"The Book of Changes," also known as "The Zhouyi," is the earliest philosophical work in ancient China, hailed as "the first of all classics and the source of the great way." It comprises two main parts: the Jing (Classic Texts) and the Zhuan (Commentaries). The Jing primarily consists of sixty-four hexagrams and their corresponding divinatory statements, while the Zhuan provides explanations and elaborations on the Jing, including the Ten Wings such as the Tuanzhuan (Commentary on the Hexagram Statements), the Xiangzhuan (Commentary on the Hexagram Images), and the Wenyan (Commentary on the Words). Through theories of yin-yang transformations, the five elements' mutual generation and destruction, and the interplay of the eight trigrams, the book expounds on the laws governing the generation, development, and change of all things in the universe, as well as the harmonious coexistence between humanity, nature, and society.
One of the core ideologies of "The Book of Changes" is the theory of yin and yang, which posits that all things in the world are composed of these two fundamental forces. Yin and yang interdepend, transform into each other, and serve as the fundamental driving force behind the ever-changing universe. Through the symbolic system of hexagrams and yao lines, "The Book of Changes" constructs a unique system of image-number thinking. These symbols are not merely abstract generalizations of natural phenomena but profound revelations of cosmic truths, guiding people to comprehend the way of heaven and earth by observing phenomena and deriving meaning from them.
Through the study, I have the following three insights.
1. Traditional Chinese culture has been changing throughout history, and texts from history have witnessed this development. And the study of historical texts is the excavation of history.
2. The naming of the I Ching or the Book of Changes may also express the evolving traditional Chinese culture. The contents of the I Ching present the most basic concepts of Chinese philosophical thought. The book uses sixty-four hexagrams, various combinations of six grams/lines, yin, and yang, etc. to explain the various relationships of movement in the world. However, for me, the concepts of the trigrams as well as the meanings are deep and difficult to understand.
3. Through my reading of selected chapters of the I Ching, I have found that the image of the dragon appears frequently. As you can see, the image of the dragon in ancient China was a symbol of its tallness and even the best expectations. Some of the trigrams are explained and illustrated in the selections, and different trigrams in different positions will have different meanings. From the content, it can be seen that the trigrams are mainly used for divination of good and bad luck, as a way to prompt people's behaviors or large-scale activities such as rituals.
Before reading Chapter 1, I had never delved into The Book of Changes. In the introduction, I learned about the integration and principles of Chinese thought, gaining insight into the significance of the harmonious interplay of yin and yang. In ancient times, hexagrams served as indicative symbolic texts, revealing that humans navigate through society and life according to perpetual changes in time and position. When yin and yang are in harmony, one should maintain the "middle."
One of the core ideologies of The Book of Changes is the theory of yin and yang, which interdepend and transform into each other. Chapter 1 mentions that the Qian hexagram consists of six yang lines, while the Kun hexagram comprises six yin lines. One of the central messages of Qian is unceasing self-improvement, emphasizing a robust and unyielding spirit that encourages constant endeavor, boundless striving, and courageously moving forward in pursuit of self-perfection and progress. On the other hand, Kun's central theme revolves around profound virtue supporting all things, urging individuals to possess a broad mind, capable of embracing the vastness of the sea with its myriad rivers—a mindset that accommodates diverse voices and opinions. Qian and Kun are interdependent and complementary, jointly forming the foundation for the harmonious coexistence of all things in the universe. By studying the wisdom of these two hexagrams, we can gain a deeper understanding of natural laws, life philosophies, and societal development patterns, thereby guiding our thoughts and actions.
I had only heard about the I Ching before, but had not read it. As a classic of Chinese sinology, I Ching is not as simple and easy to understand as the vernacular. However, because of this course, I have a little understanding of the Book of Changes, especially the Kun trigrams and lines.
Six in the second place means: Straight, square, great. Without purpose, yet nothing remains unfurthered. This line emphasizes integrity, uprightly, grand character, and natural, unmodified way of dealing with the world. As college students, we are in a critical period of shaping values and forming personality, we should always bear in mind that only by treating people sincerely and dealing with the world with integrity can we win the respect and trust of others. At the same time, keep an open mind and accept different ideas and cultures, so that their vision is broader and their hearts are more inclusive.
