You are all familiar with this story, right? The one who touched the elephant’s tail thought the elephant had turned into a broom; the one who touched the elephant’s tusk described it as a smooth stick; and the one who touched the elephant’s body claimed the elephant was a wall. Ah, think about it—this suggests that the elephant’s origin was unclear. This elephant actually migrated from the Henan region of the Central Plains. It was led away by someone with ulterior motives, but as the environment deteriorated, the elephant moved south, eventually reaching India and what is now Xishuangbanna in Yunnan. How do we bring something that doesn’t exist into being? Through thought—that’s why it’s called “imagination.” This is the origin of the term. From nothingness to existence, it relies on thought; from small to large, it relies on thought; from near to far, it relies on thought. Hence, it is called “ideal.” This is also why there is a Chinese board game called Xiangqi (Chinese chess). Look at Xiangqi—within the Chu-Han boundary, the “elephant” piece is named after the animal elephant. The function of the elephant piece is quite formidable: it serves as an officer, guarding the general. What is its characteristic? The elephant can “fly across fields.” Can a real elephant fly across fields? Why can the elephant piece do so? Because the Western Zhou Dynasty implemented the well-field system. This helps us understand, and from this, we gain insight. In the Qian hexagram of the I Ching, the Tuan Zhuan (Commentary on the Decision) of the Qian hexagram contains the hexagram statement, which is four words: “Yuan, Heng, Li, Zhen.” The Tuan Zhuan elaborates further. Let me mention it again, as it differs here. In the “Great Image” commentary, it says: “Great is the Qian Yuan, by which all things are originated, and it commands the heavens. Clouds move and rain falls; all things flow into their forms. From beginning to end, the great light prevails. The six positions are achieved in time, and by riding the six dragons, heaven is驾驭ed. The way of Qian undergoes changes, and all things attain their correct nature and destiny. Preserving and harmonizing the great peace brings benefit and steadfastness. The chief emerges among all things, and all nations enjoy peace.” Look, every diagram is an image—they are all hexagram images. “Heaven moves with vigor; thus, the gentleman strives continuously to strengthen himself.”
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