Cosmological Construction and Rational Essence of the Original Functions of the *Book of Changes* Based on Divination Tracing
This article traces the origins of the *I Ching*, arguing from oracle bone inscriptions of the character "shi" (筮) that its original function was not divination. It contrasts divination and *shi* to reveal the essential nature of early *Yi* studies as employing mathematical modeling to understand cosmic operations and perceive patterns of change, rooted in the philosophical wisdom of ancient peoples for comprehending nature and grounding existence rather than merely predicting fortune.
Section 3.4: "Pure, Tranquil, Subtle, and Minute—This is the Teaching of the Yi": Its Position in the Book of Rites
In the "Jing Jie" (经解) chapter of the Book of Rites (礼记), there is a very important passage recording Confucius's summary of the educational functions of the Six Classics:
"Entering a country, its teachings can be known. If its people are gentle and sincere, it is the teaching of Shi poetry. If they are broad and knowledgeable, far-seeing and discerning, it is the teaching of Shu history. If they are magnanimous, expansive, easy-going, and good, it is the teaching of Yue music. If they are pure, tranquil, subtle, and minute, it is the teaching of Yi changes. If they are reverent, frugal, solemn, and respectful, it is the teaching of Li rites. If they arrange words and compare events, it is the teaching of Chun Qiu Spring and Autumn Annals." (入其国，其教可知也。其为人也温柔敦厚，《诗》教也。疏通知远，《书》教也。广博易良，《乐》教也。洁静精微，《易》教也。恭俭庄敬，《礼》教也。属辞比事，《春秋》教也。)
"Pure, tranquil, subtle, and minute—this is the teaching of the Yi" (洁静精微，《易》教也). The qualities cultivated by those who study the Yi are "pure, tranquil, subtle, and minute"—purity of mind, tranquility of spirit, precision of thought, and subtlety of insight.
What kind of qualities are these$30 These are clearly the qualities of wise persons and philosophers, not of diviners. What does a diviner need$31 Skill in divination techniques, memory of numerological systems, and decisiveness in judging good or ill fortune. But "pure, tranquil, subtle, and minute" describes a highly introspective, deeply contemplative spirit that can perceive subtle changes in things.
This is precisely the spirit of "observation" (观)—the heart of a wise person who looks up to observe the astronomical phenomena, looks down to observe the terrestrial patterns, and observes humanity in between. "Pure, tranquil, subtle, and minute" is less a teaching for divination and more a teaching of philosophy.