What do you make of the similarities and differences of these hexagrams? All of them deal with unifying the multiple in one way or another.
(translations by Wilhelm-Baynes):
8: "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. Whoever comes too late meets with misfortune."
Image: On the earth is water: the image of Holding Together. Thus the kings of antiquity bestowed the different states as fiefs and cultivated friendly relations with the feudal lords.
13: "Fellowship with Men in the open. Success. It furthers one to cross the great water. The perseverance of the superior man furthers."
Image: "Heaven together with fire: the image of Fellowship with Men. Thus the superior man organizes the clans and makes distinctions between things."
45: "Gathering Together . Success. The king approaches his temple. It furthers one to see the great man. This brings success. Perseverance furthers. To bring great offerings creates good fortune. It furthers one to undertake something."
Image: "Over the earth, the lake: the image of Gathering Together. Thus the superior man renews his weapons in order to meet the unforeseen."
My general sense is that 8 seems to be about connections based on affinity or common interests.
13 seems to be broader, something like a general human interaction in a larger community, or friendship.
45 seems to be a gathering based on some kind of divine or higher purpose.
What are your experiences/thoughts?
(translations by Wilhelm-Baynes):
8: "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. Whoever comes too late meets with misfortune."
Image: On the earth is water: the image of Holding Together. Thus the kings of antiquity bestowed the different states as fiefs and cultivated friendly relations with the feudal lords.
13: "Fellowship with Men in the open. Success. It furthers one to cross the great water. The perseverance of the superior man furthers."
Image: "Heaven together with fire: the image of Fellowship with Men. Thus the superior man organizes the clans and makes distinctions between things."
45: "Gathering Together . Success. The king approaches his temple. It furthers one to see the great man. This brings success. Perseverance furthers. To bring great offerings creates good fortune. It furthers one to undertake something."
Image: "Over the earth, the lake: the image of Gathering Together. Thus the superior man renews his weapons in order to meet the unforeseen."
My general sense is that 8 seems to be about connections based on affinity or common interests.
13 seems to be broader, something like a general human interaction in a larger community, or friendship.
45 seems to be a gathering based on some kind of divine or higher purpose.
What are your experiences/thoughts?