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

Section 2: "Ming Yi" and "Jia Ren": A Dialectic of Darkness and Light

The Ming Yi hexagram (Earth over Fire) and the Jia Ren hexagram (Wind over Fire) both contain Li (Fire). However, in Ming Yi, Li is below and Kun (Earth) is above—the light is covered by the Earth, symbolizing light being wounded. In Jia Ren, Li is below and Xun (Wind) is above—the light is within, and wind is without, symbolizing light generating the wind of education from within.

This contrast reveals a profound principle: The same "Fire" (brightness) has completely different circumstances and functions in different environments (Kun vs. Xun). In the environment of Ming Yi (Kun—darkness, suppression), the light is suppressed and wounded. In the environment of Jia Ren (Xun—softness, penetration), the light can freely exert its educational function. "Home" provides a space where light can shine freely. When the outside world becomes dark (Ming Yi), light must retreat to its "abyss" (home) to preserve itself and await opportunity.

This understanding resonates deeply with Laozi's thought:

"If you want to shrink it, you must first expand it; if you want to weaken it, you must first strengthen it; if you want to abolish it, you must first promote it; if you want to take it, you must first give it. This is called subtle brightness. The soft overcomes the hard. Fish cannot leave the deep water; the sharp weapons of the state cannot be shown to people." (Daodejing, Chapter 36)

"Fish cannot leave the deep water"—similarly, light cannot leave its root. "Home" is the "deep water" of light—the underlying environment that allows light to survive. When the outside world becomes dark (Ming Yi), light needs to retreat to its "abyss" (home) to preserve itself and wait for the right time.