Automobiles stand as quintessential symbols of modern Western innovation, while China’s traditional culture represents the crystallization of millennia of Chinese civilization. Although these two may initially seem unrelated, as cultural entities, they both carry the wealth created by humanity during its developmental journey – seeds of progress for human society.
Recently, while participating in various corporate events, I observed a fascinating phenomenon. Many automotive companies, during their promotional activities, intertwine Chinese traditional culture with automobiles. This proves to be an intriguing juxtaposition. Automobiles, quintessential symbols of modern Western invention, and China’s traditional culture, the crystallization of Chinese civilization over thousands of years, may appear disparate. However, as cultural entities, both bear the riches crafted by humanity during the course of development – the seeds of perpetual progress in human society.
Numerous automotive companies exhibit particular interest in the traditional Chinese classic, the “I Ching” or “Yijing.” The “I Ching” is one of the oldest and profound classics in our country, said to be summarized and modified from the orations of Fuxi. It stands as the culmination of wisdom and culture in the five-millennium history of Huaxia, acclaimed as the “first among the classics, the source of the great way.” Does the “I Ching” discuss vehicles? Indeed, it does. However, in this ancient text, the vehicle is referred to as a “yu,” an ancient type of horse-drawn carriage. Although the vehicle in the “I Ching” differs significantly from contemporary automobiles in nomenclature, form, and power, the principles expounded about vehicles therein remain consistent.
In the sacred text of the “I Ching,” the use of chariots serves as a metaphor for profound principles, articulating grand truths with subtle expressions. Take, for instance, the commentary within the Xǔ Gua (Small Accumulation Hexagram): “The chariot speaks of detachment, and the couple turns against each other. ‘Chariot’ here refers to the vehicle, while ‘speaks’ implies ‘to detach,’ and ‘spokes’ represent the radial bars on the wheel. When the chariot loses its spokes, it can no longer advance. This is analogous to a household where marital relations are not harmonious; consequently, familial unity cannot prosper. Scholars delving into the Small Accumulation Hexagram suggest that it metaphorically depicts a speeding horse-drawn carriage. The inner hexagram symbolizes the intricate structure of rotating axles, wheels, and the fastening ropes on the carriage, while the outer hexagram symbolizes the axle, chassis, loaded goods on the carriage, ropes, and the galloping horses pulling the carriage. This mirrors the dynamics of an enterprise – when departmental relations are harmonious, it operates like a team of horses working in unison, propelling forward swiftly. Conversely, if there is mutual evasion of responsibility or even internal intrigue among departments, leading to the detachment of spokes, the inevitable result is stagnation and lack of accomplishment.”
Closely intertwined with the Small Accumulation Hexagram is the Great Accumulation Hexagram, which mentions “The chariot speaks of the pole.” In ancient horse carriages, the axle and wheel were typically integrated and placed as a whole in a groove under the carriage frame. This structural groove is referred to as the “pole,” also known as the “crouching hare.” If the carriage travels at excessive speed, there is a risk of the entire axle and its wheels separating from the carriage frame. This scenario is referred to as “the disengagement of the carriage and the axle.” In modern terms, the hub of a car’s wheel corresponds to the ancient “axle,” and “the disengagement of the carriage and the axle” equates to the wheel detaching from the hub while the vehicle is in motion. When the axle fractures or separates from its housing, causing the carriage frame to detach from the wheels, or when the structural integrity of the fastenings on the carriage breaks, leading to the separation of the carriage from the horse, or even when the cargo on the carriage is flung off, resulting in the separation of the cargo from the carriage. This serves as a warning to drivers to assess the situation carefully and adapt accordingly while driving. To prevent such calamities, the Hexagram of Great Possession advises, “A fine horse may be restrained to ensure favorable perseverance; this is called the vigilance of the carriage. It is advantageous to take action.” Here, “vigilance” conveys the idea of being adept and skilled. The meaning of this statement is that even with a spirited horse, it is beneficial to navigate through challenges, practicing carriage driving and defense daily, thereby ensuring success in all endeavors. Regardless of the quality of the carriage or the proficiency of the driver’s skills, it is essential to maintain a sense of caution at all times.
Furthermore, there are certain attitudes towards carriages that one must adopt. For instance, in the Hexagram of the Instructor, it is stated, “When the instructor is silent, the carriage becomes lifeless; this results in great disadvantage.” When a carriage meant for transporting soldiers returns carrying corpses instead, it signifies a defeat. This admonishes against using carriages meant for living beings to transport the dead. In the annals of wisdom, it is stated: “The nobleman rides in his carriage, borne by the will of the people.” The presence of a carriage for the nobleman is entirely contingent upon the support of the populace. Conversely, for the ignoble who lack such support, even if they possess precious possessions, they are destined to lose them eventually, for they lack a foundation among the masses.
In the eight trigrams of the Book of Changes, each hexagram carries manifold symbolism. For instance, the Qian trigram symbolizes not only heaven but also fatherhood, representing jade, gold, fine steeds, and fruit-bearing trees. Conversely, the Kan trigram, embodying water, when associated with carriages, denotes those fraught with adversity, akin to a vessel navigating turbulent waters. This juxtaposition underscores the incongruity between carriages and water. It brings to mind a curious anecdote: purportedly, the unveiling of a new carriage traditionally avoided any association with water, as it was believed to portend ill-fortune for the vehicle. Though mere superstition, it stands as an intriguing coincidence.
