、社区建设和政治联盟策略至关重要。