13. Fellowship with Men (同人 Tóng Rén)

Trigrams

Above

☰ Qián (Heaven)

Below

☲ Lí (Fire)

Symbolic Meaning

同人 (Tóng Rén) represents fellowship, unity, and cooperation with others. It emphasizes the importance of joining with others to achieve common goals. This hexagram encourages open communication, mutual respect, and working together.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"同人于野，亨。利涉大川，利君子贞。"
(Tóng rén yú yě, hēng. Lì shè dà chuān, lì jūn zǐ zhēn.)

"Fellowship with men in the open. Success. It is favorable to cross the great water. The perseverance of the superior person brings success."

This hexagram encourages open, harmonious relationships with others, especially in shared endeavors. Success comes from unity. It also suggests that it is a favorable time to undertake great challenges or cross difficult obstacles. Perseverance and collaboration bring success.

Image

Original Chinese:
"天火同人。君子以类族辨物。"
(Tiān huǒ tóng rén. Jūn zǐ yǐ lèi zú biàn wù.)

"Heaven together with fire: The image of Fellowship with Men. The superior person organizes and clarifies the differences between people and things."

The image of fire and heaven represents the joining of forces. The superior person understands how to bring together diverse groups and individuals, recognizing their differences while fostering unity. It advises clear communication and understanding to achieve harmony.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"同人于门，无咎。"
(Tóng rén yú mén, wú jiù.)

"Fellowship with men at the gate. No blame."

This line speaks of beginning to establish relationships with others. As this fellowship is still in its early stages, there is no blame. It advises being open to others and making connections.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"同人于宗，吝。"
(Tóng rén yú zōng, lìn.)

"Fellowship with men in the clan. Some regret."

This line warns of limiting fellowship to only one’s inner circle or family. While there is some unity within a close-knit group, it can lead to exclusivity and missed opportunities for broader collaboration. It advises being more open to others.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"伏戎于莽，升其高陵，三岁不兴。"
(Fú róng yú mǎng, shēng qí gāo líng, sān suì bù xīng.)

"Hiding the army in the underbrush. Rising to the high hill. For three years, nothing is accomplished."

This line describes a time of inactivity or hesitation. By remaining hidden and failing to act, opportunities for progress are lost. It advises against isolation and urges taking action instead of waiting passively.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"乘其墉，弗克攻，吉。"
(Chéng qí yōng, fú kè gōng, jí.)

"Climbing up the city wall but unable to attack. Good fortune."

This line suggests a situation where force or confrontation is not the right approach. Instead, restraint and patience lead to good fortune. Sometimes not attacking is the best way to maintain harmony and avoid conflict.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"同人，先号咷而后笑。大师克相遇。"
(Tóng rén, xiān háo táo ér hòu xiào. Dà shī kè xiāng yù.)

"Fellowship with men. First weeping and lamenting, then laughing. The great leader conquers and meets with others."

This line describes a situation where initial difficulties or conflicts give way to joy and unity. After overcoming challenges, true fellowship is achieved, and the great leader successfully brings people together.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"同人于郊，无悔。"
(Tóng rén yú jiāo, wú huǐ.)

"Fellowship with men in the outskirts. No regret."

This line speaks of expanding fellowship beyond one’s immediate circle to include those in more distant or different areas. By reaching out and forming connections with others outside the usual group, success is achieved, and there is no regret.