Between Emulation and Resemblance: A Fundamental Inquiry into the Microcosm of the Dao of Change
This article deeply analyzes the core proposition of 'Yáo imitating Xiàng' found in the *Xici Zhuan II* of the *Zhou Yi*, distinguishing the dynamic differences between 'imitation' (xiào) and 'analogy' (xiàng), tracing the referent of 'this' (cǐ), and interpreting how Yáo-Xiàng constitutes the epistemological framework for revealing the subtle workings of the Dao within the Pre-Qin context.
I. Why is this Passage Important$41
Reviewing the analysis, it becomes clear why the passage, "The Yao are those that emulate this. The Xiang are those that resemble this; when the Yao and Xiang move within, fortune and misfortune are revealed without; meritorious achievements are seen in change, and the sage's sentiment is manifested in the words," is so significant: it answers four fundamental questions about the Zhou Yi in extremely concise language:
Question 1: What are the basic elements of the Zhou Yi (Yao)$42 —They are the emulation (xiào) of the movement of Heaven and Earth. Question 2: What is the mode of presentation of the Zhou Yi (Xiang)$43 —It is the resemblance (xiàng) to the form of Heaven and Earth. Question 3: How does the Zhou Yi operate$44 —Internal movement of Yao and Xiang generates the external revelation of fortune and misfortune. Question 4: What is the ultimate destination of the Zhou Yi$45 —Achievements are realized through change, and the sage's sentiment is revealed through the words.
These four questions cover four dimensions: ontology (what are Yao and Xiang$46), epistemology (how do we cognize fortune and misfortune from Yao and Xiang$47), practical theory (how are achievements established through adaptability$48), and axiology (how is the sage's concern conveyed$49). It is astonishing that a passage of just over thirty characters constructs such a complete philosophical framework—a testament to the summarizing power of pre-Qin thinkers.