The fourth aspect is the divine mystery of transformation. As stated in the Great Treatise (Xi Ci I) of the Book of Changes: “Essential qi coalesces into substance; the wandering force brings transformation.” Here, the term “essence” (jing) I discuss today carries two meanings. First, it refers to the vital essence of jing-qi-shen (essence, energy, spirit)—intangible and spiritual, yet connected to material existence through the division and coalescence of essential energies. When refinement reaches its subtlest level, transformation emerges.
“The numbers of Heaven and Earth total fifty-five; through them, transformations are accomplished and spiritual agencies set in motion.” This refers to divination with yarrow stalks: fifty stalks are used, with one withdrawn as the Supreme Ultimate, leaving forty-nine for calculation. These are divided to form the upper and lower trigrams, generating the sixty-four hexagrams. The accuracy of this divination method is profound, though I shall not elaborate here.
“One who comprehends the way of transformation understands the workings of the divine.” (Xi Ci I)
The Xi Ci II states: “Penetrate transformation to keep people from weariness; divine operation transforms them to make things fitting. Exhaustion leads to change, change brings penetration, penetration yields endurance. Thus, ‘supported by Heaven, good fortune—nothing unfavorable.’” This passage is profoundly significant—rooted in the Xi Ci’s philosophical core—though time prevents full exposition. Observe: only by penetrating transformation can one achieve harmony. One must discern the timing, patterns, and scope of change. “Keep people from weariness” means that when people understand change, they remain engaged—unlike listeners growing weary later in a lecture! Penetrating transformation prevents this fatigue. “Divine operation transforms them to make things fitting” implies internalizing change into consciousness, experience, and emotion, transforming it into personal life energy. Thus: “Exhaustion → Change → Penetration → Endurance.” By aligning with Heaven’s patterns, assimilating creation’s work, and converting it into your own energy, “good fortune—nothing unfavorable” follows.
Xi Ci II also notes: “The mutual push of strength and softness harbors transformation within”—echoing earlier themes.
“The Changes as a book cannot be distanced; its Way shifts repeatedly. Unceasing in movement, it circulates through the six voids, rising and falling without constancy, strength and softness exchanging places. It admits no fixed model—only adaptation to change.”
Fifth, within the beauty of transformation lies human adaptation. Xi Ci I declares: “Penetrating transformation is called ‘handling affairs’.” In all endeavors—writing calligraphy, engaging with others—we must master adaptive change. Only then do affairs flow smoothly. “Heaven and Earth transform; the sage emulates them.” The sage, having inquired into, comprehended, and known Heaven’s Way, mirrors cosmic transformation. “Transforming and refining it is called ‘change’; applying and advancing it is ‘penetration’; implementing it among the people is ‘great enterprise.’” Guiding people through transformative principles, advancing their lives and labors—this constitutes noble work. “Refinement lies in transformation; advancement lies in penetration”—all centers on adaptation. Thus, Xi Ci II’s core permeates everything: “Penetrate transformation to keep people from weariness; divine operation transforms them to make things fitting. Exhaustion leads to change, change brings penetration, penetration yields endurance.”
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