Section 3: Discerning the Meaning of "Da You"

The term "Da You" (Great Possession), as the name of a hexagram in the Zhou Yi, carries rich implications, leading to varied interpretations throughout history. We shall analyze it from several perspectives.

First, what does "Da" (Great) mean$8

The character "Da" has multiple usages in the Zhou Yi. It can refer to the scale of something, as in Da Chu (Great Accumulation) and Da Zhuang (Great Might); it can refer to the greatness of character, as in Da Guo (Great Excess); and it can refer to the magnitude of effect, as in Da You.

Regarding the Da You hexagram, "Da" possesses at least three layers of meaning:

One, greatness of scale. Da You means possessing things that are numerous and vast. Like a sovereign possessing the realm, or someone owning boundless wealth—this is greatness of scale.

Two, greatness of quality. Da You is not small possession or partial possession, but the possession of great virtue and great enterprise. The Xi Ci Zhuan states: "The utmost of great virtue and great enterprise! Possessing abundance is called great enterprise; renewing daily is called flourishing virtue" (盛德大业至矣哉！富有之谓大业，日新之谓盛德). Interpreting "great enterprise" as "possessing abundance" aligns perfectly with the meaning of Da You.

Three, greatness of state or realm. Da You is not the possession of a single object or event, but a state where the entirety possesses, where nothing is lacking. Heaven covers all things without omission; the Sun shines upon all directions without selfishness. This is the state of Da You.

Second, what does "You" (Possess/Have) mean$9

The character "You" also has rich meanings in Pre-Qin texts.

The Erya, Shigu states: "You means to take" (有，取也). Shuowen Jiezi states: "You means something that one ought not to have" (有，不宜有也). Duan Yucai’s commentary suggests the original meaning of "You" is "to hold/possess."

However, in the Da You hexagram of the Zhou Yi, how should "You" be interpreted$10

One, occupation or possession. This is the most direct meaning. Da You means possessing greatly, having abundant possessions.

Two, maintenance or preservation. After possessing something, the key is whether one can maintain it long-term. The deeper meaning of Da You is not just "gaining possession," but "preserving possession."

Three, abundance or richness. "You" is synonymous with "Fu" (Rich). Da You means great richness. However, this "richness" refers not only to material wealth but also to richness in virtue, talent, and achievement.

Four, existence or manifestation. All things exist, each having its proper place and fulfilling its nature. All things under heaven find their proper station—this is the ultimate meaning of Da You.

Third, viewing "Da You" together.

When the two characters are combined, the meaning is: to possess the widest possible enterprise through the utmost virtue; to govern the greatest multitude of things through the highest position. All under heaven turn their hearts to it, and all things flourish—the ultimate state of richness and abundance.

The Xuguazhuan (Commentary on the Hexagram Sequence) states: "Those who are in accord with others will surely attract things to them, therefore it is followed by Da You" (与人同者，物必归焉，故受之以大有). This explains the origin of Da You. Tong Ren (Harming with Others) precedes Da You. Tong Ren means sharing the same heart and virtue with others. When one can share heart and virtue with others, all things under heaven will naturally come to rely upon him, thus achieving Da You. The logic of this sequence is extremely precise.

Why is it that "those who are in accord with others will surely attract things to them"$11 Because what people share in their hearts corresponds to the principle of Heaven. Those who share hearts with others will gladly submit; those who share virtue with others will be moved to respond. It is like water flowing downwards or fire seeking dryness—a principle of nature. The Lunyu, Yan Yuan, records Confucius saying: "The virtue of the superior man is like the wind; the virtue of the petty man is like the grass. When the wind blows over the grass, it must bend" (君子之德风，小人之德草。草上之风，必偃). The influence of moral cultivation is of this nature.

Therefore, the naming of Da You encompasses both the meaning of "possessing greatness" (You Qi Da) and "making great one's possessions" (Da Qi You). "Possessing greatness" means the things possessed are immense; "making great one's possessions" means the manner of possession is great. It is not taken by force, but achieved by virtue; not possessed privately, but shared publicly; not held exclusively, but embraced broadly. This is why Da You is Da You.