Hexagram 13
T'ung JênFellowship
Heaven (Qian) · Fire (Li)
The image
Heaven together with fire: The image of FELLOWSHIP WITH MEN. Thus the superior man organizes the clans And makes distinctions between things.
This hexagram in one line
The image of the upper trigram Ch'ien is heaven, and that of the lower, Li, is flame. It is the nature of fire to flame up to heaven. This gives the idea of fellowship. It is the second line that, by virtue of its central character, unites the five strong lines around it. This hexagram forms a complement to Shih, THE ARMY (7). In the latter, danger is within and obedience without—the character of a warlike army, which, in order to hold together, needs one strong man among the many who are weak. Here, clarity is within and strength without—the character of a peaceful union of men, which, in order to hold together, needs one yielding nature among many firm persons.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Fire above heaven
Hexagram Judgment
FELLOWSHIP WITH MEN in the open. Success. It furthers one to cross the great water. The perseverance of the superior man furthers.
True fellowship among men must be based upon a concern that is universal. It is not the private interests of the individual that create lasting fellowship among men, but rather the goals of humanity. That is why it is said that fellowship with men in the open succeeds. If unity of this kind prevails, even difficult and dangerous tasks, such as crossing the great water, can be accomplished. But in order to bring about this sort of fellowship, a persevering and enlightened leader is needed— a man with clear, convincing, and inspiring aims and the strength to carry them out. (The inner trigram means clarity; the outer, strength.)
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Heaven (Qian)
- Heaven · Creative
- Fire (Li)
- Fire · Clinging
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
Fellowship with people means the yielding attains its place and the center, and responds to Qian. Hence it is called Fellowship with People. Fellowship in the open country succeeds because the way of Qian moves forward. Clarity joined with strength, with central correctness and response: this is the noble person's proper way. Only the noble person can understand the aims of all under heaven.
True fellowship rests on openness, clarity, strength, and a central, responsive heart. It is not mere closeness, but a shared alignment that can unite people across the world.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
Heaven together with fire: The image of FELLOWSHIP WITH MEN. Thus the superior man organizes the clans And makes distinctions between things.
Heaven has the same direction of movement as fire, yet it is different from fire. Just as the luminaries in the sky serve for the systematic division and arrangement of time, so human society and all things that really belong together must be organically arranged. Fellowship should not be a mere mingling of individuals or of things—that would be chaos, not fellowship. If fellowship is to lead to order, there must be organization within diversity.
Further
Related hexagrams
Related Guides
- Hexagram LoveHexagram 13 (Followship with Men) in Love: I Ching Guidance for RelationshipsWhat does Hexagram 13 (Followship with Men) reveal about love and relationships? True fellowship among men must be based upon a concern that is universal. It is not the private interests of the individual that create lasting fellowship among... Explore how the I Ching guides emotional connection, dating, and partnership dynamics.
- Hexagram CareerHexagram 13 (Followship with Men) in Career: I Ching Guidance for Work and Professional LifeWhat does Hexagram 13 (Followship with Men) mean for your career? True fellowship among men must be based upon a concern that is universal. It is not the private interests of the individual that create lasting fellowship among... Learn how the I Ching guides professional decisions, leadership, timing, and workplace dynamics.
Frequently asked questions
What does T'ung Jên / Fellowship mean in the I Ching?
True fellowship among men must be based upon a concern that is universal. It is not the private interests of the individual that create lasting fellowship among...
How should I study Hexagram 13 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. The beginning of union among people should take place before the door. All are equally close to one another. No divergent aims have yet arisen, and one makes no mistakes. The basic...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
True fellowship rests on openness, clarity, strength, and a central, responsive heart. It is not mere closeness, but a shared alignment that can unite people across the world.
Test this hexagram against your question
A hexagram page is useful for study, but a real reading starts from your situation. Choose a question and cast directly.
Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.