Zhouyi, received text. Traditional characters are retained from the electronic reference; punctuation is editorial.
A contemporary perspective
Choose trustworthy companions and consider what you can contribute to a shared purpose.
This is Fatefold’s original reflective interpretation, not a word-for-word translation or a classical prediction about a modern question.
Classical line statements · bottom to top
01
初六 有孚，比之无咎。有孚盈缶，終來，有它吉。
02
六二 比之自內，貞吉。
03
六三 比之匪人。
04
六四 外比之，貞吉。
05
九五 顯比，王用三驅，失前禽，邑人不誡，吉。
06
上六 比之无首，凶。
Read the structure
The lower trigram is Kun · Earth; the upper is Kan · Water. The six lines describe positions and stages within one situation, rather than six independent answers. Choose trustworthy companions and consider what you can contribute to a shared purpose.
Tuan commentary · reading the judgment
比，吉也。比，輔也，下順從也。原筮，元永貞，无咎，以剛中也。不寧方來，上下應也。後夫凶，其道窮也。
The Tuan discusses the judgment through polarity, position and timing. Its conditions belong with the judgment; an isolated favorable or unfavorable word does not settle a whole situation.
Great Image · from pattern to conduct
地上有水，比。先王以建萬國，親諸侯。
The Great Image turns Holding Together into a model for conduct. Alongside divinatory language, this layer asks how to act. Consider whether your approach to holding together fits the actual conditions.
Line-by-line commentary
初六 · 1
有孚，比之无咎。有孚盈缶，終來，有它吉。
《小象》：比之。
Joining begins with sincerity, not appearance alone.
The first line concerns an initial stage and its readiness.
六二 · 2
比之自內，貞吉。
《小象》：比之自內，不自失也。
Belonging should arise from genuine inward agreement.
Line two is central within the lower trigram; consider nearby coordination. Centrality is not an automatic favorable verdict.
六三 · 3
比之匪人。
《小象》：比之匪人，不亦傷乎。
Examine the conduct and values of unsuitable associates.
Line three ends the lower trigram and invites attention to a threshold and its pressures.
六四 · 4
外比之，貞吉。
《小象》：外比於賢，以從上也。
Seek outward connections through sound conduct.
Line four enters the upper trigram; consider a transition of setting or responsibility.
九五 · 5
顯比，王用三驅，失前禽，邑人不誡，吉。
《小象》：顯比之吉，位正中也；舍逆取順，失前禽也；邑人不誡，上使中也。
Open affiliation need not compel everyone to join.
Line five is central in the upper trigram; consider responsibility and the use of resources.
上六 · 6
比之无首，凶。
《小象》：比之无首，无所終也。
A relationship without a sincere beginning lacks a stable foundation.
The top line ends this pattern; consider excess, closure and a next stage.
Relate it to your question
Separate known facts, unconfirmed information and available actions. Which part of this symbol fits, and which does not?
