The Essence of the 'Great Treatise A': A Philosophical Inquiry into the Gentleman's Establishment of Life and the Order of the *Yi*
This article deeply interprets the core proposition from the 'Great Treatise A'—'That which the gentleman dwells in and finds peace is the order of the *Yi*.' It examines how the gentleman, by internalizing the Way of Heaven and Earth and utilizing the *Book of Changes* as the foundation for establishing his life, achieves a state of 'auspiciousness without detriment' through observing the images and contemplating the textual explanations, situated within the Pre-Qin context and the Confucian tradition.
III. How "Contemplating Words" Relates to Self-Cultivation
How does "contemplating Words" (Wan Ci) connect to self-cultivation$21
The Line Judgments contain extensive guidance regarding conduct—when to advance, when to retreat, what actions invite disaster, and what actions bring good fortune.
For example:
- Qian Hexagram, Third Nine: "The Gentleman strives constantly throughout the day; in the evening he is fearful as if in peril; no blame." —One must be diligent all day, and even at dusk remain vigilant as if facing danger, only then will there be no blame.
- Kun Hexagram, Second Six: "Straight, square, and large; without studied effort, nothing is disadvantageous." —(Possessing the virtue of being) straight, proper, and vast; without deliberate practice, nothing is disadvantageous.
- Song Hexagram, Initial Six: "If one does not pursue the matter for long, there will be slight criticism, but ultimately, it is auspicious." —Do not engage in prolonged contention; although there may be some critical words, ultimately it is auspicious.
- Shi Hexagram, Third Six: "The army may carry corpses back; disaster." —The army may return carrying corpses (if the general commands poorly, the expedition will fail).
- Sun Hexagram, Initial Nine: "Having concluded the affair, depart quickly; no blame. Determine the measure of diminishing." —Once the matter is settled, depart swiftly; no blame, but one should measure how much to diminish.
These Line Judgments contain behavioral guidance that is not abstract moralizing but specific advice for concrete situations. By repeatedly "contemplating" (Wan) these Words, the Gentleman internalizes the correct modes of conduct for various scenarios. When he actually encounters these situations, he naturally makes the right choices.
This is like a martial artist who repeatedly practices various forms and moves during his quiet time ("observing Images and contemplating Words during residing") so that he can use them flexibly during combat ("observing Changes and contemplating Divinations when acting").