An Analysis of the Structure, Ethics, and Ontology of the 'Jia Ren' Hexagram in the Zhou Yi

Section 2: Basic Meaning of the Kuí Hexagram

The hexagram statement ($\text{guà cí}$) for Kuí (Fire over Lake, $\text{☲}$ below $\text{☱}$ above) is:

"Kuí: Auspicious in small matters."

Its Tuan Zhuan states:

"In Kuí, Fire moves upward, and the Lake moves downward. Two women dwelling together, their intentions do not follow the same path... Though Heaven and Earth diverge, their functions are the same; though man and woman diverge, their intentions communicate; though the myriad things diverge, their functions are similar. How great is the utility of divergence when the time is right!"

"Two women dwelling together, their intentions do not follow the same path" ($\text{èr nǚ tóng jū, qí zhì bù tóng xíng}$): Two women (Li is the middle daughter, Dui is the youngest daughter) living together, yet each has her own goals. This is one situation that can arise in a family: family members live under the same roof, but each harbors separate thoughts and acts according to their own will—this is "Kuí" (divergence).

However, the conclusion of the Tuan Zhuan is thought-provoking: "Though Heaven and Earth diverge, their functions are the same... Though the myriad things diverge, their functions are similar." Difference (Kuí) does not necessarily mean opposition. Difference can be complementary, a basis for collaboration. The differences among family members (different personalities, interests, views) do not necessarily lead to conflict—as long as "their intentions communicate" (their fundamental inner goals are aligned), divergence can become a source of richness and vitality, rather than contradiction and conflict.