I Ching Hexagrams:Tong Ren Trigram

Hexagram Tong Ren: Unity and Harmony Among People

“同人” (Tong Ren) refers to the idea of unity and harmony among people. When individuals can coexist peacefully, conflicts and opposition are naturally resolved.

The Tong Ren hexagram is composed of two trigrams: Li (Fire) and Qian (Heaven). From the perspective of the hexagram’s imagery, Li represents fire, situated in the lower trigram, while Qian symbolizes heaven, positioned in the upper trigram. Qian, being lofty and exalted, aligns with the upward-rising nature of fire. This imagery suggests the harmonious relationship between the fire below and the heaven above.

The only yin (soft) line in the Tong Ren hexagram is Six-Two (the second line). This yin line occupies its proper position, representing balance and correctness. It is situated in the center of the Li trigram, which symbolizes civilization. This placement signifies that Six-Two, embodying the virtue of civility, acts according to the middle and upright path, fostering harmony with the five yang (strong) lines.

Interpretation of Tong Ren

The hexagram text reads:
“Tong Ren in the wilderness. Success. It is favorable to cross great rivers and to uphold the integrity of the noble person.”

In ancient times, the area outside city walls was referred to as the “suburbs,” and the land beyond that was called the “wilderness.” The phrase “Tong Ren in the wilderness” suggests forming connections and building harmony with people in distant and remote areas. If one can unite with those far away, how much easier it is to harmonize with neighbors close by!

In the Tong Ren hexagram, Six-Two is the sole yin line, attracting the yang lines around it. This position represents someone with a gentle and accommodating nature, occupying a central and impartial place without selfish bias. Such a person can achieve “Tong Ren in the wilderness” by embodying the virtues of selflessness and fairness.

The noble person remains steadfast in righteousness, acting impartially and pursuing harmony with others for the ultimate goal of universal unity. This state of harmony allows success and smooth progress, as expressed in the hexagram’s text: “Success and smooth progress are self-evident.” When universal harmony prevails, justice and righteousness flourish, making it possible to overcome any challenges. However, steadfastness in the noble path is essential to safely navigate difficulties, which is why the hexagram emphasizes: “It is favorable to cross great rivers and to uphold the integrity of the noble person.”

Example Explanation

Since the 18th century, cotton has been the backbone of the Southern U.S. economy, requiring a vast labor force. Consequently, large numbers of African people were brought in as laborers. However, these African laborers were subjected to severe oppression rather than being treated with the same respect as white laborers. After Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865) became President, he sought to abolish the inhumane treatment of African Americans. His vision of “Tong Ren in the wilderness” aimed for unity and cooperation among all ethnic groups to achieve true equality.

Lincoln’s policies resolved America’s pressing internal conflicts, enabling nationwide economic growth and the westward expansion. As the hexagram describes, “Success and smooth progress,” Lincoln’s efforts laid the foundation for America’s strength and prosperity, ensuring the country could overcome great challenges, much like crossing a vast river.

Hexagram Tong Ren: The Lines of Harmony and Challenges

Line 1 (Initial Nine): Unity at the Door – No Blame (同人于门，无咎)
The “door” symbolizes the boundary between the inside and the outside of a residence. Within the door, personal interests often dominate, while stepping outside allows impartiality and justice to take precedence. The initial nine (a strong yang line) occupies the first position of the hexagram, without forming a corresponding pair with Nine-Four above, suggesting that this line avoids partiality and favoritism. It acts with a fair and open heart, fostering harmony with others.

When the Initial Nine moves upward, it encounters Six-Two. However, its intention to harmonize with Six-Two is not driven by selfish motives but by a broader sense of justice and fairness, aligning with the essence of the hexagram. Hence, the text concludes: “Unity at the door—no blame.”

Example Explanation:
At the end of the Qin Dynasty, various warlords vied for power. Among them was Zhang Liang (?-189 BCE), originally a commoner with great ambition. When Zhang encountered the enigmatic “Old Man of the Yellow Rock,” the elder subjected him to repeated, seemingly unreasonable tests. Despite this, Zhang responded with humility and respect.

