Easy Learning: Past and Present

Author: Yu Dunkang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-06-01
Features: The Book of Changes has had a profound and immense impact on traditional culture and holds a highly important position in the history of Chinese culture. It is widely acknowledged as an undeniable historical fact. However, how to explain this fact and evaluate its role in the history of culture remains a subject of diverse opinions and varying interpretations. In terms of major trends, there are four representative views. One view holds that the Book of Changes originated from divination, but its true value lies not in divination itself but in the philosophical content embedded within it. Divination is merely its dead shell, while philosophy is its essence, and thus it should be interpreted from a philosophical perspective. The third view considers the Book of Changes as a book on astronomy and calendar, or a scientific work, where the scientific thinking it contains has not only had a profound influence on ancient technology but also aligns with the fundamental ideas of modern natural science. Therefore, it should be interpreted from the perspective of natural science. The fourth view regards the Book of Changes as a historical work, preserving valuable historical materials from ancient times, particularly reflecting the historical changes during the transition period between the Shang and Zhou dynasties. Thus, it should be interpreted from the perspective of its position in the history of Chinese culture, which is extremely important, and its influence on traditional Chinese culture is profound and immense.
Through an extensive discussion of the evolution of the Book of Changes in ancient and modern times, the author presents the different characteristics of the Book of Changes' philosophy under various historical contexts. Additionally, the exploration of the philosophical, historical, and ethical dimensions embedded in the Book of Changes reveals the vastness and depth of its thought. This book is indeed another significant work in the study of the Book of Changes.
Written by the renowned philosopher and expert in the Book of Changes, Yu Dunkang, this book serves as an introductory read on the historical culture and modern value of the Book of Changes. The essence and value ideals of the Book of Changes, its unique function in Chinese culture, its relationship with traditional Chinese culture, and its connection with Chinese political culture and ethical thought—these fundamental issues in the study of the Book of Changes can only be handled with ease by an expert like the author. The book's insightful discussions on the Book of Changes' life wisdom for modern life and its management philosophy also unveil the practicality of the Book of Changes itself. Furthermore, the author's of the historical context of the Book of Changes and the exploration of modern Chinese philosophers' solemn pursuit of the Book of Changes' philosophy highlights why the Book of Changes, as the foremost of the ancient classics, is a must-read for every scholar. It explains why it holds such a significant position and what its modern value is. After reading this book, one can consider half of the matter understood.