A Detailed Inquiry into the Most Auspicious Hexagram Lines in the Zhou Yi: From 'Yuan Ji' to 'Ji Wu Buli'
This article deeply investigates the system of fortune and misfortune within the 384 line statements of the *Zhou Yi* (*I Ching*), focusing on analyzing the profound meaning of 'Auspiciousness' (Ji). By systematically examining and comparing 'Yuan Ji' (Primal Auspiciousness) and other high-level auspicious statements, the study aims to discern the most felicitous line in the *Zhou Yi* and reveal the underlying philosophical wisdom and practical guidance it offers.
Chapter 15: Comprehensive Evaluation of Candidate Yao Lyrics
Section 1: Determination of Evaluation Dimensions
After detailed analysis in Parts I and II, we have thoroughly examined multiple candidate yao lyrics. Now, let us establish a comprehensive evaluation framework and conduct a final comparison of each candidate yao.
The evaluation dimensions are as follows:
- Yao Lyric Judgment Level: "Yuan Ji" is the highest, followed by "Ji Wu Bu Li," "Da Ji," "Ji," etc.
- Yao Position Conditions: Whether correctly positioned, central, and correct.
- Hexagram Context: The overall atmosphere of auspiciousness and inauspiciousness of the hexagram.
- Virtue Content: The level of virtue embodied by the yao lyric.
- Yi Zhuan Interpretation: The evaluation of the yao by the Tuan Zhuan, Xiang Zhuan, Wenyan Zhuan, and Xici Zhuan.
- Pre-Qin Application: Its status and influence in pre-Qin divination practices.
- Universality: Whether its auspiciousness is universally applicable or only suitable for specific situations.
- Sustainability: Whether its auspiciousness is sustainable or temporary.
Section 2: Comprehensive Evaluation Table
| Dimension | Kun 6/5 | Da You 9/9 | Fu 9/1 | Li 6/2 | Sun 6/5 | Yi 9/5 | Jing 6/6 | Da Xu 6/4 | Tai 6/5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Judgment Level | Yuan Ji | Ji Wu Bu Li | Yuan Ji | Yuan Ji | Yuan Ji | Wu Wen Yuan Ji | Yuan Ji | Yuan Ji | Yuan Ji |
| Correctness | × | × | ✓ | ✓ | × | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | × |
| Centrality | ✓ | × | × | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | × | × | ✓ |
| Correct Position | × | × | ✓ | ✓ | × | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | × |
| Yi Zhuan Evaluation | Utmost Beauty | Xici Specialized Interpretation | Heart of Heaven & Earth | Obtained Central Way | — | — | Great Completion | Worthy of Joy | — |
| Pre-Qin Reference | Zuo Zhuan cited | Xici cited | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Universality | High | High | High | Medium | Medium | High | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Sustainability | High | Medium | High | High | Medium | High | High | High | Medium |
Section 3: First Round of Screening
From the perspective of judgment level, all candidates are "Yuan Ji" or "Ji Wu Bu Li," residing at the same highest level. However, Yi Nine at the Fifth Place's "Wu Wen Yuan Ji" (do not ask, and it will be supremely auspicious) is superior in certainty.
From the perspective of yao position conditions, Yi Nine at the Fifth Place and Li Six at the Second Place both satisfy the conditions of "correctly positioned, central, and correct," making them the most perfect.
From the perspective of Yi Zhuan evaluation, Kun Six at the Fifth Place receives the highest praise of "utmost beauty." Da You Nine at the Top Place receives specialized interpretation in the Xici Zhuan. Fu Nine at the First Place's Tuan Zhuan is praised as the "heart of Heaven and Earth." These three yao have the highest Yi Zhuan evaluations.
From the perspective of pre-Qin citation, Kun Six at the Fifth Place is directly cited and interpreted in the Zuo Zhuan. Da You Nine at the Top Place is specially interpreted in the Xici Zhuan. These two yao hold the highest status in pre-Qin divination practices.
Section 4: Second Round of Screening
After the first round of screening, the most compelling candidates are narrowed down to the following (or four):
1. Kun Six at the Fifth Place (坤六五): "Yellow lower garments, supremely auspicious (Yuan Ji)." * Advantages: Wenyan Zhuan praises it as "utmost beauty" (美之至也). The Zuo Zhuan contains direct citation and interpretation. The imagery of "yellow lower garments" is profound. * Disadvantages: Incorrect position (Yin in Yang). It represents the auspiciousness of a minister's way, not a ruler's way.
2. Yi Nine at the Fifth Place (益九五): "Sincerity and a compassionate heart; do not ask, and it will be supremely auspicious (Yuan Ji)." * Advantages: Correctly positioned, central, and correct. The yao position conditions are the most perfect. "Do not ask, and it will be supremely auspicious" indicates the highest certainty. * Disadvantages: No particularly outstanding evaluation in the Yi Zhuan.
3. Da You Nine at the Top Place (大有上九): "Heaven's help comes to him; auspiciousness without disadvantage." * Advantages: Specialized interpretation in the Xici Zhuan. "Heaven's help comes to him" signifies the highest assistance from Heaven. "Auspiciousness without disadvantage" is the most comprehensive. * Disadvantages: Low status at the Top yao (extreme of the hexagram). Incorrect position. Not central.
4. Fu Nine at the First Place (复初九): "Not returning far; no great regret. Supremely auspicious (Yuan Ji)." * Advantages: The Tuan Zhuan praises it as the "heart of Heaven and Earth," embodying the supreme goodness of "erring and being able to correct." * Disadvantages: Low status at the First yao (beginning of the hexagram). Not central. Describes a state of having "previously deviated."
Section 5: The Difficulty of the Final Choice
At this point, we face a difficult choice. The four (or more) candidates each have their merits, making it hard to definitively declare one as the "most auspicious yao."
This difficulty itself reveals a profound fact: In the value system of the Zhouyi, "auspiciousness" is multi-dimensional, multi-layered, and multi-faceted. There is no single yao that is absolutely "most auspicious" in all dimensions.
However, if we must make a choice, we need to determine the most core criterion.