Taoism's cosmology on Yi-wei(易緯)

Abstract

This article is to explore Taoism's cosmology on Yi-wei(易緯), focusing on Qianzao-du(乾鑿度) and Qiankunzao-du(乾坤鑿度). The major feature of Yi-wei's view of cosmology is formed by combining Taoism's 'Wu(無)' idea with the cosmology based on the Taiji(太極) of Xi-ci-chuan(繫辭傳) of Yi-jing(易經). Yi-wei's cosmology can be summarized into two components. First, Yi-wei defines the Taiyi(太易) as the fundamental existence of the cosmology. The creation of everything originates from the Taiyi, thus making Taiyi the source of the creature of everything. Second, Yi-wei explains the process of 'You-sheng-yu-wu(有生於無)' into five difference stages of Taiyi(太易)･Taichu(太初)･Taishi(太始)･Taisu(太素)·Hunlun(渾淪). In particular, the process of Taichu･Taishi･Taisu satisfies the three elements of Qi(氣)･Xing(形)･Zhi(質). Hunlun qualifies three elements of Qi･Xing･Zhi, but was not fully evolved into differentiation. Only when they were separated from Hunlun, the Tiandi(天地) would be formed. Qi is the material to build the foundation of the universe. It is intangible in the stage of Taiyi, but it does not exist as the absolute 'Wu'. In the five stages of Taiyi･Taichu･Taishi･Taisu･Hunlun, the intangible Qi was gained Xing and Zhi, and it was the ongoing process of moving forward to tangibles.