Chapter 5: Comparative Study of Hexagram Transformations, Counterparts, Intersections, and Complements of Da You

Section 1: The Principles of Hexagram Transformation

From which hexagrams can Da You be transformed$23 This question involves the principles of transformation.

First, transformation from Qian (☰). The Qian hexagram consists of six Yang lines. If five lines change to Yin, it becomes Da You. This explains that the source of Da You is pure Yang Qian, which transforms into Da You’s structure of Yang with one Yin through the transformation of one line. The pure firmness of Qian transforms into the balanced mix of firmness and yielding in Da You—this is evolution.

Second, transformation from Bi (☷☵). The Bi hexagram (Kun above Kan below) is the Counter Hexagram (Cuo Gua) of Da You; a complete inversion of Yin/Yang results in Da You. The transformation from attachment/clinging in Bi to great possession in Da You signifies a transformation from clinging below to great possession above—a transformation of principle.

Third, transformation from Tong Ren (☲☰). Tong Ren (Qian above Li below) when inverted becomes Da You (Li above Qian below). Tong Ren is the Complementary Hexagram (Zong Gua) of Da You; inversion of up and down results in the transformation. The shift is from the harmony of Tong Ren to the abundance of Da You—this is the logic of the hexagram sequence.

Fourth, transformation from Da Zhuang (☳☰). Da Zhuang (Zhen above Qian below) requires four lines to change to approximate Da You. This is merely a theoretical derivation; actual hexagram transformations are not always so direct.

Section 2: The Principle of the Complementary Hexagram—Da You and Tong Ren

The Complementary Hexagram (Zong Gua) of Da You is Tong Ren. Da You (Li above Qian below) inverted becomes Qian above Li below, which is Tong Ren.

These two hexagrams are mutually complementary, and their relationship is extremely close.

Tong Ren means sharing the same heart and virtue with others. Li is below and Qian is above. The virtue of civilization is internal, and the action of firmness is external. It means sharing the same heart and virtue with the world through a civilized mind.

Da You means achieving great possession through the virtue of Tong Ren. Li is above and Qian is below. The virtue of civilization is external, and the action of firmness is internal. By carrying out the function of civilization with a firm structure, one can greatly possess the realm.

The relationship between the two hexagrams is like an inside and outside: Tong Ren is the inside, Da You is the outside; Tong Ren is the cause, Da You is the result. Without the virtue of Tong Ren, the enterprise of Da You cannot be achieved.

This is like the saying in the Shangshu, Tai Shi Zhong: "Those who share strength examine virtue; those who share virtue examine righteousness" (同力度德，同德度义). Those who share strength assess virtue; those who share virtue assess righteousness. One must first have the virtue of Tong Ren, then achieve the enterprise of Da You.

Section 3: The Principle of the Counter Hexagram—Da You and Bi

The Counter Hexagram (Cuo Gua) of Da You is Bi.

Da You: Initial Nine, Nine Two, Nine Three, Nine Four, Six Five, Upper Nine. Bi: Six Initial, Six Two, Six Three, Six Four, Nine Five, Upper Six.

The Yin/Yang nature of the two hexagrams is completely opposite. Da You has one Yin line among five Yangs; Bi has one Yang line among five Yins.

The ruler line of Da You is Six Five (Yin); the ruler line of Bi is Nine Five (Yang). Da You governs the firm with yieldingness; Bi governs the yielding with firmness. Both are structures of one Yin among five Yangs or one Yang among five Yins, but their positions are reversed, so their Dao is also different.

Yet, they share a commonality: both feature one ruling five, one controlling the many, and both acting according to the Middle Way. The Sixth Line Five of Da You achieves "sincerity mutually felt" (jue fu jiao ru), and the Nine Five of Bi achieves "manifest attachment" (xian bi); both rely on sincerity to govern the masses. This shows that although Yin and Yang are counterposed, the principles are interconnected.

Section 4: The Principle of the Intersecting Hexagram—Da You Intersects with Guai

The Intersecting Hexagram (Hu Gua) of Da You is Guai (☱☰, Dui over Qian).

Guai means to break through, sternly breaking the yielding. Five Yangs break through one Yin.

The inclusion of the Guai image within Da You implies that Da You secretly contains the potential for decisive action. The flourishing of Da You cannot lack the power of decision. If faced with treachery or wickedness, one must decisively eliminate it to maintain the state of Da You.

This aligns with the purport of the Xiang Zhuan's "stopping evil and promoting good"—"stopping evil" requires the power of decision; one cannot be irresolute. The presence of Guai within Da You precisely provides this power of decision.

Furthermore, the upper trigram of Guai is Dui (☱), which means delight or satisfaction. The inclusion of Dui in Da You indicates that in the time of Da You, the people are joyful. In times of great abundance, the populace is harmonious and joyful, which is the image of Dui.