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.
VI. "Treading on trustworthiness, one contemplates compliance, and further honors the worthy."
"Treading on trustworthiness" (Lü Xin 履信)—to practice trust and integrity. "Contemplating compliance" (Si Hu Shun 思乎顺)—to keep compliance with the Way of Heaven constantly in mind. "Further honors the worthy" (You Yi Shang Xian ye 又以尚贤也)—and moreover, to esteem the capable.
These three elements—Trustworthiness, Compliance, and Honoring the Worthy—constitute the three conditions for receiving Heaven's aid and Man's assistance.
(I) Why "Tread on Trustworthiness"$36
Lü (履) means to tread or practice. It means not just thinking of Xin in the heart, but practicing it actively in one's actions.
There is the Lü (Treading) Hexagram in the Zhou Yi (Heaven over Marsh):
"Treading on the tail of a tiger, it does not bite one—Success."
Treading on a tiger's tail without being bitten—why is this possible$37 Because "the yielding treads on the firm" (Lü zhe Rou Lü Gang ye 履者柔履刚也) (Commentary on the Judgment)—by adopting a yielding attitude toward a firm entity, one can avert danger even in a perilous situation.
"Treading on trustworthiness" means taking "Trustworthiness" as the standard for conduct—every step taken is solid, consistent, and reliable.
(II) Why "Contemplate Compliance"$38
Si (思) means to constantly keep in mind. Shun (Compliance) has been discussed earlier.
"Contemplating compliance" is inwardly connected to "residing and finding ease." "Residing and finding ease" is the result—spiritual stability; "Contemplating compliance" is the method—constantly bearing in mind alignment with the Heavenly Way. Because one constantly "contemplates compliance," one can "reside and find ease."
(III) Why "Honor the Worthy"$39
"Honoring the Worthy" (Shang Xian) is an important political proposition in Pre-Qin thought.
The Mozi, Shang Xian states:
"Therefore, the Sages and Kings of antiquity, when establishing governance, ranked Virtue and esteemed the Worthy. Even among farmers and craftsmen, if they possessed ability, they were promoted. They were given high ranks, heavy stipends, entrusted with affairs, and granted authority to command."
Although the Mohists differed from the Confucians, "honoring the worthy" was a value esteemed by all Pre-Qin schools.
In the context of the Zhou Yi, why does "honoring the worthy" earn Heaven's assistance$40 Because "honoring the worthy" means not using people based on personal likes or dislikes, but judging them based on their talent and virtue—this in itself is a manifestation of "compliance," conforming to the natural order of talent.
The Upper Nine line of the Da You Hexagram is at the highest position overall. Although it is a Yang line occupying a Yin position (improperly positioned), it can "interact below" with Six Five (the Yin line in the honored position), forming a harmonious relationship where the firm assists the yielding, and the strong supports the weak. Six Five is yielding yet central and humble; Upper Nine is firm yet high and not arrogant—this embodies "honoring the worthy."