Holding Together — 五六

The Line

Interpretation

At the royal hunts of ancient China it was the custom for the game to be driven in from three sides. On the fourth side the driven game could turn aside. Those animals that did not turn aside had to enter a gate behind which the king stood ready to hunt. Only the animals that came in at this point were shot. Those that turned aside in front were let go. This custom corresponded to the royal disposition, which did not wish to make the hunt into slaughter but only took down the game that, so to speak, had offered itself willingly. Here is shown a ruler, or an influential person, to whom people rally. Whoever comes to them is received; whoever does not come is let go. They beg no one, flatter no one: they all come of themselves. In this way a free attachment forms in those who hold to them. The people do not need to force themselves together; they can show their disposition openly and without pressure. No policing arrangements are needed. They are attached to their lord of themselves. This freedom also holds for life in general. One should not court people's favor. If one cultivates in oneself the purity and strength necessary for a center of gathering, then the people who are destined for one come of themselves.