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.
II. The Profound Meaning of Wan (Contemplate/Play with)
The character Wan (玩) often carries a connotation of "not serious" or "casual" in modern colloquial Chinese. However, in the Pre-Qin context, its meaning is much richer and deeper.
The Shuo Wen Jie Zi says: "Wan, to play with." Duan Yucai’s annotation extends this to mean "to repeatedly study and practice" (xi wan 习翫), that is, to repeatedly study, handle, and deeply savor.
In Pre-Qin texts, Wan has the following layers of meaning:
(I) Repeated Study and Deep Savoring
For example, as recorded in the Zuo Zhuan, 21st Year of Duke Xiang (襄公二十一年), Ji Wuzi wanted to take Bian, and used the Zhou Yi for divination. This process of repeated use and verification is a form of Wan.
(II) Deep Handling and Appreciation
Just as a person handles a piece of fine jade, observing and touching it from every angle, appreciating its texture, color, and temperature. When the Gentleman "contemplates" (Wan) the Line Judgments, he too deeply understands and appreciates their meaning from every angle and at every level.
(III) An Unhurried Attitude
Wan also suggests a demeanor that is calm and unhurried. It is not about seeking answers with immediate gain in mind, but about immersing oneself leisurely and contentedly in the process of study and savoring.
Combining Le and Wan—"delights and contemplates" (Le er Wan)—describes a spiritual state that is simultaneously joyful and thorough, enjoyable and serious, relaxed and focused. This perfectly matches the state Confucius described when studying the Yi.
Analects, Shu Er (述而):
"The Master said: 'If you give me a few more years, and I study the Yi until fifty, I might avoid great error.'"
Another version states:
"The Master said: 'Give me a few more years, and if so, I might become thoroughly accomplished in the Yi.'"
"Thoroughly accomplished" (Bin Bin 彬彬) means having a balance between substance and refinement, achieving unity between knowledge and action. This fervent desire to master the Yi is precisely the embodiment of "delighting and contemplating."