Zhang had no personal agenda when interacting with the elder, unaware of the elder’s intent to pass on military strategies. His respectful and sincere demeanor eventually earned him the elder’s teachings. These lessons enabled Zhang to assist Liu Bang in founding the Han Dynasty, securing his legacy as one of its key architects.

Line 2 (Six-Two): Unity Among Relatives – Humiliation (同人于宗，吝)
The term “宗” (zong) refers to one’s clan or close relatives. “Unity among relatives” implies forming bonds of harmony only with those within one’s circle of relations or those with whom one shares a direct connection.

Six-Two, a yin (soft) line, is correctly positioned within the lower trigram Li, symbolizing civility. It also corresponds with Nine-Five, a yang (strong) line in the upper trigram. In the Tong Ren hexagram, the five yang lines all seek to harmonize with Six-Two. However, Six-Two focuses exclusively on Nine-Five, driven by personal attachment, thereby neglecting the broader principle of universal harmony. This partiality contradicts the essence of Tong Ren and results in disgrace (吝).

Example Explanation:
During the mid-Northern Song Dynasty, the empire faced both external weakness and internal strife. During Emperor Shenzong’s reign (the Xining Era), Wang Anshi initiated reforms that triggered intense factional disputes between the New Party (reformists) and the Old Party (conservatives).

In Emperor Zhezong’s Yuanyou era, the New Party was entirely excluded from power. Upon Zhezong’s assumption of full authority, the New Party was reinstated, while the Old Party was ousted. Later, during Emperor Huizong’s reign, the Old Party regained dominance, only for the New Party to rise again under Cai Jing’s leadership.

This relentless partisanship exemplified “Unity among relatives,” where both parties pursued narrow interests instead of transcending divisions to appoint virtuous and capable individuals. This failure to uphold impartiality led to increasing political chaos and weakened governance. Ultimately, the Northern Song collapsed during this period of political turbulence, with Emperors Huizong and Qinzong captured by the Jurchen Jin, marking its downfall.

Hexagram Tong Ren: Lines of Hidden Intent and Self-Reflection

Line 3 (Nine-Three): Hidden Troops in the Thickets – No Progress for Three Years (伏戎于莽，升其高陵，三岁不兴)
The Nine-Three line, being a strong yang line in a yang position, signifies excessive strength and a lack of balance, as it does not occupy the middle position. This imbalance reflects a failure to adhere to the principle of moderation.

Nine-Three aspires to seize Six-Two, the proper counterpart of Nine-Five, in an attempt to draw it closer to itself and achieve harmony. However, Nine-Three lacks the moral legitimacy and confidence to act openly, resorting instead to subterfuge, symbolized by “hiding troops in the thickets.” Occasionally, it ascends a high hill to observe the surroundings, waiting for the right opportunity. Yet, after three years, no action is taken, and the hexagram text does not indicate disaster or calamity.

Historical Example:
During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Huan Wen (312–373) suppressed internal rebellions and repeatedly led successful campaigns to recover lost territories in the north. His military prowess was so formidable that even the emperor feared him, leaving critical state decisions in Huan Wen’s hands.

Despite his ambitions to restore the Central Plains, Huan Wen faced strong resistance from influential aristocratic families, who prioritized their safety and stability. Frustrated and disillusioned, Huan Wen harbored thoughts of seizing the throne. However, recognizing his lack of moral authority and public support, he hesitated. He once remarked, “If I cannot leave a lasting legacy of honor, must I instead leave a reputation of infamy for generations?”

Thus, Huan Wen remained in a state of “hidden troops in the thickets,” never taking decisive action, and ultimately refrained from usurping the throne, symbolizing the “three years without progress.”

Line 4 (Nine-Four): Scaling the Wall – Refraining from Attack, Fortunate (乘其墉，弗克攻，吉)
The term “墉” (wall) refers to Nine-Three, symbolizing an obstacle. Nine-Four, positioned above Nine-Three, desires harmony with Six-Two but is blocked by Nine-Three. This imagery is captured in “scaling the wall.”

Nine-Four is a strong yang line in a yin position, representing strength balanced by a willingness to act with gentleness and flexibility. Its inherent strength makes it capable of seizing Six-Two (the proper counterpart of Nine-Five), but its gentleness prevents it from pursuing this goal forcefully or recklessly. Recognizing that attacking Six-Two is neither righteous nor aligned with moral principles, Nine-Four exercises self-restraint and returns to the path of propriety.

