Outline（大纲）
- Hexagram Identification
- Keywords
- Historical Context
- Core Interpretation
- Symbolic Representation
- Qualities and Attributes
- Line-by-Line Analysis
- Comparative Analogies
- Related Resources
- Modern Relevance & Guidance
- Essence Summary
Hexagram Identification
- Number: 45
- Chinese Name (Pinyin): 萃 (Cuì)
- English Name: Gathering
- Symbol & Structure: ䷬ (Kūn 坤 below, Duì 兑 above). The lower trigram Kūn represents Earth (地 dì, stability, receptivity), and the upper trigram Duì represents Lake (泽 zé, joy, connection). Together, they form “Lake over Earth” (泽地萃 zé dì cuì), symbolizing harmonious gathering—a lake pooling on earth, collecting water and nurturing life, mirroring how shared purpose brings people together.
Keywords
- Gathering (萃): Uniting for shared purpose
- Unity (团结): Building harmony through common goals
- Trust (信任): Foundation of meaningful connections
- Leadership (领导): Guiding groups with integrity
- Collaboration (协作): Working together for mutual benefit
- Shared Vision (共同愿景): Aligning values to foster cohesion
- Inclusive Growth (包容性成长): Nurturing all members in a group
- Harmonious Order (和谐秩序): Balancing individuality and community
Historical Context
Cuì appears as the 45th hexagram in the I Ching, following Gòu (Encounter, 44th hexagram) and preceding Shēng (Ascent, 46th hexagram). Its name “萃” means “to gather,” “to assemble,” or “to flourish,” focusing on the principles of bringing people or resources together effectively. The judgment “Cuì: 亨，王假有庙，利见大人，亨利贞；用大牲吉，利有攸往” (“Gathering: Prosperous. The king arrives at the temple; beneficial to see a great leader. Great benefit in being correct. Using large sacrifices brings auspiciousness; beneficial to proceed”) emphasizes that gatherings thrive with clear leadership, shared faith, and ethical purpose.
Classic interpretations include:
- Wang Bi (魏晋・王弼) in Commentary on the I Ching (《周易注》) stressed “gathering with righteousness” (聚以正 jù yǐ zhèng), arguing that unity must be rooted in virtue to avoid chaos.
- Kong Yingda (唐・孔颖达) in Zhouyi 正义 (《周易正义》) linked the hexagram to “gathering the people” (聚众 jù zhòng), using the example of rulers building temples to unite communities through shared rituals.
- Zhu Xi (宋・朱熹) in The Meaning of the I Ching (《周易本义》) emphasized “central harmony” (中正 zhōng zhèng), advising that effective gatherings require balanced leadership and open communication.
Historically, Cuì guided discussions on statecraft, community rituals, and social cohesion, highlighting the importance of trust and shared values in bringing people together.
Core Interpretation
Cuì embodies the principle of “flourishing through intentional unity”. Kūn’s Earth (Yin, receptive) below provides a stable foundation for gathering, while Duì’s Lake (Yang, joyful connection) above symbolizes the positive energy of shared purpose. The hexagram’s structure—with three Yin lines (nurturing, inclusive) and three Yang lines (active, structuring)—reflects the balance between welcoming diversity (Yin) and maintaining order (Yang).
- Yin-Yang Dynamics: The 2nd Yin line (六二) and 5th Yang line (九五) form the core axis, representing the ideal partnership between a receptive, grounded base (六二) and a visionary, ethical leader (九五). This balance ensures that gatherings are both inclusive and purpose-driven.
- Five Elements: Kūn (Earth) belongs to 土 tǔ, Duì (Lake) to 金 jīn. Earth generates Metal (土生金 tǔ shēng jīn), symbolizing that a solid foundation (Earth) of trust and shared values allows benefits (Metal) to emerge from collaboration.
Symbolic Representation
Natural Symbolism
- Lake over Earth (泽地): A lake forming where earth collects rainwater—nurturing plants, supporting wildlife, and creating a thriving ecosystem. This mirrors nature’s wisdom: gathering resources (water) in a stable container (earth) leads to abundance.
- Flock of Birds: Birds gathering in a tree for safety and warmth, demonstrating how collective action enhances survival and well-being.
