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Ancient Classics -> Book of Changes -> Xi Ci I -> 12.3

May we not say that Qian and Kun [= the yang and yin, or the undivided and divided lines] are the secret and substance of the Yi?
Qian and Kun being established in their several places,
the system of changes was thereby constituted.
If Qian and Kun were taken away,
there would be no means of seeing that system;
and if that system were not seen,
Qian and Kun would almost cease to act.
Hence
that which is antecedent to the material form exists, we say, as an ideal method,
and that which is subsequent to the material form exists, we say, as a definite thing.
Transformation and shaping is what we call change;
carrying this out and operating with it is what we call generalising the method;
天下taking the result and setting it forth for all the people under heaven
is, we say, (securing the success of) the business of life.


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