Six at the top means: Dragons fight in the meadow. Their blood is black and yellow. This is the only sentence in the Kun guhexagram with a sense of conflict, which warns us that when the principle is lost due to excessive flexibility, it may lead to fierce conflicts and struggles. This reminds me that in the face of challenges and difficulties, I should not only maintain enough resilience and patience, but also stick to my bottom line and principles, and do not easily compromise and concede.
All in all, Kun gua is not only a description of natural phenomena, but also a profound exposition of life philosophy. They are like mirrors, reflecting my inner shortcomings and the direction of growth.
From introduction and I Ching, I learn that the early "Chinese mind" are the sixty-four hexagrams in various combinations of six grams or lines either of yin (the feminine,negative principle,the number of six) or yang (the masculine,initiating principle,the number of nine) principle. And the hexagrams in I Ching have been texts of signs that directed the ancient people to certain choices and actions in the world.After reading watching and learning the preface of the first chapter and the selection from I Ching, I have learned a lot about Chinese traditional culture. The first chapter mainly focused on the origin of I Ching and some main theories in it, for example, we firstly learned about the two hexagrams, Qian (Heaven) and Kun (Earth), to illustrate the principle of interaction between yin and yang. Qian symbolizes heaven, masculinity, and strength, while Kun represents earth, femininity, and receptiveness. The interplay between these two forces forms the foundation of the universe's operation.
we learn Chinese mind is the most basic concepts about time and space. One set of Chinese mind are the sixty-four hexagrams. In various combinations of six grams/lines, there is yin and yang, they depicting the interacting among the earth, the human, and the heaven. The Book of Changes use the hexagrams to direct the ancient people to certain choices and actions in the world. The Doctrine of the Mean did not changed. The cyclical sense of time grounded the sexagenary cycle of recording days and time, designated by combinations of the ten heavenly stems and twelve earthly branches.
The first chapter introduces the first hexagram in the sixtyfour hexagram in the Book of Changes: Qian Hexagram.This symbolizes heaven, and is also metaphorical to a gentleman with both virtue and ability, as well as pure masculinity and strength. The Qiangua represents prosperity and strength, and has the characteristics of firmness and integrity.
Qiangua contains many traditional Chinese thoughts, which have a long history and have shaped the values of today's people. The trigrams of Qianqian are "sublimity,potentiality of success,power to further,perseverance", which respectively represent the beginning, prosperity, advantage and integrity. This expresses a kind of auspicious mood, teaching people to abide by the virtue of heaven's way, selfimprovement, and courage. In addition, each line of the Qiangua also tells many traditional philosophical thoughts. For example, Nine at the begoning means hidden dragondo not act .The "dragon" here symbolizes masculinity and has strong potential and ability, but the word "latent" means that it is now in a latent, hidden state, and the time is not yet mature, so it should be like a hidden dragon, and do not easily show their talents.
The Book of Changes, as one of the ancient Chinese classics, has a profound and philosophical hexagram system. I had never before been exposed to so profound and significant a text, but I had heard the related story, and I had only a shallow idea of the metaphysics connected with the I Ching. During my studies, I learned that the hexagrams of the I Ching consist of 64 hexagrams, each of which consists of six hexagrams. These hexagrams are not only symbols, but also profound reflections of natural phenomena and human behavior. Each hexagram has its own unique symbols and epigrams, and these words provide the key to understanding the meaning of the hexagram. I was deeply impressed by some of the explanations of the hexagram changes in the book about Qian and Kun. For example, "Flying Dragon in the Sky" means that a person can develop his career by himself. The different combinations of hexagrams contain the philosophy of change, revealing the truth of life and social changes.
As English majors, we should understand China's excellent and splendid traditions and take on the responsibility of Chinese culture going global, which makes me look forward to learning the crystallization of excellent culture in the future.
Reading "Chinese Classics: Selected Readings" for the first time, I was fascinated by the depth and wisdom embodied in the Book of Changes, also known as the Yi Jing. This ancient text, believed to have originated from the legendary figures like Fuxi and Nuwa, opened up a whole new world of symbolism and philosophy for me.
The Book of Changes, with its intricate system of hexagrams and trigrams, represents a profound understanding of the natural world and human society. As I delved into the explanations, I came across terms like "Junzi," or the princely man, which were discussed across various classics, illustrating the evolving nature of ethical ideals in Chinese thought.
