#7 Shih / The Army (Collective Force) & #8 Pi (Bì) / Holding Together (Unity)

#7  – Shih:  K’un (Earth) over K’an (Water)

#7 - The Collective Force of the People

#8  – Pi (Bì):  K’an (Water) over K’un (Earth)

#8 - Unity through Shared Experience and Purpose 

Themes: A time to exert Collective Force a time for Unity

Aspect	#7 The Army Collective Force	#8 Holding Together  Unity
Situation
Symbolically	Groundwater is not seen but it collects in vast reservoirs within the earth.	Water flows over the earth and fills the empty spaces.
Socially	Strength is stored in the mass of many people.	Human civilization develops from shared experience and laws within which each feels a part of the whole.
Individually	There is an opportunity to tap into the energy of mass support to accomplish goals that align with society.	Each of us is immersed in the social fabric of our community.
Response
Symbolically	Groundwater should be conserved and only tapped for a clear purpose.	Flowing waters join together to form cohesive bodies because all waters follow the same physical laws.
Socially	When a virtuous common need arises, collective forces respond to a strong leader.	A sublime, constant, and persevering leader binds the people together across common needs and circumstances.
Individually	Hold together with those you trust and who are loyal to you with inner conviction and clear objectives.	Don’t pass up opportunities to share in building relationships through common experiences, love, and caring for others.
Outcome
Symbolically	Groundwater pours forth to fulfill the need and then returns to whence it came.	Water flows down into and is absorbed by the earth – the essence of unity.
Socially	After a just cause is fulfilled, the collected forces return to their lives and prosperity.	Each finds that one’s true interest lies in holding together with others for the common good.
Individually	Having overcome difficulties collectively, build on and prosper from that strength.	One who is steadfast and upright can be the central figure around whom others unite but undertaking such a role prematurely leads to chaos so be certain.
The Lines
Top Line	Having succeeded, share rewards with the loyal but exclude everything that may undermine the established order.	One in this position has missed the opportunity to achieve unity and risks going astray for lack of direction.
5th	Having achieved a just cause, the wise leader enforces moderation and self-control by the victorious.	When a person nurtures pure and benevolent leadership, followers will be drawn together of their own accord with good fortune.
4th	Retreat is the intelligent and honorable response to insurmountable obstacles.	Be supportive of the one in the center but remain true to your convictions.
3rd	If the masses assume control, clear vision and purpose are distorted and chaos follows.	Be outwardly sociable but avoid commitments with incompatible elements that could undermine more meaningful future unions.
2nd	The wise leader integrates with those being led and is honored for that engagement.	Dignity and integrity is preserved by following one’s convictions, not by chasing after the approval of others.
Bottom Line	Before setting forth, be certain the cause is just and that everything is organized.	Good fortune comes to one who forms associations through honesty and sincerity.
Recap
#7.   Shih (The Army) consists of the trigrams earth above water symbolizing the power of water stored within the earth and the power of the multitude when organized.  In ancient China, the people worked their fields during the growing season and received military training during the off season so as to be prepared for virtuous causes such as protecting the country from invasion or overthrowing a tyrant.  The strong yang line in the second place indicates an effective leader who has been entrusted by a superior to organize, inspire, and lead the devoted and loyal collected multitude.  As the Earth protects and nurtures the unseen ground water, when the people are nurtured and protected by a benevolent government and are economically strong and prosperous, their unseen power can be organized for the virtuous use of collective force.  Without unity and strength of conviction, collective forces will dissipate and be ineffective. The use of aggressive collective force is considered to be a rarely evoked necessary evil that is fraught with risk.  Like running water, violent collective force can run amok and have unintended and unjust consequences if directed by the unvirtuous.  A wise general does not allow the successful outcome of a conflict to give rise to unjust acts.  Instead, as Lao Tzu observed in the Tao Te Ching #31, the exertion of force over others is contrary to “Natural Law” and when unavoidable, it must proceed with calm restraint: “Even when victorious, let there be no joy,    For such joy leads to contentment with slaughter. Those who are content with slaughter    Cannot find fulfillment in the world.” When enlightened generals achieve their aims through the use of collective force, there is no cause for celebration – only regret at having to unleash violent strength and power.  A sorrowful attitude in such times can have a calming and peaceful effect on the masses and lead to solidarity and unity.   #8.  Pi (Solidarity / Holding Together / Unity) Pi (today bì) means to associate with and to be near but also to group and organize. This is all about people merging, sharing, and integrating for benefit of society through the loving consideration of tireless and enlightened leadership. According to Huang (2010, p. 95) bì was the basic unit of the Chinese household consisting of five families with one head who was responsible for the neighborhood.  As such, it came to mean the close proximity of people and the strong unity that develops from shared experiences. Where #7 Shih (the Army) addresses the virtuous use of power that can result from coming together, # 8 Pi (Unity) stresses the importance of shared social experience motivated by common interests, needs, and experiences.  When every member of a community feels a part of the whole, a cohesive sense of unity can be achieved.  Those who hesitate to join may find that the opportunity to form meaningful bonds has passed in which case it may be necessary to seek harmony with another fellowship.  A wise leader welcomes those who willingly seek to join and seeks no quarrel with those who do not.  One who does not possess the spirit, consistency, and stamina for such leadership causes chaos rather than unity.  Through holding together, restraint is certain to follow. Further lessons in benevolent leadership for Donald J. Trump.

#7 - Shih - Collective Force

#8 - Pi - Unity