I Ching

Author: Li Qiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: The Book of Changes is one of the earliest divination books preserved in China. In ancient times, people consulted deities through divination to determine auspiciousness or inauspiciousness and to guide their actions. It was believed that by understanding the Book of Changes and grasping the essence of divination, one could predict outcomes and know fortune or misfortune when venturing out. The Book of Changes is vast in content and holds high value in social history, philosophical thought, and literary significance. It is a precious cultural heritage passed down by ancient people. The Book of Changes is the earliest divination book preserved in China, presenting the simple dialectical thinking of ancient China in the form of hexagrams. It mainly introduces knowledge related to agriculture, business travel, warfare, and marriage, with rich content, a rigorous structure, and easy-to-understand language. In ancient times, people had limited knowledge and were deeply superstitious, often uncertain about matters, so they consulted deities through divination to determine auspiciousness or inauspiciousness and guide their actions. As a result, some regarded the Book of Changes as extremely mysterious, believing that by understanding it and grasping the essence of divination, one could predict outcomes and know fortune or misfortune when venturing out. Currently, in some backward regions, feudal superstition is resurfacing, with an increasing number of people burning incense, praying to gods, and seeking divination for matters. From trivial daily affairs and business travels to major events like building houses and weddings, people rely on gods and consult hexagrams. We should approach the Book of Changes from a materialist perspective and critique feudal superstition.