One example that particularly struck me was the hexagram Qian, represented by seven unbroken lines. The initial line, "Nine at the Beginning: The Latent Dragon, Do Not Use," taught me the importance of patience and waiting for the right time to act. It reminded me of the wisdom of staying humble and prepared, just like a dragon coiled in the depths, ready to emerge when the moment is right.
Overall, my journey through the Book of Changes and its interconnected themes has been incredibly enriching. The parallels drawn between ancient wisdom and modern life have inspired me to reflect on my own actions and values. I am now more eager than ever to delve deeper into the vast sea of Chinese intellectual culture, guided by the timeless lessons of the Yi Jing.
After watching the online video and reading the introduction and selected reading of the I Ching in the paper book, I found that Chinese traditional culture has a long history. The early Chinese thought is also very interesting, especially in the I Ching, the hexagram in the video, it's amazing to me, the changes between Yin and Yang in the hexagram, it seems to reveal the golden mean, in ancient times, the I Ching was often used as a divination book, people used the hexagram to let them make decisions in time and space. In the book of Changes, we can also see the harmonious relationship between man and nature. It believes that nature creates all things and encourages and guides people to be virtuous and upright. At the same time, this book is also of great significance for us to understand the politics, economy and culture of ancient China.
I am most impressed by the hexagrams of the I Ching, among which the eight trigrams come from the universe, very interesting, heaven and earth, wind and fire, thunder and water mountain. Each hexagram corresponds to different characteristics, and the philosophical ideas derived from these characteristics are amazing. For example, the Qiangua represents the heaven, and the nature of the heaven is eternal and unchanged, no matter how unchanged the years are, the heaven is always there and does not change. It represents a kind of strong strength. All hexagram is not just a symbol system, it is more like a way of thinking, to reveal the law of things change.
To be honest, before having this extraordinary course, my knowledge about the Book of Changes is very limited. After two-week self- learning, I think I have a temporarily further understanding of the Book of Changes, or the hexagrams.
In the Book of Changes, we emphatically learn about the Qian hexagram and Kun hexagram, both of them are the key hexagrams.First, I would like to talk about the Qian hexagram, which is creative. We should read this hexagram from the bottom to the top, for example, the first line we should read it as “nine at the beginning”, and the second”nine at the second place” and so on. When we attempt to realize these lines from a theoretical level or aspect, it may be a little bit abstract and is uneasy to get the right point. But the teachers meticulously explain those lines with a metaphor or a true story of a great man. Because the Qian hexagram has six lines, the great man will go through six processes:at first, do not act; second, the great man will see some chances; third, the great man will keep perseverance and cautiousness, and is creatively active; fourth, the great man will endeavor time and again; fifth, his prime time has finally come; last, the great man can’t stay long in his prime, unless keeping being prudent and not being arrogant. To sum up, all the lines describe the dragon's different developing states or activities. By telling stories, we can get direct knowledge from the hexagram and better understand these classic philosophies, knowing what characteristics a great man should own.
Next I will talk about my understanding of the Kun hexagram. Compared with the Qian hexagram, the Kun hexagram is receptive. It also has six lines. The first line can read” six at the beginning”, the second”six at the second place”...... From my realization, the Kun hexagram tells us that we should protect us by concealing our abilities, and keep being free of vanity and being humble. If all nines of the Qian hexagram are nine, this hexagram will change into the Kun hexagram, likewise, if all are six, the Kun will change into the Qian, and thus a new cycle starts.
My question: when i learn the online course of the Qian hexagram, the teachers mentioned that the Qian hexagram and Kun Hexagram have seven lines, I don’t know why not six. Where is the seventh line?
The segments included in The Book of Changes communicate deep situations of ancient Chinese thinking associating with change, perseverance, and self-cultivation. As emphasized in the text, the cycles of nature and how humans can do things in accordance with cosmic principles.
The hexagram "Qian" represents the creative force and suggests the ability to make great things happen through perseverance and action. The metaphor which expresses the creation force is the image of a dragon. The metaphors of a dragon is important as it signifies the dynamic nature of the creative power for leadership. The lines go through stages, going from the hidden dragon that must lie still, to the flying dragon in the heavens to communicate different stages of development in life or any particular endeavor. One must know when to act, and when to hold back their actions since rash actions could have corresponding effects, like the dragon at the peak who boasts will need to repent.
