《易說》Vol. 2

Since ancient times, scholars interpreting the Book of Changes (Yijing) have numbered in the hundreds, each expressing their own views—some emphasizing philosophical principles, others specializing in Xiangshu (divination techniques). Though they debated tirelessly within the framework of hexagrams and lines (the symbolic system of the 64 hexagrams), even those who achieved comprehensive understanding and drew inferences failed to grasp the original essence of the Yijing as it existed before Fu Xi first drew the trigrams.

Our revered Sovereign Fuyou (the Daoist immortal Lü Dongbin) was in truth a reincarnation of the ancient Emperor Huangtan, one who thoroughly comprehended the mysteries of heaven and earth and understood the source of mind and nature. After attaining the Jinshi degree in the Tang dynasty, he repeatedly expounded the subtleties of the Yijing, leaving behind invaluable teachings that unfortunately were never compiled into a book for wider circulation. This Commentary on the Yijing from the Hall of Longevity and Virtue was originally a secret text preserved in an ancient cave. When I studied it with incense burning and a tranquil heart, I discovered that though its sage words follow the scripture's surface meaning, they in fact transcend the outward forms of Xiangshu, fully revealing the true transmission of mind-methods passed down through Fu Xi, King Wen of Zhou, the Duke of Zhou, and Confucius—a revelation of consummate perfection. Particularly remarkable are the diagrams in the first volume, which elucidate profound meanings never before articulated, as if opening the secret texts of the Three Pure Ones (Daoism's highest deities), allowing one to glimpse celestial mysteries as though witnessing them firsthand.

At its core, the Yijing is a manual of mind-methods, recording the profound unity of heaven and humanity and the unchanging pivot of past and present. Whether observing worldly fortunes and misfortunes or cultivating body and mind to reach the state of "supreme auspiciousness," all is contained within—this is the great Dao concerning the fundamental nature of life. Thus, Sovereign Fuyou could not but provide this commentary. Confucius said, "Studying the Yijing at fifty avoids major errors"—where the numbers "five" and "ten" subtly correspond to the central palace numbers of the Hetu and Luoshu (ancient mystical diagrams), suggesting the need to work from the essence of the mind. If scholars contemplate deeply, they will realize that the "borrowed years" mentioned do not refer merely to age but emphasize aligning with the Yijing's true source in the mind.

Long ago, Sovereign Fuyou transmitted secrets never before revealed through the ages to the venerable Chen Tuan (Master Xiyi), passing through generations to Mu Xiu before being further developed by Shao Yong (Master Kangjie). The Sovereign himself personally verified and guided this transmission, manifesting to expound the Dharma for the world. Now, as we recompile this classic, I record its origins with reverence. Disciple Liu Shouyuan of the Hongjiao lineage, having bathed and burned incense, respectfully inscribes this preface.