I Ching Hexagrams:Da You Trigram

Da You (Great Possession) – An Abundance of Greatness and Wealth

The concept of Da You represents an extraordinary abundance and prosperity. This hexagram is composed of Qian(Heaven) as the lower trigram and Li (Fire) as the upper trigram.

Symbolism of the Hexagram

From the perspective of the trigrams, Qian represents Heaven, and Li represents Fire. The combination of Fire above Heaven depicts fire in the sky, symbolizing the sun. The blazing sun high in the sky shines its light everywhere, illuminating all things—an image that resonates with the essence of Da You: immense possession.

Symbolism of the Lines

The fifth line (Six-Five), a yin line occupying an exalted position in the upper trigram, signifies being in a high and central position of honor. This line interacts harmoniously with the surrounding yang lines. Occupying the position of a ruler yet maintaining gentleness and humility, it attracts the loyalty and unity of all. This embodies the core principle of Da You.

Hexagram Virtues

The inner trigram Qian signifies strength and perseverance, while the outer trigram Li symbolizes civility and enlightenment. The message of Da You encourages individuals to cultivate inner strength and vitality while conducting themselves with civility and reason.

Da You: Great Prosperity and Smooth Success

In the structure of the I Ching, yang dominates over yin, and rarity is valued. The principle of “the many serving the few” emerges in Da You. In this hexagram, the Six-Five line is the sole yin line in a sea of five yang lines. The yang lines respect and elevate the yin line, bestowing great possessions upon it.

The possession of such abundance by the Six-Five line is not arbitrary—it is due to its humility, modesty, and absence of selfish desires. By acting with self-restraint and magnanimity, the Six-Five line naturally commands the loyalty and resources of the surrounding yang lines, achieving greatness. Positioned in the center of the Li trigram, associated with enlightenment and civility, the Six-Five line exemplifies a ruler who combines humility with wisdom. By valuing and empowering capable individuals, it ensures lasting prosperity.

Historical Example

During the American Revolutionary War, George Washington (1732–1799) led the colonies to victory against British rule, achieving remarkable success. Following the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, Washington became the first President of the United States, unanimously chosen, and served two terms.

When urged by the nation to serve a third term, Washington humbly declined. Despite his extraordinary achievements and widespread admiration, he remained modest, avoided clinging to power, and refrained from using his position for personal gain. By voluntarily stepping down, he established the precedent of limiting presidential terms, laying the foundation for America’s nascent democracy. Washington’s humility and wisdom ensured his place in history as a revered leader whose legacy continues to inspire.

The story of Washington exemplifies the spirit of Da You: achieving greatness through humility, self-restraint, and a focus on the greater good.

Initial Nine (初九): No Involvement, No Harm. Blameless, But Caution Prevents Blame.

The phrase “No involvement, no harm” suggests that by avoiding entanglement in external affairs, one naturally avoids harm. The term “blameless” (匪咎) means free from fault or wrongdoing.

In the hexagram Da You (Great Possession), the Initial Nine (初九) is a solid yang line, representing strength and abundance. Positioned at the beginning of the hexagram, it does not interact with the sole yin line (Six-Five), thus avoiding any conflict of interests. As such, it remains without fault.

However, if Initial Nine assumes that mere non-involvement guarantees safety and becomes complacent or careless, it risks making mistakes. Being at the outset of Da You, it must proceed with caution, maintaining vigilance and humility, and avoiding arrogance or laziness. Only through such self-discipline can it truly remain free from blame.

Example Interpretation:
During the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties, Tao Yuanming (陶渊明) lived in an era of constant warfare and political turmoil. The political landscape was fraught with power struggles among noble families and threats from foreign invaders. Seeing no hope in the state of affairs, Tao chose to retreat from public life, embracing a life of farming and literary pursuits. By avoiding the dark and treacherous world of political intrigue, Tao exemplified the principle of “No involvement, no harm.” His life of peaceful seclusion preserved his integrity and allowed him to achieve enduring fame as a poet and recluse.

Nine-Two (九二): A Great Cart to Bear the Load. Proceeding Forward Without Fault.

The “Great Cart” refers to an ancient vehicle pulled by oxen, capable of carrying heavy loads over long distances. In this line, Nine-Two (九二) is a strong yang line in the central position of the lower trigram. It corresponds harmoniously with the Six-Five yin line, symbolizing a “Great Cart to bear the load.”

This imagery represents a wise and capable minister (Nine-Two) assisting a virtuous ruler (Six-Five). Like a sturdy cart entrusted with a great burden, Nine-Two’s strength, loyalty, and competence allow it to carry significant responsibilities and achieve far-reaching success.

Nine-Two possesses a balance of strength (due to its yang nature in the Qian trigram) and humility (occupying an yin position). This balance enables it to act with both firmness and flexibility, embodying the virtues of moderation. Despite holding significant power and resources, Nine-Two remains humble, avoiding arrogance or overreach. This restraint ensures that it can proceed forward and fulfill its duties without fault.

Example Interpretation:
After King Wu of Zhou overthrew the Shang dynasty, he ascended the throne but passed away soon after. The stability of the new Zhou dynasty depended on the efforts of his brother, the Duke of Zhou (周公), who acted as regent for the young King Cheng.

The Duke of Zhou wielded immense authority, yet he conducted himself with utmost caution and humility. He quelled rebellions in the east, established laws and institutions, and laid the foundations for the Zhou dynasty’s 800-year reign. His dedication and integrity made him a model statesman, perfectly embodying the principle of “A Great Cart to bear the load.” His efforts ensured the stability and prosperity of the Zhou dynasty and secured his place as an enduring example of moral leadership.

Nine-Three (九三): A Nobleman Offers Tribute to the King; The Petty Cannot Achieve This.

