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.
I. The Etymology of Yao (爻)
Yao (yáo), the character yáo is not found conclusively in oracle bone script. However, Xu Shen explains in the Shuowen Jiezi: "Yao, means crossing/interlacing. It images the crossing of the six Yao in the Yi." Duan Yucai comments: "Yao means to model (xiào). It is that which models the movements of the world."
The form of the Yao character depicts two superimposed 'x' marks (crossing symbols). This image very intuitively conveys the meaning of "crossing" or "interlacing"—the interlacing of yin and yang.
From a etymological perspective, yáo is closely linked in sound and meaning to xiào (to model/imitate) and jiāo (to cross/interact). In the phonology of high antiquity, yáo belongs to the Hà initial group, xiāo rhyme group; xiào belongs to the Hà initial group, xiāo rhyme group; jiāo belongs to the Jiàn initial group, xiāo rhyme group. The similarity in rhyme groups and near identity in initials suggest a common origin.
Therefore, the character yáo itself embodies three layers of meaning:
- Crossing (Jiāo): The interlacing arrangement of yin lines and yang lines.
- Modeling (Xiào): Modeling the laws of the world's movements.
- Change (Biàn): The change of the Yao (a changing line, biàn yáo) is the basic unit of hexagram change.