A Study of the Structure, Philosophical Principles, and Philosophy of Hexagram Huo Tian Da You (Fire over Heaven, Great Possession)
This article systematically investigates the fourteenth hexagram of the Yijing, 'Fire over Heaven — Great Possession' (Huo Tian Da You), analyzing its trigram structure of Li above Qian below, elucidating the rich connotations of 'Great Possession,' and drawing upon pre-Qin literature to expound the principle of 'one yielding line in the place of honor, five firm lines responding to it' — the way of grand virtue and great enterprise — revealing its profound significance in ancient political philosophy.
Chapter Nine: Hexagram Da You and Pre-Qin Ethical Thought
Section 1: Benevolence and Righteousness
Six in the Fifth embodies benevolence — establishing itself and others, advancing itself and others. Nine in the Third embodies righteousness — dedicating possessions to the public. Initial Nine embodies forbearance — enduring small matters to accomplish great plans. Nine in the Fourth embodies deference — close to the sovereign yet not contending.
Section 2: Loyalty and Trust
Six in the Fifth's sincerity is the sovereign's trust. Nine in the Second's great-cart service is the minister's loyalty. Top Nine's "treading in trust and thinking of compliance" is trust embodied in action. Without loyalty and trust, above and below become estranged and Great Possession collapses.
Section 3: Centrality and Harmony
The Guoyu — Zheng Yu records Historian Bo: "Harmony actually produces things; uniformity cannot continue." Da You combines one yin with five yang — harmony rather than uniformity. The Lunyu — Zi Lu: "The noble person is harmonious but not uniform." When centrality and harmony are perfected, "heaven and earth take their proper positions and all things are nourished."