The hexagram "Kun" represents the receptive force of the earth. This supports virtues of humility and persistence while taking the back seat to the creative force. The metaphors communicated through female horses suggest that accomplishment/honor is simply by continuing in great endurance while seeking sound flexibility. Consider the images of hoarfrost and ice, which tend to summon images of waiting, patiently abiding until movement occurs.
Both of hexagrams demonstrates value of balance of action and inaction between creativity and receptivity. The superior man of the I Ching must be able to read the signs of things changing and adjust themselves demonstrating the potential of superior man or any actions take without imposition of authority with rights or esteem.
The core idea of the Book of Changes is to explain the law of change of everything in the universe. Based on the philosophical principle of the unity of Yin and Yang opposites, it simulates and explains natural and social phenomena through the combination of eight diagrams. The influence of the Book of Changes is very far-reaching, it not only occupies an important position in Chinese traditional culture, but also has a profound impact on philosophy, literature, art, medicine, military and other fields. At the same time, it also has an important impact on the culture of East Asia, such as Japan, South * and other places are also studied and applied.
But I wonder what kind of value the Book of Changes has for today's society, and whether the divination technique in it is also a feudal superstition? What is the specific application value of the I Ching now, and how is it applied? Why is this book still alive in people's conversations after thousands of years? Does divination fall under the category of statistics and is it in line with scientific logic? There are some questions that bother me deeply. I sincerely hope that I can find the answer in the next chapters.
In the Book of Changes, Qian represents heaven, embodying strength, creativity, and leadership. It symbolizes initiative and dynamic energy. Kun represents earth, signifying receptivity, nurturing, and cooperation. It represents patience and the ability to support. Together, they represent the fundamental forces of the universe and offer guidance on how to act and interact in different situations.
The Qian hexagram represents strong and enterprising. In the career, it inspires us to have lofty goals and a positive spirit of struggle, the courage to pioneer and innovate, and keep forging ahead. It is necessary to have the quality of self-improvement, not to flinch in the face of difficulties, and to strive to overcome various challenges. In life, we must maintain integrity, courage and decisiveness, face the ups and downs of life with a positive attitude, and constantly improve our abilities and qualities.
The kun hexagram represents suppleness and tolerance. In terms of career, it reminds us to learn to cooperate with others and have a team spirit. Be tolerant and open to different opinions and perspectives. At the same time, we must be down-to-earth, work silently, and treat success and failure with a humble attitude. In life, be gentle and kind, care for family and friends, and create harmonious interpersonal relationships. Accept everything in life with a generous mind and maintain inner peace and tranquility.
Through the study of this unit, I have a simple understanding of the I Ching. This classic book of Changes is mainly integrated by the eight trigram thought of Chinese ancestor Fuxi. The origin of the eight diagrams is that Fuxi drew Longma for careful study and finally realized the truth in it. The structure of the I Ching mainly includes two parts: the passage and the transmission. The Bible consists of 64 hexagrams, names of the hexagrams, and hexagrams. The biography is Yi Zhuan, written by Confucius. The book of Changes is very difficult to understand, and reading requires an open mind, a dedicated spirit and a wealth of knowledge to help us better understand its mysteries. Not only that, I also specifically learned that the eight trigram represents the sky, the kun represents the earth, the sun represents the wind, the earthquake represents the thunder, the kan represents the water, the distance represents the fire, the gen represents the mountain, and the Ze represents. Among them, the Qiangua is the heaven, the gentleman to self-improvement. Kun guhexagrams is the terrain kun, a gentleman with moral. I hope I can have a better understanding of Chinese culture in my later study.
After learning the "I Ching",I am captivated by the profound insights it offers into the dynamics of Qian and Kun, the primal hexagrams symbolizing Heaven and Earth. These foundational symbols illustrate the interplay of creativity and receptiveness, embodying the essence of the universe's operation and the balance within life's constants and variables.
Qian, the first hexagram, epitomizes the proactive, masculine force associated with heaven, urging us to be enterprising and to harness our potential fully. It serves as a reminder to maintain equilibrium and prudence in our endeavors. Conversely, Kun, the second hexagram, represents the nurturing, feminine aspect of the earth, advocating generosity, tolerance, and the importance of going with the flow. It counsels us to observe conditions, to act when favorable, and to retreat when necessary.
