A Study of the Structure, Philosophical Principles, and Philosophy of Hexagram Huo Tian Da You (Fire over Heaven, Great Possession)
This article systematically investigates the fourteenth hexagram of the Yijing, 'Fire over Heaven — Great Possession' (Huo Tian Da You), analyzing its trigram structure of Li above Qian below, elucidating the rich connotations of 'Great Possession,' and drawing upon pre-Qin literature to expound the principle of 'one yielding line in the place of honor, five firm lines responding to it' — the way of grand virtue and great enterprise — revealing its profound significance in ancient political philosophy.
Chapter Eight: Hexagram Da You and Pre-Qin Thought on Governance
Section 1: Da You and the Kingly Way
Master Meng: "One who uses force while feigning benevolence is a hegemon. ... One who uses virtue to make people submit — they submit with joyful hearts and genuine sincerity." Da You's Six in the Fifth, through yielding virtue in the place of honor with all five yang returning in allegiance, is precisely the image of the Kingly Way.
Section 2: Da You and People as Foundation
The Shangshu — Wu Zi Zhi Ge: "The people are the foundation of the state; when the foundation is firm, the state is peaceful." Da You's "possession" includes the people's possession. Master Meng: "Taking joy with all under heaven, grieving with all under heaven — one who does this and does not become king has never existed."
Section 3: Da You and Esteeming the Worthy
The Mozi — Shang Xian Shang: "The great person's task lies simply in multiplying the worthy." Da You's five yang lines represent five worthy talents in their proper positions. The way of esteeming the worthy: recognize, employ, trust, honor, and reward.
Section 4: Da You and the Mandate of Heaven
The mandate of Heaven is not constant; it assists only virtue. Da You's "responding to Heaven and acting with the time" is actively cultivating virtue to respond to Heaven's mandate. The Zuozhuan quotes three sayings from the Zhou Shu: "August Heaven has no favorites; it assists only the virtuous." "Millet grain is not what is fragrant; bright virtue alone is fragrant." "The people do not value things; they value only virtue."
Section 5: Da You and Ritual-Music Civilization
Da You's upper Li represents civilized brightness. The six lines each have their "role" — this assignment of roles is the spirit of ritual. Li's beauty corresponds to music's harmony; Qian's order corresponds to ritual's distinctions. Da You itself symbolizes the unity of ritual and music.