Social Symbolism
In human affairs, Cuì applies to:
- Team Collaboration: A company aligning departments around a shared mission (e.g., “Sustainability”), using regular meetings (gatherings) to foster unity.
- Community Events: A local festival bringing neighbors together (Earth’s stability) to celebrate culture (Lake’s joy), strengthening social bonds.
Cultural Symbolism
- Confucian Harmony: The hexagram aligns with Confucius’ teaching of “harmony without uniformity” (和而不同 hé ér bù tóng), where diverse individuals unite under shared ethical principles.
- Taoist Unity: Laozi’s “heaven and earth gather qi” (天地合气 tiān dì hé qì) is reflected in Cuì’s imagery, advocating that balanced gatherings mirror natural order.
- Ritual Symbolism: Ancient temple ceremonies (as mentioned in the judgment) symbolized collective faith, echoing the hexagram’s emphasis on shared rituals to strengthen community.
Qualities and Attributes
Cuì celebrates virtues that transform groups into thriving communities:
- Inclusive Leadership (包容性领导): Like a lake embracing all streams, leaders who welcome diverse voices (六二的 “中正”) foster loyalty.
- Trusting Receptivity (信任接纳): Being open to others’ ideas, as seen in a team welcoming feedback to improve projects.
- Purposeful Unity (目标一致): Aligning actions with a common vision, such as a nonprofit working toward a shared social goal.
- Harmonious Order (和谐秩序): Balancing freedom and structure, like a classroom where students collaborate within clear guidelines.
Line-by-Line Analysis
1st Yin Line (初六：有孚不终，乃乱乃萃；若号，一握为笑，勿恤，往无咎)
“Initial trust wavers, causing confusion in gathering. Cry out; a handshake brings smiles. No worry—proceed without blame.”
Meaning: Overcome initial doubts through open communication.
Guidance: In a new team, address uncertainties early (e.g., “Let’s discuss concerns”) to build trust.
2nd Yin Line (六二：引吉，无咎，孚乃利用禴)
“Being led brings good fortune, no blame. Trust makes simple rituals effective.”
Meaning: Follow a worthy leader with faith for harmonious gathering.
Guidance: In a project, trust a competent manager’s vision (e.g., “I trust your plan—let’s proceed”).
3rd Yang Line (九三：萃如，嗟如，无攸利；往无咎，小吝
“Gathering with sighs; no benefit. Proceeding brings no blame, minor issues.”
Meaning: Overcome hesitation to find your place in the group.
Guidance: When joining a new community, take the first step (e.g., “Introduce yourself”)—initial awkwardness passes.
4th Yang Line (九四：大吉，无咎
“Great auspiciousness, no blame.”
Meaning: Clear roles and collaboration lead to success.
Guidance: In team projects, define responsibilities (e.g., “Assign specific tasks”) for smooth cooperation.
5th Yang Line (九五：萃有位，无咎，匪孚；元永贞，悔亡
“Gathering with authority, no blame, but some distrust. Persist in virtue; regret vanishes.”
Meaning: Lead with integrity to earn trust over time.
Guidance: As a leader, stay ethical (e.g., “Prioritize transparency”) to build long-term loyalty.
6th Yin Line (上六：赍咨涕洟，无咎
“Sighing and weeping; no blame.”
Meaning: Release pent-up emotions to heal group rifts.
Guidance: In a conflict, express feelings openly (e.g., “I feel hurt by this”) to resolve issues.
Comparative Analogies
Ecology
- Coral Reefs: Thousands of species gathering in a reef, each contributing to the ecosystem’s health—mirroring Cuì’s “inclusive growth” where diversity strengthens the whole.
- Bee Colonies: Bees working together for the hive’s survival, demonstrating how clear roles (Yang structure) and collective effort (Yin receptivity) ensure prosperity.
Management
In organizational culture, Cuì advises “values-driven collaboration”:
- Google’s 20% Time: Encouraging employees to work on passion projects (gathering diverse ideas) within a structured framework (Earth’s stability), leading to innovations like Gmail.
- Nonprofit Alliances: Organizations joining forces (Lake’s connection) to address large-scale issues (e.g., climate change), guided by a shared mission (九五的 “有位”).