The "I Ching" teaches that stability is found within the flux of change, with Qian and Kun illustrating the complementary forces that drive the universe and shape human affairs. These hexagrams encourage persistence through adversity and humility in success, reflecting the ancient wisdom that has guided decision-making and self-improvement for millennia.
In essence, the "I Ching" is more than a divination text; it is a compass for personal growth and a testament to the enduring philosophy of Yin and Yang. It invites us to embrace change, seek harmony, and align ourselves with the universal pulse of creation and transformation. Through the study of Qian and Kun, we gain a deeper understanding of our place in the cosmos and the art of living in accordance with its rhythms.
In the process of exploring the origin of Chinese culture and learning the true connotation of Chinese culture, we can learn the most basic concepts about time and space from ancient classic books. The I Ching is a book about change, which is full of the wisdom of ancient thinkers. Its central idea is to guide people's activities by observing time and space changes. In the hexagrams, the two lines in the middle represent people, the top two lines represent heaven, and the bottom two lines represent the earth, which coincides with the Doctrine of the Mean that our country has been implementing. Human power is too weak compared to heaven and earth, which is why we have to adapt to the changes of heaven and earth and make corresponding adjustments. No matter when, we should keep ourselves in the middle position, not go to extremes, observe the changes in the surrounding environment in time, and make the most suitable adjustments to allow ourselves to develop and progress. Kun hexagram and Qian hexagram are two very important hexagrams in the Book of Changes, and each line of them represents a different meaning. After reading the notes in the book, I think the mystery of this is very extensive and profound. In the Book of Changes, there are many guidance and advice, from which we can learn very profound experiences.
As an English major, I find this textbook to be essential in cultivating my cross-cultural communication skills, which are vital for promoting Chinese culture on a global scale. This textbook introduces me to foundational texts from Confucianism, Buddhism, Daoism, and particularly the "I Ching," or "Book of Changes," which explores the principles of change and balance in life.
Through the system of hexagrams, the "I Ching" teaches me that change is an inherent aspect of existence. It emphasizes personal growth through mindful action, as exemplified by the hexagram "Zhun." Additionally, I appreciate how it highlights the interplay of yin and yang, showing me that harmony arises from balancing these dualities, which is crucial for my well-being and fostering healthy relationships.
I also value the structured approach of the textbook, which includes preparatory questions and exercises that encourage me to engage in critical thinking and cultural reflection. The inclusion of English-language critiques broadens my perspective on cross-cultural interactions.
In conclusion, both the textbook and the "I Ching" offer me invaluable insights into the complexities of life, promoting my cultural understanding and ethical engagement as I prepare for an interconnected world.
The concept of change in I Ching profoundly reveals the dynamic essence of the universe and life. The book mentions that everything is impermanent and change is the norm of nature. This concept has deeply influenced ancient Chinese philosophy and culture. Through the trigrams and words of the Book of Changes, I Ching showed how things are constantly transformed in the interaction of the five elements of yin and yang, and emphasized the importance of adapting to and conforming to change.After reading these classic chapters, I deeply feel that "change" is not only the law of the outside world, but also the true portrayal of the inner world. I Ching taught us that in the face of change, we should remain calm and wise, understand the essence of things, and follow the trend. It emphasizes a kind of wisdom of "softness to overcome rigidity", which solves difficulties through adaptation and adjustment, and promotes the benign development of oneself and the environment. This way of thinking is not only of great significance in ancient times, but also in modern society. Whether it is personal growth or social progress, we need to accept change with an open mind, find opportunities and make corresponding adjustments.
It offer profound insights into the early Chinese philosophical mindset, particularly in how they conceptualize time, space, and the interactions between heaven, earth, and humanity. The sixty-four hexagrams of changes serve as symbolic representations of these interactions, guiding ancient people in making choices and actions. The emphasis on the cyclical nature of time, as seen in the sexagenary cycle, underscores the belief in constant change and the necessity to adapt. This is encapsulated in the idea of maintaining the "middle course," where balance between yin and yang is crucial to avoid extreme outcomes.It exemplifies how early Chinese rulers used these philosophical concepts to make critical decisions, such as relocating the capital. This reflects a deep-seated belief in the centrality and stability of the "middle" position, both geographically and philosophically. The selections from these ancient texts not only reveal the foundational principles of Chinese thought but also highlight the enduring influence of these ideas on Chinese political and cultural identity.
