I Ching · Feng Shui · Architecture

Author: Chu Liangcai
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-01-01
Features: The I Ching is a comprehensive discipline used by the sages and ancient philosophers to explain the origin of the universe, the existence and changes of the real world, and the development trends of future time and space. Therefore, it must conform to a truth: the law of objective change and development of unity and opposition. Under the guiding philosophy of this worldview, aspects such as the differential diagnosis and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine, the moderate approach in social ethics, the scientific prediction of weather and seasons, the theoretical guidance for scientific practice, and even the site selection and construction of Feng Shui residences all embody the core idea of the I Ching's yin and yang. They are, in fact, specific interpretations, applications, and practices of the I Ching's principles in certain directions. Thus, there are these four phrases: Yin and Yang combine to produce, Yin and Yang separate to perish. Yin and Yang differ to transform, Yin and Yang balance to remain constant. Under the influence of the I Ching's theory of unity and opposition among heaven, earth, and humanity, ancient Feng Shui also emerged. Its original starting point was to take the I Ching's theory of heaven, earth, and humanity as guidance, supplemented by the specific manifestations of astronomy, geography, and human habitation, to integrate, harmonize, and apply these three elements. As for later ignorant and vulgar people who mixed superstition and delusion into it, that should be distinguished and eliminated. The ancients once wrote a poem: "Sitting by the small window reading the I Ching, unaware that spring had passed long ago." Throughout the history of human civilization, this ancient classic has attracted the attention of social scientists, natural scientists, emperors, and common people in China and the world, with countless generations seeking to explore and study it. The General Bibliography of the Siku Quanshu compiled by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty highly praised it as: "The way of the I Ching is vast and all-encompassing, extending to astronomy, geography, music theory, military strategy, phonology, mathematics, and even the alchemy of hermits—all can be explained using the I Ching." The I Ching is not only the source of life for seven thousand years of Chinese civilization but also holds the top position among the "Three Great Classics of the World"—the I Ching, the Bible, and the Vedas. Its status is eminent, its reputation is lofty, its influence is profound, and its effects are miraculous; it can truly be called the "supreme book of the world." Since ancient times until now, countless explorers of the I Ching have come one after another, and there are countless research monographs on it, too numerous to count. For now, let us set aside the discussions and praise of the Chinese people for this national treasure and first examine the evaluations of the academic authorities abroad on the I Ching: German dialectical philosopher G.W.F. Hegel said in Lectures on the History of Philosophy: "The I Ching contains the wisdom of the Chinese people."