Hexagram 8, Bǐ (Holding Together): Line 3
比卦六三 · 水地比 · 中文版
六三:比之匪人。
The line (Legge)
In the third SIX, divided, we see its subject seeking for union with such as ought not to be associated with.
Small Image commentary
'Union is sought with such as ought not to be associated with:' - but will not injury be the result?
象曰:比之匪人,不亦伤乎!
In plain words
Drawing close to the wrong people. The third line is neither central nor correct, and the lines on either side are yin: none of those it draws close to can be relied on. The Small Image exclaims: is that not painful!
Applying it to your situation
This line is a reminder to see clearly who is around you. Is there a relationship that keeps wearing you down?
Position
A broken (yin) line in the third place, which is a yang (odd) place, so it is not in its proper place. Its partner is line 6; both are yin, so they do not respond.
If this line moves
With this line moving alone, Bǐ changes into Hexagram 39 Jiǎn (Obstruction). The Jiaoshi Yilin verse for this change (Chinese): 焦氏易林·比之蹇.
A recorded case from Takashima
Bi to Jian: choosing a business partner: A friend planned a large venture with a partner and received the third line of Bi, "joining with the wrong people". Takashima did not know the partner, and on the line alone said that going into business with him would be as bad as it gets.
The hexagram
Hexagram 8 Bǐ (Holding Together). The Judgment: Bi indicates that (under the conditions which it supposes) there is good fortune. But let (the principal party intended in it) re-examine himself, (as if) by divination, whether his virtue be great, unintermitting, and firm. If it be so, there will be no error. Those who have not rest will then come to him; and with those who are (too) late in coming it will be ill.
Previous: Line 2 · Next: Line 4
English text: James Legge, The Yi King (Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882), public domain, as transcribed by the Chinese Text Project. Chinese: the received text. Offered for study and reflection, not as prediction. Plain-English readings and position notes by this site.