From "Curing Gu" to "Removing Gu": An Examination Based on the Yi-ology of Zhu Xiand Ju Xi

From "Curing Gu" to "Removing Gu": An Examination Based on the Yi-ology of

Zhu Xiand Ju Xi

YUAN Dian

(Department of Philosophy, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China)

Abstract: The Gu hexagram is one of the sixty-four hexagrams of the I Ching (Book of Changes). Zhu Xi providesan interpretation of the Gu hexagram in his original Meaning of the I Ching (Zhouyi Benyi), yet his reading isfraught with issues. Specifically, Zhu Xi's interpretation lacks logical rigor, fails to achieve systematic and holisticcoherence, and exhibits internal contradictions. This paper critically examines the problems in Zhu Xi'sinterpretation of the Gu hexagram and, drawing on the principles of Yi-ology clucidated by Mr. Ju Xi (hereinaferreferred to as "Ju's Yi-ology"), offers a renewed interpretation of the Gu hexagram. On this basis, the paperarticulates the genuine connotations of the Gu hexagram as follows: First, the essence of the Gu hexagram lies in"removing gu" (decay or corruption), and its line statements constitute a comprchensive methodology for thisremoval. Second, the true core of the Gu hexagram is precisely "removing gu," a principle that applies both to thefamily and holds significant implications for society as a whole. Third, the ultimate goal of "removing gu" is toachieve "order under Heaven" (tianxia zhi), which carries the meaning of intellectual enlightenment and remains ofgreat value in the contemporary era.

Key words: Gu hexagram; Zhu Xi's Yi-ology; removing gu; Ju's Yi-ology

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