This introduction provides an overview of the significance and complexity of The Book of Changes. It explains that the book is not just a collection of ancient divination methods but a profound philosophical and cosmological work.
The concept of yin and yang, which forms the core of The Book of Changes, is explored. Yin represents femininity, passivity, and darkness, while yang represents masculinity, activity, and light. The interaction between these two forces is seen as the driving force behind all changes in the universe.
From the online videos, I also have a better and clearer understanding of the hexagrams of The Book of Change. These symbols are composed of six lines, either solid or broken, and each hexagram represents a different situation or state of being. The introduction explains how these hexagrams can be used for divination and also as a tool for self-reflection and understanding.
Furthermore, the introduction highlights the timeless nature of The Book of Changes. Despite being thousands of years old, its teachings and insights still resonate with people today. It offers wisdom on topics such as leadership, relationships, and personal growth.
In conclusion, the introduction to The Book of Changes is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand this ancient text. It provides a solid foundation for further exploration and study, opening the door to a world of profound wisdom and insight.
Selected Passages from The book of Changes
"The Book of Changes, an age-old masterpiece brimming with wisdom, delves deeply into the enigmatic mysteries of life and the vast universe. Its intricate hexagrams and profound commentaries serve as a guiding light for various facets of human existence.
For instance, consider 'Qian, the Creative'. Here, the great is manifested through perseverance. The firm and correct endure forever. It is highly beneficial to encounter a great person. When a dragon appears in the field, it is auspicious to see a great person. This hexagram symbolizes creativity and initiative. It powerfully encourages us to be courageous and take decisive action when opportunities present themselves. It reminds us that in the face of challenges and uncertainties, we must have the audacity to forge ahead and create our own paths.
Another significant passage is 'Kun, the Receptive'. The mare here stands as a symbol of docility and perseverance. Being correct and firm is beneficial. The noble one has a clear destination. If one is sincere and truthful, it is advantageous to take action. Kun represents receptivity and nurturing. It admonishes us to be flexible and accommodating in our dealings with others, yet at the same time, firmly maintain our integrity. We must learn to listen, to be receptive to different ideas and perspectives, while still holding true to our values.
The Book of Changes truly is a timeless source of inspiration and profound wisdom. Its passages are like beacons that can help us navigate the complex challenges of life. They offer us a deeper understanding of ourselves, our strengths and weaknesses, and also of the world around us. By delving into its teachings, we can gain insights that enable us to make better decisions, build stronger relationships, and lead more fulfilling lives."
In the process of reading the first chapter of the Chinese Cultural Tradition and the Book of Changes, I seem to have opened a door to ancient wisdom. The first chapter shows me the profound and long history of Chinese culture. It gave me an initial taste of the rich ideas, values and moral principles that the Chinese nation has accumulated over the course of its long history. From ancient philosophical concepts to unique art forms, from traditional etiquette norms to profound wisdom of life.
The Book of Changes is a classic work full of mystery and profound wisdom. Based on the symbol system of Yin and Yang and eight diagrams, it discusses the law of change of everything in the universe and the philosophy of life. Although the hexagrams and trigrams in the Book of Changes may seem obscure and difficult to understand. These symbols remind us to take different attitudes and actions in life according to different situations, to maintain a positive spirit, and to know how to yield and tolerate when appropriate. At the same time, the Book of Changes also emphasizes the concept of "harmony between nature and man", and believes that human beings should conform to the laws of nature and live in harmony with nature. In general, I benefited a lot from reading the first chapter of Chinese cultural tradition and the Book of Changes. They not only let me about Chinese tradition.
After reading these two articles, I would like to discuss the questions raised in them. The Chinese people's self-identification as "descendants of the dragon" and their connection to the mythological figures Nüwa and Fuxi are mainly reflected in the following aspects:
Mythological legends: According to mythology, Fuxi and Nüwa are the progenitors of the Chinese nation, often depicted with human heads and snake or dragon bodies. Legend has it that they created the entire Chinese nation, hence the Chinese refer to themselves as "descendants of the dragon."
Totem fusion: The formation of the dragon totem not only reflects the totem worship of the Fuxi tribe but also embodies the diversity and inclusiveness of Chinese culture.
