Situational Guidance
The Tong Ren hexagram teaches us that the noblest and most stable relationships are not based on interests or blood ties, but on shared bright ideals. Only by being selfless can the world be harmonious.
Hexagram 13
Fellowship with Men
Harmony, unity, like-mindedness
The Tong Ren hexagram teaches us that the noblest and most stable relationships are not based on interests or blood ties, but on shared bright ideals. Only by being selfless can the world be harmonious.
Trigram Structure
䷌, Qian above, Li below
Palace：乾
Key Themes
Harmony, unity, like-mindedness
Judgement
If you work with others in the wild, you will be prosperous. It is beneficial to cross the great river, and it is beneficial to the gentleman.
Natural Symbolism
The sun in the sky (the most magnificent fire), campfires in the wilderness, the light of a lighthouse.
Associated Objects
World map, flags, squares, public meetings.
Life Application & Summary
The Tong Ren hexagram teaches us that the noblest and most stable relationships are not based on interests or blood ties, but on shared bright ideals. Only by being selfless can the world be harmonious.
Line-by-line Interpretation
Line 1
There is no blame for being in the same household.
Guidance
Seeking unity outside the gate, without partiality, no fault.
Modern Insight
This is the first step in building open relationships. You are willing to step out of your comfort zone (the gate) to meet different people. This willingness itself is commendable and is the right beginning.
Line 2
The same people are in the clan, stingy.
Guidance
Forming cliques within the clan will invite criticism.
Modern Insight
This is the only yin line in the Tong Ren hexagram, and also an important warning. If your "unity" is limited to family, fellow villagers, or small groups, this is a selfish, exclusive alliance. This clique culture will make you miss greater opportunities and ultimately feel ashamed.
Line 3
He served as a soldier in Mang and was promoted to a high mausoleum. He was depressed at the age of three.
Guidance
Ambushing soldiers in the grass, then climbing high ground to spy, full of hostility and suspicion; after three years of this, nothing is accomplished.
Modern Insight
Your heart is full of suspicion; you cannot truly trust others. You see everyone as an enemy and are always on guard. This suspicion and hostility is the greatest killer of unity. It will only isolate you and keep you in long-term stagnation and internal consumption.
Line 4
If you take advantage of the attack, it will be auspicious for you to attack.
Guidance
Although wanting to attack, you ultimately realize your strength is insufficient and give up; auspicious.
Modern Insight
There is conflict between you and others, almost about to break out. But at the last moment, you pull back from the brink, realizing that struggle is not the way to solve problems. This restraint and reflection allows you to avoid a situation where both sides suffer, thus turning danger into safety.
Line 5
My friends, weep first and then laugh. Master Ke meets.
Guidance
After going through hardships, finally meeting with partners; first weeping, then laughing.
Modern Insight
This is the greatest unity. To achieve a grand, selfless goal, the process must be full of hardships, misunderstandings, and sacrifices (weeping). But as long as you persist, you will eventually overcome all difficulties and meet with all like-minded partners, celebrating the hard-won success together (laughing).
Line 6
Staying with people in the suburbs has no regrets.
Guidance
Seeking like-minded people in the suburbs; not yet successful, but no regrets.
Modern Insight
You have already achieved success and fame, choosing a more transcendent, spiritual level of unity. You no longer pursue worldly power and excitement, but in a broader, quieter realm (the suburbs), you associate with kindred spirits. This is a state of indifference to fame and fortune, contentment and satisfaction.
