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 Twelve: The Way of Da You — General Conclusion and Summary
Section 1: Core Principles
Eight core principles: (1) govern the firm with yielding, (2) firm and bright, (3) the way of great centrality, (4) curb evil and promote good, (5) comply with Heaven's beneficent mandate, (6) tread in trust and think of compliance, (7) esteem and employ the worthy, (8) flourishing yet capable of modesty.
Section 2: Position in Intellectual History
Da You receives "yuan heng" alongside Qian and Kun. Its six lines contain no misfortune or regret. It provides the theoretical summary of pre-Qin sage-kings' governance, a complete ethical system, and the most concentrated exposition of "August Heaven has no favorites; it assists only the virtuous."
Section 3: Methodological Reflections
Five methods employed: (1) explaining the canon through the canon, (2) verifying the canon through history, (3) mutual corroboration through multiple texts, (4) asking "why" extensively, (5) comparative study.
Section 4: The Eternal Value of Da You
The Way of Da You addresses fundamental questions any society must face: how to govern, maintain, develop, preserve, and obtain aid. Its principles — governing through virtue, combining firmness and yielding, curbing evil and promoting good, complying with Heaven, sincerity as foundation, honoring the worthy, flourishing yet modest — are universally valid across all places and ages.
The Xici Shangzhuan says: "The Yi is commensurate with heaven and earth; therefore it can comprehensively encompass the Way of heaven and earth." Da You's six lines combine the Three Powers: Top Nine accords with Heaven's Way, Six in the Fifth practices Humanity's Way, Initial Nine guards Earth's Way. Heaven, Earth, and Humanity penetrating through — this is the grand architecture of the Way of Da You.