Cultural symbolism: The dragon has profound symbolic significance in Chinese culture, representing power, wisdom, courage, and good fortune. The Chinese worship of dragons reflects respect for ancestors and traditional culture.
Blood relations: Although there are different accounts of the exact blood relationship between Fuxi and Nüwa, they are both considered common ancestors of the Chinese nation. This kinship identification makes it easier for Chinese people to emotionally accept the title "descendants of the dragon."
After reading the designated parts, I've got some questions here:
1. How do the Qian and Kun hexagrams relate to each other?
2. What are the historical and cultural contexts behind the Qian and Kun hexagrams?
3. How can we interpret the two hexagrams' symbolic meaning?
4. How can we balance The Creative Qian and The Receptive Kun? I mean under which kind of circumstance should we take heart of grace to be creative and confident like Qian and when should we just be humble and recept what we have got?
The early " Chinese mind " are the sixty-four hexagrams in various combinations of six grams either of yin or yang principle, which were recognized as divined symbols, depicting the interacting among the earth, the human, and the heaven.
The first two hexagrams ( Qian and Kun) of I Ching excerpted as the first selection of the chapter present the very basic of Chinese philosophical mind-set, one that conceptualizes the varied moments and positions in life between the heaven and earth.
Qian: The Creative
Nine at the beginning means: Hidden dragon. Do not act. It means that yang qi just begins to stir at the lowest place.
Nine in the second place means: Dragon appearing in the field. It means that the great man has extended his virtue far and wide.
Nine in the third place means: All day long the superior man is creatively active. It means that he perseveres in the right way time and again.
Nine in the fourth place means: Wavering flight over the depths. It means that the great man advances or retreats timely.
Nine in the fifth place means: Flying dragon in the heavens. It means that the great man is developing into his cause.
Nine at the top means: Arrogant dragon will have cause to repent. It means that he cannot stay long in his prime.
All the lines are nines means: There appears a flight of dragons without heads. It means that the virtue of heaven is not to pose as the leader.
Kun: The Receptive
Six at the beginning means: When there is hoarfrost underfoot. solid ice is not far off.
Six in the second place means: Straight, square, great. Without purpose, yet nothing remains unfurthered.
Six in the third place means: Hidden lines. One is able to remain persevering.
Six in the fourth place means: A tied-up sack. No blame, no praise.
Six in the fifth place means: A yellow lower garment brings supreme good fortune.
Six at the top means: Dragons fight in the meadow. Their blood is black and yellow.
The "Book of Changes" (I Ching) has profound implications for understanding the universe and life. It reveals the principles of change and harmony, teaching us to embrace uncertainty and flow with the rhythm of nature. The hexagrams in the book symbolize various life situations, guiding us to make wise decisions. Reading the I Ching, I am amazed by its ancient wisdom and the depth of its philosophical insights. It emphasizes the importance of balance, adaptability, and the interconnectedness of all things. As I delve into its teachings, I find myself becoming more attuned to the subtle changes in life, seeking inner peace and growth through the wisdom of the ages.
Through my studies, I learned that Nvwa and Fuxi are important figures in ancient Chinese mythology, and that they are closely related to the Book of Changes. They form the important foundation of Chinese culture. Nüwa created humans and repaired the pillar of the sky, while Fuxi created the Eight Diagrams. Both of them had tails shaped like snakes, but in reality, they were dragons, which is why we call ourselves the descendants of dragons.
Then I learned that the core of the Book of Changes is the Yin-Yang theory and the Eight Diagrams, which represent the basic laws of the universe. Through the changes of Yin and Yang, 64 hexagrams were formed, describing the changes and development of all things. The Basic Hexagrams of the Book of Changes, consisting of the Hexagrams of Heaven and Earth, represent the forces of Yang and Yin, creation, and support.
The Hexagram of Heaven is composed of three yang lines (☰), representing pure yang energy. It represents the sky, the father, strength, creation, and leadership, among other things. The Hexagram of Earth is composed of three yin lines (☷), representing pure yin energy. It represents the earth, the mother, gentleness, support, and nourishment, among other things.
Then I learned that there is also a close correspondence between the hexagrams and numbers in the Book of Changes. Each hexagram consists of six lines, which are divided into yang lines and yin lines, and are represented by different numbers. For example, the number nine represents the Hexagram of Earth, and the number six represents the Hexagram of Water, among others.
