45. Gathering Together (萃 Cuì)

Trigrams

Above

☱ Dùi (Lake)

Below

☷ Kūn (Earth)

Symbolic Meaning

萃 (Cuì) represents gathering together or assembling. This hexagram speaks of the strength and unity that come from collective efforts. Success comes from mutual support, working toward a common goal, and joining forces to overcome challenges.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"萃，亨。王假有廟，利見大人，亨，利貞。"
(Cuì, hēng. Wáng jiǎ yǒu miào, lì jiàn dàrén, hēng, lì zhēn.)

"Gathering Together. Success. The king approaches his temple. It is favorable to meet the great person. Success. Perseverance furthers."

This hexagram advises coming together for a common purpose. Success comes from collective efforts and seeking wise counsel. The image of the king approaching the temple symbolizes the importance of ritual, tradition, and collective harmony.

Image

Original Chinese:
"澤上于地，萃。君子以除戎器，戒不虞。"
(Zé shàng yú dì, cuì. Jūn zǐ yǐ chú róng qì, jiè bù yú.)

"The lake rises up to the earth: The image of Gathering Together. The superior person takes up weapons of war and guards against unexpected attacks."

The image of the lake rising to the earth symbolizes unity and preparation. The superior person remains vigilant and prepared, guarding against unforeseen dangers, while fostering harmony and unity within the group.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"有孚不終，乃亂乃萃。若號，一握為笑，勿恤，往無咎。"
(Yǒu fú bù zhōng, nǎi luàn nǎi cuì. Ruò hào, yī wò wéi xiào, wù xù, wǎng wú jiù.)

"Trust is incomplete. First there is disorder, then gathering. If one cries out and then laughs, there is no need to worry. Going forward brings no blame."

This line describes a situation where trust is not fully established, leading to initial disorder. However, by expressing one's concerns and staying the course, harmony is restored. There is no need for worry as gathering together brings resolution.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"引吉，无咎，孚乃利用禴。"
(Yǐn jí, wú jiù, fú nǎi lì yòng yuè.)

"Pulling together brings good fortune. No blame. Sincerity allows the offering of a small sacrifice."

This line advises pulling the group together for a common purpose. By acting with sincerity and unity, good fortune follows. A small sacrifice or effort is enough to bring success.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"萃如嗟如，无攸利，往无咎，小吝。"
(Cuì rú jiē rú, wú yōu lì, wǎng wú jiù, xiǎo lìn.)

"Gathering with sighs. There is no benefit. Going forward brings no blame, but there is small regret."

This line describes a difficult or disorganized gathering, with little immediate benefit. However, by continuing to move forward, one avoids major mistakes, though there may still be minor regrets.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"大吉无咎。"
(Dà jí wú jiù.)

"Great good fortune. No blame."

This line speaks of a successful gathering, where harmony and unity are achieved. Great good fortune follows, and there is no blame. It advises continuing to work together for the common good.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"萃有位，无咎。匪孚，元永貞，悔亡。"
(Cuì yǒu wèi, wú jiù. Fěi fú, yuán yǒng zhēn, huǐ wáng.)

"Gathering in a position of authority. No blame. Though trust may be lacking, perseverance over time brings the removal of regret."

This line describes a leader or person in authority who may face challenges in gaining full trust. However, by maintaining integrity and perseverance, regret disappears, and unity is achieved over time.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"齎咨涕洟，无咎。"
(Jī zī tì yí, wú jiù.)

"One weeps and sobs. No blame."

This line speaks of deep emotional release, where grief or sadness is expressed. While this may seem overwhelming, there is no blame. It advises allowing emotions to flow, as this leads to healing and unity.