Siku Quanshu, Art of Calculation - (Complete 4 volumes)

Author: Xie Lujun
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-06-01
Features: The General Preface to the Siku Quanshu states: "The rise of divination and numerology often occurred after the Qin and Han dynasties. At its core, it revolves around the principles of Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, generation and control. In essence, it is merely a branch of the I Ching, adorned with various speculative theories. Things are born with forms, and forms are born with numbers. Through multiplication and division, one seeks to explore the origins of creation, which is what is called mathematical divination. Stars, land, clouds, and phenomena mentioned in classics have been passed down, yet they are often filled with superstition and have lost their original truth. However, it is not to say that ancient times had no such theories—this is what is known as astronomical divination. Beyond these, the later developments are chaotic and cannot be enumerated in full; historical and bibliographic records generally summarize them as 'the Five Elements.' Among them, only mathematical divination stands apart as a separate tradition outside the I Ching, yet it is not directly practical but still close to reason. The rest are mostly false with a hint of truth, spreading and influencing one another. To claim that such theories and principles did not exist in ancient times is indeed the pedantic talk of Confucian scholars; to claim that modern diviners can inherit this tradition is also the delusion of the common people. Simply put, the desire for blessings and fear of misfortune is shared across time and space. As soon as the thought of avoiding misfortune arises, practitioners of various arts exploit the opportunity to deceive, making absurd theories multiply and spread endlessly. Yet, as long as there is public interest, even sages cannot prevent it. What can be understood should be preserved in its principles, while what cannot be understood should be retained as a theory for now."
This is because the Dao of alchemy and divination resonate with humanity's desire for immortality and the avoidance of misfortune, making them widely accepted among the populace. They are easily exploited by wandering sorcerers who deceive and swindle. Since it is impossible to suppress such practices, it is better to elevate them to the realm of academic study. Readers must understand that mastering mathematical divination is relatively easy. Practitioners of divination require a higher level of "spiritual thinking" beyond ordinary "rational thinking." Wandering sorcerers are often deceptive, with only a rare few capable of awakening spiritual insight. Those who seek to profit are even lower, and should not be trusted. However, mathematical divination is part of traditional Chinese culture and must be cherished. Protecting ancient Chinese traditional culture is also protecting the future of the Chinese nation. Therefore, after careful consideration, I have reluctantly written this preface.