Before learning this course, I knew nothing about this Book of Changes, so I was curious to appreciate cultural classics and explore the wisdom of the ancients. It is easy for us to understand the content and spend of the teacher's lectures. Therefore, I think this is also in line with the word "yi" in the Book of Changes. As long as you understand each trigram, I believe that the truth in it is also simple.
Through the study of the precious videos, we know that Fuxi created the Bagua of the Book of Changes, and the divination has three paintings, and the divination is divided into yin and yang. During the region of King Wen, it evolved from Bagua to sixty-four trigrams, which overlapped the two eight trigrams. And these sixty-four trigrams are also our sixty-four situations, and the trigrams are divided into six, which are the six stages in each situation. At the same time, I understand the different meanings of each horoscope and the order of reading.
Among them, I have a deep experience of the second part of the qian horoscope. The meaning of this rhetoric is that at this stage, things begin to show their heads and feet, and the strength has overflowed. This tells us that if we are at the stage, we need to find some people who appreciate us and have the conditions to give full help to their talents. But I think the premise of finding Bole is that you are a thousand-mile horse yourself. At the same time, this also tells us that in today's world, the interaction between people, especially in the workplace, is essentially a value exchange. Therefore, during this period, we should pay a good foundation and practice basis skills.
After reading the introduction of the first chapter and the selected chapters of the Book of Changes, I felt the wisdom contained in ancient classic works. The concept of 'Zhong' in our country originated from the belief in yin and yang in ancient times, where people believed that extreme yin and extreme yang were not as good as the 'doctrine of the mean'.
In the Selected Chapters of the Book of Changes, I learned that the first hexagram among the sixty-four hexagrams is the Qian hexagram, which symbolizes heaven and represents creation, leadership, and decision-making. Its symbolic meanings include yuan, heng, li, and zhen, representing beginning, understanding, suitability, and steadfastness respectively. This hexagram teaches people to follow the way of heaven.
And the second hexagram, the Kun hexagram, symbolizes the earth. Its symbolic meaning represents obedience, carrying, and nurturing. Kun hexagram emphasizes following laws and not going against the trend. Both of these hexagrams are beneficial for personal growth.
In addition, my question is what do the "nine" and "six" in the hexagrams represent?
One set of the early texts that are illustrative of the early "Chinese mind" are the sixty-four hexagrams in various combinations of six grams/lines either of yin (the feminine, negative principle, the number of six) or yang (the masculine, initiating principle, the number of nine) principle, which were recognized as divined symbols, depicting the interacting among the earth (the two lines at the bottom), the human (the two lines in the middle), and the heaven (the two lines on the top).
And the second text "The Announcement of The Duke of Shao" from the Classic of Documents serves as an example showing how a kingdom determined to move its capital based on the early conceptualization of time and space at a critical moment of its fate.
Qian: The Creative
Nine at the beginning means: Hidden dragon. Do not act. It means that yang qi just begins to stir at the lowest place.Nine in the second place means: Dragon appearing in the field.It means that he perseveres in the right way time and again.It means that the great man advances or retreats timely.Nine in the fifth place means: Flying dragon in the heavens. It means that the great man is developing into his cause.
Kun: The Receptive
Six at the beginning means: When there is hoarfrost underfoot. solid ice is not far off.Six in the second place means: Straight, square, great. Without purpose, yet nothing remains unfurthered.Six in the third place means: Hidden lines. One is able to remain persevering.Six in the fourth place means: A tied-up sack.
In the previous study, I mainly learned the Qian and Kun. They enlighten me in different aspects. For example, from the Qian, nine at beginning means hidden dragon, do not act. Sometimes humans have no luck and no help form the heaven. In this situation, how can humans possess career success? Chu Jiu teaches us when people are not lucky, they should learn one step at a time to achieve success，otherwise，if you want to be quick，you will fall. Nine in the second place means dragon appearing in the field. Due to the self-polishing at the beginning, EQ and IQ have reached a certain level. So the chance of gold flash will surely come. That is the beginning of greatness. From the Kun, six at the beginning means when there is hoarfrost underfoot, solid ice is not far off. It inspires me that humans must know and observe the law of nature. This is the basics of success. And six in the second place means straight, square, great. without purpose, yet nothing remains unfurthered. It inspirs me that humans should learn integrity, be fair and broad-minded. In doing so, that is always auspicious.
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