Therefore, the greatness of mothers lies herein. As stated in the Book of Changes (Xi Ci I): “The way of Qian (Heaven) forms the male; the way of Kun (Earth) forms the female.” The aesthetic characteristic of natural softness and tranquility is exemplified in works such as the “Jian Jia” poem from the Book of Songs, the paintings of Guan Tong from the Five Dynasties, and Ni Zan from the Yuan Dynasty. The Kun Hexagram’s teaching—”The earth’s nature is receptive; the noble person embraces virtue to sustain all things”—epitomizes the beauty of feminine softness. More importantly, beyond all explanations, the beauty of Yin-Yang transformation and interaction fundamentally resides in the harmony between strength and softness. Within this harmony lies mutual resonance.
In the Xian Hexagram of the Book of Changes, it is said: “Softness above and strength below; the two energies resonate and unite, resting in joy, with the male below the female.” The Heng Hexagram states: “Enduring, lasting. Strength above and softness below; thunder and wind unite, penetrating yet moving. Strength and softness respond to each other, creating constancy.” The “Guan Ju” poem from the Book of Songs embodies the fusion of strength and softness—”firm within, gentle without.” This inner firmness and outer gentleness characterize the true Chinese scholar-official.
The Tai Hexagram describes “strength within and softness without; vigor inside and compliance outside.” In Tao Yuanming’s poetry and Ming-Qing painting theory, brushwork that “appears tender but is actually mature” is celebrated and held as exemplary. Conversely, the Pi Hexagram is unfavorable: “Heaven above, earth below”—this is ill-omened. “Weakness within and strength without,” or brushwork that “seems aged but is actually immature,” as criticized in Ming-Qing painting theory, represents a flawed approach. Recognizing this requires extensive training. Thus, what appears as softness often masks inner fragility—outwardly strong but inwardly weak—a state that is not advocated.
Third, softness containing strength: The Sheng Hexagram declares, “Softness rises in its season, penetrating yet yielding. Strength centered and responsive—thus great success.” The Ding Hexagram states: “Softness advances upward, centered and resonant with strength—thus primal success.” The Zhong Fu Hexagram teaches: “Softness within and strength centered; joyful and penetrating.”
“Overcoming softness with strength” is the theme of the Guai Hexagram: “Guai means resolution—strength resolves softness. Strong yet joyful; soft yet harmonious.” Yan Zhenqing’s calligraphy vividly embodies the spirit of the Guai Hexagram through its decisive strokes.
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