Heaven Fire Tongren: Confucian-Daoist Dialogue and the Investigation of Ancient Spiritual Origins from a Pre-Qin Perspective
This article deeply examines the *Tian Huo Tong Ren* hexagram from the *I Ching*, contextualizing it within Pre-Qin Confucian and Daoist thought and ancient culture to sequentially analyze the implications of its trigrams, hexagram statement, and line statements. By differentiating between 'Sameness' (Tong) and 'Harmony' (He) and integrating the structural logic of the *Xu Gua Zhuan*, it explores the pivotal role of the *Tong Ren* hexagram in the transition from stagnation to prosperity, revealing the primordial wisdom of seeking Great Consensus amidst difference.
Section 4: Ancient Flood Myths and "Advantageous for Crossing the Great River"
The phrase "advantageous for crossing the great river" in the Tóng Rén hexagram statement also has rich echoes in ancient mythology.
The most famous ancient story of water crossing is undoubtedly Yu the Great controlling the floods (Dà Yǔ Zhì Shuǐ). A key factor in Yu the Great's success was his ability to unite the strength of all tribes—Tóng Rén—to collectively resist the flood.
The Book of Documents (Gāo Yáo Mó) records Yu's words:
"I traveled on four kinds of conveyances, cutting paths through the forests. I assisted Yi in presenting the various rare foods. I dredged the nine rivers and led them to the four seas. I cleared the channels and ditches, leading them to the rivers. I assisted Ji in sowing, and presented the various rare foods. I skillfully exchanged goods and moved residences. The people finally had grain, and the myriad states were ordered." (予乘四载，随山刊木。暨益奏庶鲜食。予决九川，距四海。浚畎浍，距川。暨稷播，奏庶艰食鲜食。懋迁有无化居。烝民乃粒，万邦作乂。)
Yu traveled on four conveyances (carts, boats, sleds, litters), cutting paths through the mountains, dredging the nine rivers to the four seas—this is precisely the feat of "crossing the great river." And in this process, Yi assisted with hunting, and Ji assisted with sowing—everyone had their duties and utilized their abilities—this is the practice of Tóng Rén.
The story of Yu controlling the floods tells us: facing immense challenges like floods, the strength of one person is insufficient; one must "accord with others" (tóng rén)—unite the strength of all people. And to unite all people, one needs a leader like Yu the Great—who prioritized the world, held righteousness paramount, and set an example through self-discipline—"wearing out his body and scorching his mind, spending thirteen years outside his home without daring to enter his door." Yu is the archetype of the "noble man" in "advantageous for the noble man to persevere."