I Ching - Essence of Chinese Traditional Culture (First Series)

Author: Ancient True Person
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: In summary, the connotation of Qian is quite rich. From a literal perspective, it has the following points:
1. Qian represents the early stages of ancient astronomical science—it measures the sun's shadow to observe directions, time, and weather based on celestial phenomena.
2. The primary purpose of measuring the sun's shadow was for agricultural needs, not for divining auspicious or inauspicious signs. It was closely tied to the survival practices of the time.
3. Measuring the sun's shadow was a solemn affair, hence the () was decorated with flags and bells.
These are the literal interpretations. Further analysis of their deeper extended meanings reveals the following:
1. The Yi Jing (Book of Changes) begins with the Qian hexagram, demonstrating that "The Yi aligns with the heavens and earth, encompassing the principles of the universe." Its first hexagram discusses the sky, but it does so not in an abstract manner, rather, it observes the sun's shadow from a human-centered perspective, serving human needs. Therefore, the hexagram is not directly called "Heaven" but "Qian."
2. Ancient people realized from the movement of the sun's shadow that "the heavens are vigorous," and "Great is the primordial Qian, from which all things derive their beginnings." "Qian" means "vigorous." Where does this vigor come from? It arises from long-term observation of the sun's shadow, leading to the realization that the heavens are in constant motion.
3. Naming the first hexagram "Qian" reflects the (heavenly path thinking) of the Yi Jing's compilers. This way of thinking permeates all sixty-four hexagrams. Therefore, when understanding the following hexagrams, we must adhere to this thinking rule. Otherwise, we may stray from the Yi Jing's track—interpreting each hexagram, line, or phrase in isolation—making it difficult to grasp the essence. By clarifying the literal and extended meanings of "Qian," we can trace the compilers' thought process. Following this line of reasoning allows us to understand the true meanings of the hexagram and line texts. In this way, the entire sixty-four hexagrams vividly unfold on a single platform of heavenly path thinking. Returning to read the hexagram, line, and commentary texts of the Yi Jing will then be as engaging and endlessly fascinating as reading Romance of the Three Kingdoms or Journey to the West.
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