The term “tribute” (亨, interchangeable with 享) refers to offerings presented by vassals to the king during ancient ceremonial occasions. As the solid yang line in the uppermost position of the lower trigram, Nine-Three occupies a position of strength and correctness. However, it does not have a direct connection with the Six-Five line above.

Nine-Three symbolizes a virtuous regional governor or official who adheres to the principles of justice. Instead of treating the wealth under their administration as personal property, they offer it to the king, thereby augmenting the king’s resources and reinforcing central authority. This reflects the ancient ideal of unity under the sovereign, as expressed in the saying, “All under heaven belongs to the king.”

On the contrary, “the petty cannot achieve this” refers to selfish individuals who, if in the same position, would exploit their power for personal gain. Such individuals would treat their territories as personal fiefdoms, undermine central authority, and diminish the king’s resources.

Example Interpretation:
The aftermath of the An Lushan Rebellion during the Tang Dynasty illustrates the dangers of selfish regional rulers (petty people). In theory, regional governors (节度使) were meant to defend the court and safeguard the nation. In reality, many hoarded power, amassed private armies, and established hereditary control over their territories, leading to fragmented authority. These warlords drained local resources for personal enrichment, exacerbating social and economic collapse. Instead of offering their resources to the emperor, they weakened the central government and contributed to the decline of the Tang Dynasty.

Nine-Four (九四): Not Overextending; No Blame.

The term “彭” describes something that is grand and excessive. Nine-Four represents an individual who has reached a position of great abundance and power within Da You but stands at a precarious juncture. Being past the middle position, it is susceptible to overreach and potential missteps.

To avoid blame, Nine-Four must moderate its actions and refrain from further aggrandizement (“Not overextending”). Despite occupying a position close to the ruler (Six-Five), it must act with humility, offering its resources to the ruler rather than appearing to rival or threaten them. This restraint ensures harmony and stability.

Nine-Four’s strength lies in its balance of firmness (being a yang line) and flexibility (occupying an yin position). Recognizing its vulnerable position, it chooses self-restraint, thereby earning the ruler’s trust and avoiding conflict.

Example Interpretation:
During the founding of the Song Dynasty, Emperor Zhao Kuangyin (宋太祖, 927–976) ascended the throne through a military coup at Chenqiao Post Station (陈桥驿). Recognizing the dangers of military interference in politics, he sought to curtail the influence of military leaders.

In the famous “Cup of Wine to Dismiss the Military” (杯酒释兵权) incident, Zhao convinced generals like Shi Shouxin to relinquish their command voluntarily. These generals, aware of the risks of retaining excessive power (“Not overextending”), chose to retire peacefully. Their decision not only averted political turmoil but also laid the foundation for the Song Dynasty’s emphasis on civil governance, ensuring long-term stability and prosperity.

Six-Five (六五): Faithful Cooperation and Majestic Authority Bring Fortune.

The phrase “厥乎交如” refers to mutual trust and honest interaction. “威如” signifies an aura of majesty and authority. As the central and ruling line of the hexagram Da You (大有), Six-Five is a yin line occupying an exalted position in the upper trigram. This represents humility, openness to advice, and integrity in leadership.

Six-Five exemplifies a ruler who governs with gentleness, honesty, and respect, fostering reciprocal trust and support among subordinates. This mutual sincerity ensures the harmonious cooperation of all yang lines in the hexagram, symbolized by “厥孚交如” (faithful collaboration).

However, effective governance also requires strength and assertiveness. Excessive softness could invite disrespect or negligence among officials and citizens. Six-Five balances this potential by incorporating a degree of firmness (yang energy) into its approach. This combination of sincerity and authority enables the ruler to command respect while fostering loyalty, resulting in great success and fortune.

Example Interpretation:
During the Spring and Autumn period, Duke Mu of Qin (秦穆公) sought to attack the state of Zheng, taking advantage of the mourning periods in both Zheng and Jin. He appointed Meng Mingshi as the general for this campaign. However, Meng Mingshi was ambushed by Jin forces and captured. Remarkably, when Jin later released him, Duke Mu did not blame him for the defeat but instead acknowledged his own misjudgment in initiating the war.

Two years later, Meng Mingshi led another expedition and again suffered defeat. Despite this, Duke Mu continued to express trust in him, recognizing that failure was not solely the general’s fault. Deeply moved by the duke’s unwavering faith, Meng Mingshi devoted himself to rigorous preparation. Under their bond of mutual trust (“厥孚交如”), Meng Mingshi ultimately led Qin to a series of decisive victories against Jin, solidifying Qin’s dominance and elevating it to hegemonic status among the states.

Top Nine (上九): Heavenly Blessings Bring Supreme Fortune.

The term “祐” means divine assistance or protection. The Top Nine line represents a virtuous figure closely aligned with the ruler (Six-Five) and symbolizes one who aids the sovereign with wisdom and selflessness.

As the highest yang line in the hexagram, it metaphorically stands above the ruler, symbolizing heaven. This position signifies a noble advisor or minister who selflessly dedicates their resources and efforts to the ruler’s cause, acting as a channel for divine support. This dynamic of selflessness and loyalty is reflected in the phrase “自天祐之” (blessed by heaven). The result is a period of exceptional fortune, where challenges are overcome and all endeavors prove successful.

Example Interpretation:
During the Warring States period, intense competition among states spurred rulers to seek the guidance of capable advisors. For instance, Marquis Wen of Wei (魏文侯) surrounded himself with wise figures like Zixia, Duanganmu, and Tian Zifang. These advisors guided him in implementing critical reforms that strengthened Wei economically and militarily. Their dedication and wisdom exemplified the spirit of “heavenly assistance”, leading Wei to emerge as one of the strongest states during the early Warring States period.