Although it does not achieve harmony with Six-Two in practice, its adherence to the principle of harmony earns it a favorable outcome, as reflected in the phrase “fortunate.”

Modern Example:
In 1995, the world commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II. Japan initially sought to express remorse for its wartime aggression through a “Resolution for Peace.” However, a closer examination of the resolution revealed a lack of genuine self-reflection or sincere apologies to its neighboring countries.

Moreover, Japan attempted to obscure and distort historical facts in its textbooks, downplaying its aggression in East Asia and its role in disrupting regional peace. These actions, which sought to justify and conceal past wrongs, were entirely contrary to the essence of the Tong Ren hexagram.

Japan should learn from the lesson of Nine-Four’s self-restraint (弗克攻), reflect on its actions, and return to the path of righteousness. Only by doing so can it earn the trust and harmony of its Asian neighbors, aligning with the true spirit of unity and reconciliation.

Hexagram Tong Ren: Lines of Challenge and Reconciliation

Line 5 (Nine-Five): Unity Achieved Through Struggle (同人。先号啕而后笑。大师克相遇)
Nine-Five aligns and resonates with Six-Two, symbolizing their harmonious connection. However, this unity is obstructed by the two strong lines of Nine-Three and Nine-Four. Nine-Three lies in ambush in the thickets, while Nine-Four occupies a high wall, both seeking to claim Six-Two, which is the rightful counterpart of Nine-Five.

Nine-Five, believing its cause to be righteous and justified, feels profound grief and indignation over the actions of Nine-Three and Nine-Four, leading to tears and lamentation. Ultimately, Nine-Five is compelled to mobilize its forces to overcome the obstacles posed by Nine-Three and Nine-Four, finally achieving harmony with Six-Two. Only then does sorrow turn into laughter.

However, while Nine-Five fulfills its desire for unity with Six-Two, this outcome deviates from the hexagram’s principle of achieving harmony through impartiality and selflessness. Six-Two, situated in the lower trigram, is already criticized for limiting its unity to familial or close relations. For Nine-Five, as a ruler, to prioritize a personal alliance over universal fairness further contradicts the hexagram’s ideal of unbiased harmony.

Historical Example:
The cultural and historical ties between England and the United States created a natural affinity between the two nations. However, in 1823, the United States issued the Monroe Doctrine, advocating for solidarity among American nations and opposing European interference in the Americas.

Despite this principle, the United States sided with Britain during the Falklands War (referred to as the Malvinas War by Argentina) between the United Kingdom and Argentina. While this strengthened its alliance with Britain, it alienated Latin American nations and eroded their trust in America’s commitment to defending the interests of the Western Hemisphere. This contradiction illustrates a deviation from the Tong Ren hexagram’s ideal of selfless and equitable unity.

Line 6 (Top Nine): Limited Harmony in the Suburbs (同人于郊。无悔)
The Top Nine line reaches the pinnacle of the Tong Ren hexagram but remains within its bounds, not yet transcending to the state described as “in the wild.” Thus, this line refers to unity limited to the outskirts or the suburbs, rather than a broader, more inclusive harmony.

Top Nine, a strong yang line, stands distant from Six-Two and is not connected with Nine-Three. Its aspiration to align with Six-Two is blocked by the intervening strong lines of Nine-Three, Nine-Four, and Nine-Five. Consequently, the intention to achieve unity remains unfulfilled. Top Nine can only attain partial harmony in the nearby suburbs, stopping short of the ideal state of universal connection. This limitation results in “no regret” rather than full success.

Historical Example:
During the medieval period, Europe engaged in cultural and commercial exchanges with the East through intermediaries like the Arabs. However, the rise of the Ottoman Empire created a significant barrier, restricting Europe’s ability to connect with Eastern civilizations.

Before the discovery of new maritime trade routes, Western Europe lacked the means to bypass the Ottoman Empire’s control. This geopolitical obstacle prevented Europe from realizing its aspiration for closer unity and cultural exchange with the East, aligning with the restrained harmony described in the Top Nine line.