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

Section 4: The Eternal Pursuit of "Correctness"

"When the family is regulated, the world is established"—this assertion implies a final expectation of Pre-Qin thinkers: If every family can be "correct," then the entire world will be stable.

This ideal may never be perfectly realized—because the weaknesses of human nature make the "regulation of the family" an eternally unfinished task. Precisely because of this, "regulating the family" becomes an eternal pursuit: every generation must re-enact the teachings of the Jia Ren hexagram in their own families, allowing the Family Way to be continuously renewed and deepened through succession.

The Zhou Yi, Xi Ci Zhuan I states:

"To renew oneself daily is called Great Virtue; to generate continuously is called Change." ($\text{rì xīn zhī wèi zhī shèng dé, shēng shēng zhī wèi zhī yì}$, 日新之谓盛德，生生之谓易).

"Renew oneself daily"—renewal every day. "Continuous generation"— ceaseless life force. The Family Way is the same: it is not an unchanging doctrine but a living tradition that must be "renewed daily" in the lived practice of every generation. The wisdom of the Jia Ren hexagram provides the eternal framework and direction for this "daily renewal."

Finally, let us conclude this article with the final verses of the Shi Jing, Xiao Ya, Chang Di, which perfectly depict the ideal realm sought by the Jia Ren hexagram:

"Wives and children are intimate, like playing the zither and the lute. Brothers are united, harmonious, joyous, and deeply content. May your household be well arranged, and may your wife and children rejoice. Reflect on this and plan for it—is it truly so$17"

"Reflect on this and plan for it, is it truly so$18" ($\text{shì jiū shì tú, dǎn qí rán hū}$$19)—This final question is both a profound affirmation of the principle of the Family Way and a gentle reminder to every family member: the Way of the Family requires one to "reflect deeply" ($\text{jiū}$, 究), to "plan seriously" ($\text{tú}$, 图), and to "practice earnestly" ($\text{xíng}$, 行).

The wisdom of the Jia Ren hexagram, coming from antiquity, walks toward eternity.

Wind arises from Fire; the Way of the Family prospers.

References:

• Zhou Yi (including the Ten Wings)
• Shang Shu (Book of Documents)
• Shi Jing (Book of Odes)
• Li Ji (Book of Rites)
• Yi Li (Book of Etiquette and Ceremonials)
• Zhou Li (Rites of Zhou)
• Zuo Zhuan
• Lun Yu (Analects)
• Mengzi (Mencius)
• Xunzi
• Laozi (Daodejing)
• Zhuangzi
• Mozi
• Guanzi
• Han Feizi
• Guoyu (Discourses of the States)
• Da Xue (Great Learning)
• Zhong Yong (Doctrine of the Mean)
• Xiao Jing (Classic of Filial Piety)
• Lüshi Chunqiu (Spring and Autumn Annals of Master Lü)

Respectfully recorded by the Xuanji Editorial Department