8. ACCORD

Accord is auspicious. If the basis of the augury is always right, there is no error. The unsettled will then come; stragglers will be unlucky.

OVERALL JUDGEMENT

Accord is auspicious, for accord means helping, humbly following along in harmony. If the basis of the augury is always right, there is no error; this refers to firm strength in centered balance. The uneasy will then come, for there is response between those above and those below. Stragglers will be unlucky, for they will come to an impasse.

IMAGE

Upon the earth is water, symbolizing accord; thus did ancient kings set up a multitude of states and associate with their leaders.

COMPONENTS

1. yin. Accord with the truthful is blameless. When truthfulness fills a plain vessel, eventually it brings other good fortune. Image. Flexibility in the helping of accord will have other good fortune.
2. yin. Accord that comes from inner rectitude bodes well. Image. That accord comes from within means that you do not lose yourself.
3. yin. There is accord with the wrong people. Image. If there is accord with the wrong people, is that not harmful?
4. yin. Correctness in accord with those outside bodes well. Image.
   
5. yang. Make accord evident. A king uses three chasers, overlooking the game in front. When the local people are not wary, that bodes well. Image. about balance.
6. yin. Accord without direction is unlucky. Image. Accord without direction never finishes anything? Accord with the wise outside, so as to follow their progress. Making accord evident means taking one’s place right in the center. Giving up on the obstreperous and taking in the harmonious is symbolized by overlooking the game in front. When the local people are not wary, that means the rulership has brought about balance.

From I CHING the Book of Change A complete and unabridged translation by THOMAS CLEARY, SHAMBALA, Boston & London 1992