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 Eleven: Comparative Study of Da You with Other Hexagrams
Section 1: Da You and Modesty — Flourishing and Restraint
The Tuan Zhuan on Modesty: "The Way of Heaven diminishes the full and augments the modest; the Way of Earth transforms the full and flows toward the modest; ghosts and spirits harm the full and bless the modest; the Way of Humanity detests the full and favors the modest." Da You followed by Modesty: flourishing yet practicing modesty prevents waning.
Section 2: Da You and Pi — Penetration and Blockage
Da You: "supremely successful." Pi: the utmost of blockage. Da You communicates above and below; Pi cuts them off. Transformation from Pi to Da You requires expelling petty persons, employing the worthy, and connecting above and below through the yielding center.
Section 3: Da You and Ding — Two Images of Abundance
Both have Li above. Da You's scale is greater (fire illuminating all under heaven); Ding's function is more specific (nourishing the worthy). Da You is the substance; Ding is the function.
Section 4: Da You and Yu — Possession and Joy
The Xugua Zhuan: "Those who possess greatly and can be modest must have enthusiasm." First possess, then be modest, then rejoice — three indispensable steps. Delight without first practicing modesty is arrogant extravagance; only delight born from modesty is correct and enduring.