Hexagram 45: Gathering Together
Hexagram 45, known as Cui (萃) in Chinese, represents the principle of gathering together and collective unity. This hexagram is composed of the lake trigram above and the earth trigram below, creating an image of water gathering in a low place, symbolizing how people naturally come together around a common purpose.
Trigram Analysis
The upper trigram is Lake (☱), composed of one solid line above two broken lines, representing joy, openness, and reflection. The lower trigram is Earth (☷), composed of three broken lines, representing receptivity, support, and foundation.
When these trigrams combine, they create a metaphor for gathering. Lake's joyful openness above earth's receptive support suggests how people can come together in harmony. This combination points to the importance of proper leadership and shared purpose in bringing people together.
Symbolic Representations
In nature, Hexagram 45 corresponds to how water naturally gathers in low places or how animals congregate at watering holes. This natural metaphor represents how gathering occurs around shared needs and purposes.
The hexagram also represents the sage who knows how to bring people together for a common cause. This human dimension emphasizes the importance of leadership and organization in collective endeavors.
Core Meanings and Attributes
The essence of Hexagram 45 is the power of gathering together. This manifests as:
The virtue of unity. The power of collective purpose. The wisdom of organization. The importance of leadership. The strength of community.
These attributes combine to create a powerful symbol of gathering. The hexagram suggests a time when bringing people together and fostering unity are essential.
Line Meanings
Each line in Hexagram 45 represents a different aspect of gathering:
The first line shows sincere gathering, suggesting genuine unity.
The second line indicates allowing oneself to be gathered, representing willing participation.
The third line shows gathering with sighs, warning about reluctant participation.
The fourth line demonstrates great good fortune, indicating successful gathering.
The fifth line shows the king approaching his temple, representing sacred gathering.
The sixth line reveals gathering in one's house, suggesting intimate unity.
Practical Applications
In practical terms, Hexagram 45 often appears when there is a need for unity or collective action. It suggests a time when bringing people together and fostering cooperation are crucial. The hexagram encourages:
Building community. Creating unity. Organizing effectively. Fostering cooperation. Establishing common purpose.
Relationships with Other Hexagrams
Hexagram 45 has a special relationship with Hexagram 46 (Pushing Upward), as they represent complementary aspects of development. While Hexagram 45 focuses on gathering together, Hexagram 46 deals with gradual advancement.
The hexagram also relates to others that share its trigrams or themes of unity and organization, providing context for understanding different aspects of gathering.
Modern Interpretation
In contemporary usage, Hexagram 45 often appears in situations requiring collective action or community building. It can indicate:
A time for unity. The need for organization. An opportunity for community. The importance of leadership. A reminder of cooperation.
Meditative Implications
As a meditation focus, Hexagram 45 offers insights into the nature of unity and gathering. It invites contemplation of:
The process of coming together. The role of leadership. The proper organization of groups. The balance between individual and collective. The path of unity.
Historical Context
In traditional Chinese thought, Hexagram 45 was associated with the concept of gathering together and the wisdom needed for effective leadership. This connection emphasizes its relevance to both social organization and community building.
The hexagram was also linked to the importance of proper organization and shared purpose, highlighting how wise gathering serves both individual and collective needs.
Summary
Hexagram 45 represents the principle of gathering together and collective unity, manifesting as the wisdom of bringing people together for a common purpose. Its combination of lake and earth trigrams creates a powerful image of natural gathering, while its line meanings offer guidance on navigating various aspects of unity.
Understanding this hexagram provides insights into the nature of community and the proper approach to organization, while its practical applications offer guidance for contemporary situations requiring collective action and unity. Whether appearing in divination or serving as a focus for meditation, Hexagram 45 reminds us that true power often comes through bringing people together with shared purpose and wise leadership.
Next Hexagram: Hexagram 46.
Previous Hexagram: Hexagram 44.
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