Oriental Health Aesthetics: The Time of Professor Qiu Zhenglun’s Explanation of the Book of Changes(66）

Next, we come to the Xian hexagram. What do we see within it? “When Heaven and Earth commune, the myriad things are transformed and born.” Pay attention, this is very interesting—everyone here will experience this hexagram. If you wonder whether you have a destined connection with someone, if you divine and get this hexagram, that connection is heaven-ordained and earth-matched.

What does Xian (咸) mean? If you add the character for “heart” (心) below it, doesn’t it become Gan (感 – to feel/sense)? Therefore, the Xian hexagram signifies Heaven and Earth resonating, Marsh (Lake) and Mountain resonating, the Young Man and the Young Maiden resonating.

Crucially, the Young Maiden is above, and the Young Man is below; the Marsh (Lake) is above, and the Mountain is below. This position cannot be reversed. If it’s reversed, problems arise. You might say, “This seems inconsistent with our real-life experience.” Well, precisely! Generally, it’s the male who pursues the female first, right? And the one being pursued, even if they agree internally, maintains a reserved demeanor, playing hard to get for a while—holding the higher position.

Think about asking someone to dance in a ballroom, for ballroom dancing. Doesn’t the gentleman, to show his chivalry, often kneel on one knee? What does this signify? Actually, our ancient people understood this dynamic perfectly. The Mountain represents solidity and the Yang principle—its energy ascends upwards, correct? The Marsh (Lake), being water, settles downwards.

But remember, aren’t we learning that “Is it not a joy to study and practice what you have learned in due time?” (Xue er shi xi zhi, bu yi yue hu? 学而时习之，不亦悦乎?) That “joy” (Yue 悦) is the same as Dui (兑 – joy/exchange)! Dui is the Dui hexagram, which is also the Marsh/Lake hexagram. That’s why the Dui hexagram represents the Young Maiden. The Young Maiden’s entire spirit and mood embody purity and flawlessness, utter simplicity. We often liken the Young Maiden to a bud just about to bloom—pure and full of potential.