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.
I. The Meaning of Dong (Action)
"Action" (Dong), contrasted with the preceding "Residing" (Ju), refers to the state of carrying out actions, making decisions, or confronting change.
In the context of the Zhou Yi, "Action" holds a special significance.
The Xì Cí Xia Zhuàn states:
"Regret and difficulty arise from action." (The phrase used is actually Ji Xiong Hui Lin 吉凶悔吝, auspiciousness, inauspiciousness, regret, and difficulty.)
"Regret and difficulty arise from action." (Ji Xiong Hui Lin zhe, sheng hu dong zhe ye. 吉凶悔吝者，生乎动者也。)
"Auspiciousness, inauspiciousness, regret, and difficulty"—all fortune, peril, regret, and difficulty—arise from "action." If one does not act, there is no fortune or misfortune; once one acts, fortune and misfortune emerge.
It also states:
"Firmness and yielding push each other, and change occurs within. Appending words to it names it; action is contained within it. Regret and difficulty arise from action."
"Dong zai qi zhong yi (动在其中矣)"—Action is contained within it. Action is implied within the transformation of the hexagram lines.
Why is "Action" so critical$15 Because in human life, one cannot remain forever in a state of "residing" without "acting." One must eat and take provisions, must tailor clothing, must travel when necessary, must stop when appropriate, must govern the family, and must manage the state—all human social activities are "action." And every "action" involves a choice between fortune and misfortune.
The Mencius, Li Lou II (离娄下):
"The difference between man and beasts is slight. The common people discard it this difference, but the Gentleman preserves it."
The distinction between man and beasts lies in man's ability to judge and choose before acting. The "observation of Changes and contemplation of Divinations" provided by the Yi is precisely the tool and method that helps the Gentleman make correct judgments when "acting."