At its heart, the I Ching is a cosmological system, a map of the universe and its endless processes of change and transformation. Its symbols and texts are built upon a foundation of core concepts that have profoundly shaped Chinese thought for millennia. Understanding these concepts is key to unlocking the I Ching's deeper philosophical meaning.
This article will explore the fundamental cosmological ideas inherent in the I Ching, including the dynamic interplay of Yin and Yang, the theory of the Five Elements or Phases (Wu Xing) and its connection to the I Ching's framework, and the central role of Change (Yi) itself as the underlying principle of all existence.
The Sage's Guide: Confucian Integration and Interpretation of the I Ching
Examining how Confucianism adopted, interpreted, and deeply integrated the I Ching into its ethical, social, and political philosophy, transforming it into a guide for moral cultivation and governance.
Meaning and Principle: The Yili School of I Ching Interpretation
Exploring the Yili (義理) School, or Meaning/Principle School, of I Ching interpretation, which emphasizes the philosophical, ethical, and moral wisdom embedded in the text.