Hexagram 13

T'ung Jên / Fellowship with Men


同人

Upper Trigram: Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven
Lower Trigram: Li The Clinging, Flame



Hexagram Analysis

I Ching Hexagram 13 : 同人 T'ung Jên / Fellowship with Men

The upper trigram of Ch'ien represents heaven, while the lower trigram of Li represents flame. Fire naturally rises towards the heavens, creating a sense of camaraderie. The second line, with its central position, brings together the five strong lines surrounding it. This hexagram serves as a complement to THE ARMY (7), where danger lurks within and obedience is expected externally. A warlike army requires a strong leader among many weak individuals to remain united. In contrast, clarity is found within and strength is projected outward in a peaceful union of people. To maintain this union, one yielding individual is necessary among many firm personalities.



The Judgment

Connecting with others in an outdoor setting can lead to triumph. It is beneficial to venture across vast bodies of water. The determination of an exceptional individual will advance their progress.

Genuine camaraderie among people must stem from a concern that is all-encompassing. It is not the personal interests of an individual that foster enduring camaraderie among people, but rather the aspirations of humanity. This is why it is said that fellowship with people in the open leads to success. If this type of unity prevails, even arduous and perilous tasks, such as crossing vast bodies of water, can be accomplished. However, to bring about this kind of camaraderie, a persistent and enlightened leader is necessary - someone with lucid, persuasive, and motivating objectives and the fortitude to execute them. (The inner trigram signifies lucidity; the outer, fortitude.)



The Image

The concept of unity and passion is depicted through the combination of heaven and fire. This is the embodiment of camaraderie among individuals. A wise person is capable of arranging groups and discerning differences.

The movement of heaven is akin to that of fire, yet they are distinct entities. Just as the celestial bodies in the sky serve to structure and organize time, so too must human society and all its components be arranged in an organic manner. Fellowship cannot simply be a haphazard mingling of individuals or things, for that would result in chaos rather than true fellowship. To achieve order within fellowship, there must be diversity and organization.