Explaining Transformation

Abstract

Abstract This chapter introduces the principle of transformation. The first section includes a discussion of Reality’s characteristics, how transformation is accomplished, and the principle in Laozi that “one generates two and two generates three.” The second section provides a detailed account of the two impetuses of contraction (翕) and expansion (闢), their role in transformation and in the appearance of living entities, and their connection with the principle of “mutually opposing and mutually completing.” The following section on arising and ceasing introduces and defends in detail the Buddhist doctrine that all things cease in an instant. Xiong then explains that he defends the idea that all things arise and cease instant by instant and do not abide even for a moment, “in order to show that the two impetuses of one contraction and one expansion constantly create and do not grow exhausted; that they are ever renewing and do not hold onto the old.” The chapter concludes with an account of the five characteristics of transformation.