Plain Language I Ching -- A Classic Reading of Traditional Culture

Author: Qin Lei (Compiler)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-09-01
Features: China is a world-renowned ancient civilization, and its splendid traditional culture has become a common spiritual treasure for all humanity. With the progress of the times and the ever-deepening exploration of nature and understanding of society, people are more urgently than ever before to tap into the treasures of traditional culture, drawing wisdom and spiritual strength for self-improvement and self-enhancement, thereby achieving success. There are many classics of traditional culture, which raises the issue of priorities and selection. I do not advocate the idea of "100 Must-Read Classics" or "50 Must-Read Classics," as it is arbitrary to create a closed system. The treasure trove of Chinese traditional culture classics should be open, with a rich diversity and hidden gems. The "Readings on Traditional Culture Classics" series can only be said to offer readers the basic classics that should be understood first.
The I Ching (also known as the Book of Changes) is an ancient Chinese divination text. It explains all phenomena of the universe through the changes of yin and yang. Through divination, it reveals the laws of heaven, humanity, and the earth, aiming to grasp the essence of life and how to conduct oneself in the world, thereby avoiding misfortune and seeking good fortune. As a result, the philosophy of the I Ching has been deeply revered and studied by later generations. People further interpreted its meanings, making the I Ching a classic that combines divination and philosophical wisdom.
The I Ching speaks of the concepts and manifestations of yin and yang, which originate from the different genders of men and women and are the product of primitive human thought. Its main purpose is to explain all phenomena of change in the universe. In the philosophy of the I Ching, yin and yang are not opposites or mutually destructive; rather, they are interwoven in constant transformation, generating and developing harmoniously and in unity. The I Ching emphasizes the role of vigor and righteousness in the creation and development of heaven and earth, particularly the enduring vigor and righteousness.
The I Ching also addresses life and death, and it explains the great virtue of heaven and earth and their boundless vitality by integrating both. In summary, the subtle interactions of yin, yang, vigor, gentleness, movement, and stillness in heaven and earth are the roots of all creation and development. By elucidating this principle and applying it widely to all changes in the universe and human life, people can understand change, adapt to change, and strive for good while avoiding evil, thereby seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune. This is the philosophy of the I Ching.
The greatest model in the universe is heaven and earth; therefore, the laws of their ever-renewing changes are also the behavioral norms for human society. The I Ching takes heaven and earth as its standard to establish life norms, encouraging people to strive ceaselessly and benefit society with the eternal yet orderly spirit of the universe.
The I Ching combines both normative and practical functions. Moral cultivation in life should follow the principles of heaven and earth, emulating the cosmic spirit of "The vigor of heaven is unceasing; the superior man takes it as his model and strives ceaselessly." By working hard and making continuous progress, one can achieve success in both character and learning, and then realize one's ambitions in career, thereby promoting social development and participating in the creative work of heaven and earth through morality and career. This is the highest calling.
The main purpose of the I Ching in Plain Language is to introduce the basic knowledge of the Book of Changes and help readers understand the profound meanings of its hexagrams and lines, enabling them to further explore the mysteries of the Book of Changes.