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: The Heaven-Fire Relationship from the Perspective of the Five Phases Generation and Overcoming Cycles
In Pre-Qin Yin-Yang and Five Phases theory, Heaven belongs to Metal (Qian is Metal), and Fire overcomes Metal. From the perspective of the Five Phases cycle of generation and overcoming, there seems to be a relationship of overcoming between Li (Fire) and Qian (Metal)—Fire overcomes Metal. Why then is a combination that includes overcoming named "Tóng Rén"—harmony and gathering$47
This question touches upon a deeper aspect of Pre-Qin Five Phases thought. Although the Five Phases chapter of the Guanzi presents a systematic discussion of the phases, its philosophical roots trace back even earlier. The generation and overcoming relationships between the Five Phases are not merely antagonistic but can also represent a balance under constraint. The "overcoming" of Fire over Metal does not necessarily mean destruction; it can mean "tempering"—only through the fire's refinement can metal become a useful tool. The Guanzi states:
"Metal is born from Earth... The Way of Metal is punishment and execution... The Way of Fire is clear illumination." (管子·五行: 金生于土……金之道刑杀……火之道明照。)
Fire brings clear illumination, and Metal brings execution/order. In the Tóng Rén hexagram, Li (Fire) is below and Qian (Metal) is above. Fire tempers from below, and Metal is refined above—is this not an allegory for the Way of Tóng Rén$48 True Tóng Rén is not a state of amiable consensus devoid of friction and conflict, but a higher harmony achieved through conflict and tempering.
This point deeply resonates with Yan Ying’s distinction between Hé and Tóng in the Zuo Zhuan (20th Year of Duke Zhao). Yan Ying’s "harmony is like a soup" suggests that various different, even opposing, seasonings interact, stimulate, and check each other to ultimately create delicious flavor—this is Hé within "overcoming."