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#Zhou Yi #Commentary on the Appended Judgments #Xiang and Yao #Pre-Qin Philosophy #Semantics of Ze

Interpreting and Investigating the Chapter: 'The Sage Perceived the Profundities of the World' — The Primordial Code of *Xiang* and *Yao*

This paper deeply investigates the core proposition, 'The Sage perceived the profundity (Ze) of the world,' within the *Xi Ci Zhuan* (Commentary on the Appended Judgments) of the *Zhou Yi*, analyzing the original Pre-Qin semantics of 'Ze,' 'Xiang' (Image), and 'Yao' (Line). It focuses on explaining the cognitive leap of the Sage through 'looking up and observing down,' transforming deep textures (Ze) into external simulations (Xiang), and reveals the intrinsic connection between the 'Yao' and ancient ritual systems, thereby reconstructing the foundation of Yi learning theory.

Tianwen Editorial Team February 6, 2026 39 min read PDF Markdown
Interpreting and Investigating the Chapter: 'The Sage Perceived the Profundities of the World' — The Primordial Code of *Xiang* and *Yao*

I. The Theoretical Structure of the Xici Shang Zhuan

The Xici Shang Zhuan consists of twelve chapters (following Han Kangbo's division), and its theoretical structure can be broadly outlined as follows:

  • Chapters 1–3: Discuss the Dao of Heaven and Earth and the Substance (tǐ) of the Yi (Simplicity of Qian and Kun, the Dao of Transformation).
  • Chapters 4–6: Discuss the function of the Sage and the Accomplishment (gōng) of the Yi (Changing words, observing images and divination, promoting virtue and expanding undertaking).
  • Chapters 7–9: Discuss the essence of the Yi and the meaning of Xiang and Yao (This chapter, Chapter 8, contains the core focus).
  • Chapters 10–12: Discuss the application of the Yi and its Divine Virtue (Exploring the profound and minute, attaining the ultimate depth and subtlety).

This chapter (Chapter 8) occupies the theoretical pivot of the entire upper treatise. It formally defines the two basic concepts of the Yi—"Xiang" and "Yao." Before it, preceding chapters established the background of the Dao of Heaven and Earth, the principles of change, and the virtue of the Sage; after it, the subsequent chapters expand upon the discussion of the Yi's application methods and ultimate state, building upon the foundation of "Xiang" and "Yao."

It can be said that this chapter is the theoretical hinge of the Xici Shang Zhuan—it connects the ontological groundwork laid previously with the methodological development that follows.