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.
Appendix 1: Divination Methods and Applications of the Da You Hexagram
Pre-Qin divination was centered on the Zhou Yi. The application of the Da You hexagram in actual divination can be discussed from several aspects.
I. The General Meaning of Obtaining the Da You Hexagram
Whenever the Da You hexagram is obtained (with no changing lines, or six changing lines), the general meaning is: extremely auspicious and beneficial, all affairs will flourish. However, one must guard it with virtue and not become arrogant.
II. Divinatory Meanings of Each Line Change
Initial Nine changes: Da You transforms into Qian (☰, Heaven) which is the counter change for Kun. The text states: "If strenuous, there is no blame" (艰则无咎). The change results in Lu (䷏, Mountain over Heaven, ☶☰). At the initial stage, one must be humble and self-guarding, like a traveler abroad, dealing with matters arduously and cautiously.
Nine Two changes: Da You transforms into Li (☲, Fire) over Li (☲, Fire), the hexagram Li (䷍→☲☲). The brightness above is added to the brightness below, resulting in extreme radiance. When there is a place to go (action), it is appropriate as a great cart carrying loads.
Nine Three changes: Da You transforms into Kua (䅾, Lake over Heaven, ☱☰). This is the example cited in the Zuo Zhuan, Xi Gong 25. "The noble lord feasts with the Son of Heaven"—auspicious.
Nine Four changes: If Nine Four changes from Yang to Yin, the upper trigram Li changes to Xun (☴, Wind). The resulting hexagram is Xiao Chu (䷁, Wind over Heaven, ☴☰). One should restrain arrogance and accumulate small resources.
Six Five changes: If Six Five changes from Yin to Yang, it becomes Nine Five. The resulting hexagram is Qian (☰, Heaven) over Qian (☰, Heaven), the hexagram Qian. Extreme firmness is achieved; one must guard against the danger of overreaching.
Upper Nine changes: If Upper Nine changes from Yang to Yin, the upper trigram Li changes to Zhen (☳, Thunder). The resulting hexagram is Da Zhuang (䷁, Thunder over Heaven, ☳☰). Having received Heaven's assistance, one’s prestige and power greatly increase, but one must guard against the drawbacks of excessive firmness.
III. Inspiration from Pre-Qin Divination Examples
The divination example "Guai of Da You" in the Zuo Zhuan, Xi Gong 25, inspires several principles for Pre-Qin divination:
One, the line statement of the changing line serves as the core basis for judgment. Two, the image of the resulting hexagram serves as auxiliary reference. Three, comprehensive judgment must be integrated with the matter being divined.
These principles of divination can be extended to other scenarios involving changing lines in the Da You hexagram.