Hexagram 13, Line 2

The Line Text

Interpretation

This line highlights a significant limitation within the broader theme of open fellowship. The hexagram as a whole advocates for a universal, open-hearted community based on shared goals and sincerity ("Fellowship in the open"). This specific line, however, depicts a situation where community is restricted to a narrow, exclusive group—a clan, a faction, a clique, or an "in-group." The character "宗" (zōng) implies a group bound by ancestry, shared ideology, or special interests. While loyalty to one's group can seem natural, here it becomes a source of trouble because it is exclusive and partial. This clannishness breeds resentment from those excluded and creates a stagnant, insular environment for those within. The outcome is "吝" (lìn), which translates to humiliation, regret, or distress. It signifies a path that is too narrow and ultimately leads to a dead end, causing one to feel shame for their shortsightedness and exclusivity.

Guidance for Action

You are being warned against the dangers of factionalism and cliquishness. Your current tendency may be to stick with what is familiar and comfortable, associating only with a small, select group. This is a restrictive path that will limit your growth and opportunities. To avoid future regret and humiliation, you must consciously break out of this insular circle. Make an effort to connect with people from different backgrounds, departments, or social groups. Judge individuals based on their own merit and character, not on their affiliation. True and lasting fellowship is built on openness and inclusivity, not on the narrow grounds of a shared clan or clique.

For Love & Relationships

In a relationship, this line points to a connection that has become too insular and closed off from the outside world. You and your partner may be spending time only with each other or a very small, exclusive group of friends or family. This can lead to stagnation and a feeling of being suffocated. It could also indicate that family pressure or clan-like loyalties are creating divisions and interfering with the relationship's health. To remedy this, consciously expand your social horizons as a couple. For a single person, this line warns against limiting your search for a partner to a very specific social, cultural, or familial group. Open your heart to possibilities beyond your immediate circle to avoid disappointment.

For Career & Business

This is a direct warning against office politics, cronyism, and forming cliques at work. Aligning yourself with a specific faction may offer a temporary sense of security, but it will ultimately harm your career. It creates an "us vs. them" mentality, fosters resentment, and closes you off from valuable opportunities and collaborations with those outside your group. Your path to success lies in building broad, open, and sincere relationships with all colleagues, regardless of their department or rank. Avoid favoritism and nepotism. Your reputation should be built on your competence and your ability to work with everyone, not on who you know within a small circle.

For Financial Matters

Your approach to financial matters is too narrow and conservative, likely based on advice and opportunities from only your immediate family or a close-knit group. While their intentions may be good, this insular strategy is limiting your potential for growth and may lead to missed opportunities, resulting in future regret. "Humiliation" here can mean the shame of realizing you missed out on significant gains due to a closed-minded approach. It is crucial to diversify. Seek financial advice from a wider range of professional sources, explore different types of investments, and don't put all your financial trust in one small, familiar circle.