Structure, Ethics, and Ontology of the Jiaren (Family) Hexagram in the Zhouyi
This article offers a deep exploration of the philosophical significance of Hexagram 37 'Jiaren' (Family) in the Zhouyi (Book of Changes), analyzing the relationship between the Wind-over-Fire trigram image and the Way of the family, and elucidating the foundational status of 'family' in ancient social structures through pre-Qin Confucian thought on 'roots' (ben) as found in Confucius, Mencius, and the Great Learning.
Chapter Thirteen: A Paired Reading of the Jiaren and Kui Hexagrams
The Jiaren (No. 37) and Kui (No. 38) hexagrams are each other's inverted hexagrams. "When the family Way reaches its extreme, estrangement inevitably follows."
The Kui hexagram's Tuanzhuan reveals: difference does not equal opposition. "Heaven and Earth are estranged, yet their work is the same. Man and woman are estranged, yet their wills communicate." Differences among family members can be complementary rather than conflictual.
The deterioration from Jiaren to Kui proceeds through four steps: loss of constancy, loss of correctness, loss of sincerity, and loss of love. But this process is reversible: restoring sincerity, love, order, and rules can transform Kui back into Jiaren. Maintaining the family Way is a continuous process, not a once-and-for-all achievement.