The Yî King · James Legge
Judgment
Pi 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.
1882 scan · p. 73Line 1 · Six, divided
The first line, divided, shows its subject seeking by his sincerity to win the attachment of his object. There will be no error. Let (the breast) be full of sincerity as an earthenware vessel is of its contents, and it will in the end bring other advantages.
1882 scan · p. 74Line 2 · Six, divided
In the second line, divided, we see the movement towards union and attachment proceeding from the inward (mind). With firm correctness there will be good fortune.
1882 scan · p. 74Line 3 · Six, divided
In the third line, divided, we see its subject seeking for union with such as ought not to be associated with.
1882 scan · p. 74Line 4 · Six, divided
In the fourth line, divided, we see its subject seeking for union with the one beyond himself. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.
1882 scan · p. 74Line 5 · Nine, undivided
The fifth line, undivided, affords the most illustrious instance of seeking union and attachment. (We seem to see in it) the king urging his pursuit of the game (only) in three directions, and allowing the escape of all the animals before him, while the people of his towns do not warn one another (to prevent it). There will be good fortune.
1882 scan · p. 75Line 6 · Six, divided
In the topmost line, divided, we see one seeking union and attachment without having taken the first step (to such an end). There will be evil.
1882 scan · p. 75James Legge · The Yî King (1882), Princeton scan. All 450 selected passages were independently image-read and compared by AI; unresolved print details remain. Not human or expert collation. Source and data ↗