Structural Analysis, Meaning, and Philosophical Inquiry of the Hexagram Huotian Dayou (Fire Over Heaven)
This article systematically investigates the fourteenth hexagram of the *I Ching*, *Huotian Dayou*, analyzing its structure (Li over Qian), delineating the rich connotations of 'Great Possession,' and interpreting its principle of 'One Softness in Supremacy Responded to by Five Yangs' through the lens of Pre-Qin texts, thereby revealing its profound significance in ancient political philosophy.
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.