The Essence of the Xici Shangzhuan: A Philosophical Inquiry into the Junzi's Settled Peace and the Order of the Yijing
This article offers a deep reading of the core proposition in the Xici Shangzhuan — 'What the junzi dwells in and finds peace in is the order of the Yi' — integrating the pre-Qin context, the Confucian scholarly lineage, and the structure of the Zhouyi to elucidate how the junzi, by embodying the Way of Heaven and Earth, takes the Yi as the foundation of settled existence, contemplates the images and savors the statements, and ultimately attains the state of 'auspiciousness with nothing unfavorable.'
Chapter Eleven: Deeper Questions
Why do humans need to "dwell in peace"$10 Unlike animals who act by instinct, humans possess self-awareness, knowledge of death, and the question of meaning — producing spiritual unease. The order of the Yi provides the ultimate basis for spiritual rest.
Why the Yi and not other classics$11 The Liji says: "Pure, tranquil, subtle, and precise — that is the instruction of the Yi." Other classics govern specific domains (emotion, history, norms, harmony, evaluation), but the Yi reveals the most universal, fundamental, and constant patterns — the waxing and waning of yin and yang, unceasing change — sufficient as the ultimate basis for "dwelling in peace."
Can everyone attain this state$12 In theory yes, since "what Heaven helps is what accords" and Heaven is not partial. In practice it is very difficult, since "the common people use it daily without knowing it — thus the Way of the junzi is rarely attained."
Does Heaven truly "aid" people$13 The Xici Zhuan's position lies between the personal deity of high antiquity and the natural law of Master Xun ("The operations of Heaven have their constancy — they do not exist for Yao, nor do they cease for Jie"). It holds that Heaven has its Way; when humans accord with it, the Heavenly Way naturally aids them — finding a subtle balance between superstition and nihilism.
Does this passage still matter$14 "All under Heaven reach the same destination though by different roads" (Xici Shangzhuan) — the fundamental patterns the Yi reveals transcend any specific historical backdrop.