Cosmological Construction and Rational Essence of the Original Functions of the *Book of Changes* Based on Divination Tracing

Section 2.1: Pre-Qin Interpretations of the Three Meanings of "Yi"

What is the meaning of "Yi" (易)$14 This question itself is the key to understanding the original function of the Zhouyi.

In pre-Qin literature, the character "Yi" carries at least three meanings: changeability, immutability, and simplicity. These three meanings are not later fabrications, but are deeply rooted in the original semantics of the character "Yi."

First, changeability (变易). This is the most core meaning of "Yi." The Xici Zhuan (Part Lower) states:

"As for the Yi, it cannot be far from us, for it is the Way that repeatedly shifts. It moves and does not remain still, flows through the six realms, is without constancy above or below, with hardness and softness interchanging. It cannot be taken as a fixed rule; it adapts to what is appropriate."

This passage is heavy with meaning. "It cannot be taken as a fixed rule; it adapts to what is appropriate" (不可为典要，唯变所适)—the Way of Yi is not a set of fixed rules, but a following and depiction of change itself. It is not static knowledge, but dynamic wisdom. If the purpose of the Zhouyi were merely to divine good or ill fortune, why emphasize "cannot be taken as a fixed rule"$15 Divination precisely requires "fixed rules"—fixed corresponding rules to judge good or ill fortune. But "it adapts to what is appropriate" (唯变所适) clearly points to a perception and insight into the very laws of change.

Second, immutability (不易). Amidst change, there are things that remain unchanged. The Xici Zhuan (Part Upper) states:

"The Yi has the Supreme Ultimate (Taiji, 太极), which generates the Two Modes (Liangyi, 两仪). The Two Modes generate the Four Images (Si Xiang, 四象). The Four Images generate the Eight Trigrams (Ba Gua, 八卦)."

Taiji—the source of all transformations, the root of all changes—is itself unchanging. What changes are the waxing and waning of Yin and Yang, the passage of the four seasons, and the birth and death of all things. What is unchanging is the fundamental law that governs this change. "Immutability" reveals the constancy of cosmic order. Divination does not need to concern itself with the constant cosmic order—it only cares about specific questions like "Will it rain tomorrow$16" or "Can this battle be won$17" The existence of the meaning of "immutability" indicates that the Zhouyi is concerned with something far grander than specific events.

Third, simplicity (简易). The Xici Zhuan (Part Upper) states:

"Qian (乾) is easily understood; Kun (坤) is simply executed. When understood, it is easy to follow; when simple, it is easy to obey. When easy to follow, there is closeness; when easy to obey, there is accomplishment. When there is closeness, it can be long-lasting; when there is accomplishment, it can be great. When it can be long-lasting, it is the virtue of the sage; when it can be great, it is the enterprise of the sage. Through simplicity and ease, the principles of the world are understood. When the principles of the world are understood, one occupies one's proper place within them."

This passage is particularly crucial. "Through simplicity and ease, the principles of the world are understood" (易简而天下之理得矣)—the simplicity of Yi aims to "understand the principles of the world" (得天下之理). Not "obtain good or ill fortune in the world," not "know the misfortunes and blessings of tomorrow," but "obtain principles" (得理). This is a philosophical, cognitive pursuit. And "occupy one's proper place within them" (成位乎其中矣) further clarifies: by understanding the principles of Yi, humans can find their place between Heaven and Earth—this is an existential settlement, not a utilitarian pursuit of advantage or avoidance of harm.