The trigram above – TUI – the Joyous, Lake
The trigram below – K’UN – the Receptive, Earth
General: Social harmony is a prerequisite for prosperous times.
Love: If both of you work towards a common goal then your relationship will thrive.
Business: Large projects need to be handled carefully and respectfully.
Personal: If you are involved with any project involving a large group you should focus on a common goal.
This hexagram is related in form and meaning to Pi, Holding Together (8). In the latter, water is over the earth; here a lake is over the earth. But since the lake is a place where water collects, the idea of gathering together is even more strongly expressed here than in the other hexagram. The same idea also arises from the fact that in the present case it is two strong lines (the fourth and fifth) that bring about the gathering together, whereas in the former case one strong line (the fifth) stands in the midst of weak lines.
The gathering together of people in large communities is either a natural occurrence, as in the case of the family, or an artificial one, as in the case of the state. The family gathers about the father as its head. The perpetuation of this gathering in groups is achieved through the sacrifice to the ancestors, at which the whole clan is gathered together. Through the collective piety of the living members of the family, the ancestors become so integrated in the spiritual life of the family that it cannot be dispersed or dissolved.
Where men are to be gathered together, religious forces are needed. But there must also be a human leader to serve as the center of the group. In order to be able to bring others together, this leader must first of all be collected within himself. Only collective moral force can unite the world. Such great times of unification will leave great achievements behind them. This is the significance of the great offerings that are made. In the secular sphere likewise there is ned of great deeds in the time of GATHERING TOGETHER.
