Structural Analysis, Meaning, and Philosophical Inquiry of the Hexagram Huotian Dayou (Fire Over Heaven)

Section 2: Discerning the Meaning of "Yuan Heng"

The phrase "Yuan Heng" has various interpretations in Pre-Qin Yi studies.

First, "Yuan" means Great, and "Heng" means Penetration. Thus, "Yuan Heng" means "Great Penetration." (元为大，亨为通。"元亨"即"大通"。)

This is the most common interpretation. The state symbolized by Da You is one of supreme greatness and maximal flourishing and penetration. All affairs proceed smoothly, all things are open, and everything prospers—this is the "Yuan Heng" of Da You.

Second, "Yuan" means Beginning, and "Heng" means Penetration. Thus, "Yuan Heng" means "Prosperous from the Beginning." (元为始，亨为通。"元亨"即"始则亨通"。)

The Wenyan Zhuan (Commentary on Words) explains Qian: "'Yuan' is the chief of all goodness; 'Heng' is the gathering of all that is auspicious" (元者，善之长也；亨者，嘉之会也). If we apply this to Da You’s "Yuan Heng," then "Yuan" is the beginning of all goodness, and "Heng" is the auspicious gathering. When Da You occurs, goodness begins and auspiciousness gathers, thus achieving Yuan Heng.

Third, "Yuan Heng" read together forms a complete judgment phrase. (元亨连读，为一完整之占断辞。)

In Pre-Qin divination formulas, "Yuan Heng" is a commonly seen auspicious phrase indicating the highest degree of flourishing. When Da You receives this auspicious judgment, it shows that the situation symbolized by this hexagram is extremely fortunate.

However, following "Yuan Heng," there is no mention of "Li Zhen" (Perseverance for Benefit), unlike the four virtues of the Qian hexagram ("Yuan Heng Li Zhen"). Why does Da You only speak of "Yuan Heng" and omit "Li Zhen"$13

One explanation: In the time of Da You, "Yuan Heng" is self-sufficient, and there is no need to add "Li Zhen" as a warning, as the virtue of Da You already encompasses the meaning of "Li Zhen."

Another explanation: In the time of Da You, although there is "Yuan Heng," it may not necessarily be able to maintain "Li Zhen"; it depends on the virtue of the actor. If one adheres to the righteous path, "Li Zhen" will naturally be present; if one becomes arrogant and indulgent, even "Yuan Heng" will eventually be lost.

A third explanation: The meaning of "Li Zhen" is already dispersed across the six line statements and need not be reiterated in the hexagram statement.

We believe the second explanation is the most reasonable. Although Da You speaks of "Yuan Heng," its essential spirit secretly contains the warning of "Li Zhen." For it is precisely at the peak of abundance that one is most likely to become arrogant, and most in need of guarding oneself with the righteous path. If one fails to uphold "Li Zhen," even "Yuan Heng" cannot long endure. This is why Da You is followed by the hexagram Qian (Humility), signifying that at the peak of possession, one must humble oneself.