Text of Confucianism Part 02

SR No.: 007676
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: James Legge
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1882
Total Pages: 2405
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 43 MB

Page 304

HEX. 8.
APPENDIX II.
277
VIII. (The trigram representing) the earth, and over it (that representing) water, form Pi. The ancient kings, in accordance with this, established the various states and maintained an affectionate relation to their princes.
1. From the seeking union with its object' shown in the first line, divided, there will be other advantages.
2. "The movement towards union and attachment proceeds from the inward (mind):'-(the party concerned) does not fail in what is proper to himself.
3. Union is sought with such as ought not to be associated with:'-—but will not injury be the result ?
4. “Union is sought (by the party intended here) with one beyond himself, and in this case) with a worthy object:'-he is following (the ruler) above him.
5. 'The good fortune belonging to the most illustrious instance of seeking union and attachment' appears in the correct and central position (of the fifth line, undivided).
(The king's) neglecting (the animals) confronting him (and then fleeing), and (only) taking those who present themselves as it were obediently, is seen in
Heaven. But the great powers given to the general are from the king's wish through him to promote the good of all the nation.
In military operations there must be one ruling will and mind. A divided authority is sure to be a failure. But 'a retreat' is no evidence of failure in a campaign. When advance would lead to disaster, retreat is the regular course to pursue.
Other ways can be found to reward small men. They ought not to be placed in situations where the condition of others will depend on them.
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