Psychology
- Group Therapy: Participants gathering to share experiences (Yin receptivity) under a leader’s guidance (Yang structure), reflecting the hexagram’s balance of trust and order.
- Social Identity Theory: People finding belonging in groups that align with their values, as seen in the 六二爻’s “引吉”—benefiting from shared identity.
Related Resources
- Classic Translations
- I Ching: The Book of Changes (Richard Wilhelm & Cary F. Baynes, 1950) – Describes Cuì as “gathering” and emphasizes the role of leadership in fostering unity.
- The I Ching: A New Translation (John Minford, 2014) – Highlights the hexagram’s focus on “harmonious assembly” and its relevance to modern teamwork.
- Modern Studies
- Confucian Theories of Community (Chen Lai, 2018) – Explores Cuì’s influence on concepts of “gathering through virtue” in social ethics.
- Taoist Principles of Collective Flow (Livia Kohn, 2010) – Connects the hexagram to Taoist practices of “uniting qi” for shared well-being.
- Authoritative Websites
- I Ching Online (https://www.ichingonline.net) – Offers practical strategies for building team cohesion and community using Cuì’s wisdom.
- Harvard Business Review – Team Culture (https://hbr.org) – Articles on creating inclusive teams, aligned with the hexagram’s emphasis on trust and shared vision.
- Psychology Today – Group Dynamics (https://www.psychologytoday.com) – Guides to improving group communication, echoing Cuì’s focus on harmonious order.
Modern Relevance & Guidance
Workplace & Leadership
- Team Alignment: Use the 初六爻的 “一握为笑”—host icebreakers (e.g., “Team lunches”) to build trust and overcome initial awkwardness.
- Vision-Driven Leadership: Emulate the 九五爻的 “元永贞”—articulate a clear mission (e.g., “Our goal is to empower users”) and lead by example to earn loyalty.
- Conflict Resolution: Apply the 上六爻的 “赍咨涕洟”—create safe spaces for feedback (e.g., “Let’s discuss what’s challenging you”) to address issues openly.
Community & Relationships
- Inclusive Gatherings: Plan events that welcome diverse voices (六二爻的 “引吉”)—e.g., a neighborhood potluck where everyone contributes, fostering belonging.
- Family Unity: Use shared rituals (e.g., weekly dinners) to strengthen bonds, mirroring the hexagram’s emphasis on stable, joyful connections.
Personal Growth
- Networking with Purpose: Join groups aligned with your values (九四爻的 “大吉”)—e.g., a sustainability club to meet like-minded individuals.
- Emotional Resilience: When feeling isolated, reach out to trusted circles (初六爻的 “若号”)—connection heals and energizes.
Risk Warning
- Avoid Forced Unity: The hexagram cautions against the 九三爻的 “嗟如”—don’t pressure others to conform. True gathering thrives on voluntary alignment, like a lake naturally attracting water.
- Prevent Leadership Arrogance: Leaders must avoid the 九五爻的 “匪孚”—maintain humility (e.g., “I value your input”) to prevent distrust.
Essence Summary
Cuì, the Hexagram of Gathering, reveals a timeless truth: human strength lies in our ability to come together with purpose, trust, and mutual respect. Its image of Lake over Earth teaches us that when diverse individuals or elements gather on a foundation of stability (Earth) and connect through shared joy (Lake), they create something greater than the sum of their parts—a community, a team, or a vision that nurtures growth and resilience.
In a world often divided by differences, Cuì offers a blueprint for unity: gather not out of necessity, but out of shared values; lead not with authority, but with integrity; and embrace not uniformity, but the rich diversity that strengthens the whole. Whether in a workplace striving for collaboration, a community building shared traditions, or an individual seeking meaningful connections, the hexagram’s wisdom is clear: gatherings thrive when rooted in trust, guided by purpose, and nurtured with patience and inclusivity.
Ultimately, Cuì celebrates the beauty of “harmonious convergence”—a state where every member feels seen, every voice matters, and every effort contributes to a common flourishing. It invites us to see gatherings not as mere assemblies, but as opportunities to create ripples of unity that transform individuals into a collective force, capable of navigating challenges and embracing abundance together.