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Mythical Origins

Explore the legendary foundations of the I Ching and the mythical figures who shaped its early development. Learn how ancient Chinese cosmology influenced its structure and symbolic system.
Echoes of Antiquity: Beginning the I Ching's Historical Journey

Embark on an exploration of the I Ching's profound history, starting with its mythical roots and the legendary figures who shaped its earliest forms, setting the stage for millennia of wisdom.
Fu Xi: The Primordial Sage and the Birth of Trigrams

Exploring the legend of Fu Xi, his observation of natural patterns, the creation of the eight trigrams (Bagua), and connections to the River Map (He Tu) and Luo Shu Square.
King Wen: Architect of the 64 Hexagrams

The story of King Wen of Zhou, his imprisonment, and his pivotal role in developing the 64 hexagrams and their judgments (Gua Ci).
The Duke of Zhou: Illuminating the Lines

Understanding the contributions of the Duke of Zhou (Ji Dan), son of King Wen, particularly his authorship of the line statements (Yao Ci) in the I Ching.
Symbolic Significance of the I Ching's Founders

A discussion on what figures like Fu Xi, King Wen, and the Duke of Zhou represent in Chinese culture and their connection to the I Ching's enduring authority and wisdom.
I Ching and Ancient Chinese Cosmology

Examining how the origin myths of the I Ching link it to broader concepts in early Chinese thought, including the relationship between Heaven, Earth, and Humanity.
Early Development

Understand how the I Ching emerged during the Western Zhou period as both divination manual and wisdom text. Discover the archaeological evidence that illuminates its historical context.
History of the I Ching

Explore the rich historical development of the I Ching across millennia. From its mythical origins to its evolution through Chinese dynasties, discover how this ancient text became a cornerstone of Eastern wisdom.
Setting the Stage: The Western Zhou Dynasty and Divination

Exploring the societal and cultural environment of China's Western Zhou Dynasty (c. 1046-771 BCE) and the significant role of divination in its governance and daily life.
Anatomy of an Oracle: The Zhouyi Text, Structure, and Content

Detailing the core components of the Zhouyi – the 64 hexagrams (Gua), their judgments (Gua Ci/Tuan Ci), line statements (Yao Ci), and the traditional King Wen sequence.
Consulting the Oracle: Divination Practices with the Zhouyi

Discussing how the Zhouyi was utilized for divination in ancient China, including the yarrow stalk method and the general purpose of seeking guidance for various life situations.
Unearthing the Past: Archaeological Evidence and the Zhouyi

Exploring archaeological findings, such as inscriptions on bronzes and oracle bones, that provide context and shed light on early Chinese divination practices and the Zhouyi.
Practical Wisdom: The Nature of Early Zhouyi Interpretations

Discussing the likely focus of early interpretations of the Zhouyi, emphasizing its role in providing practical, oracular guidance rather than abstract philosophical insights.
Philosophical Expansion

Learn how Confucian scholars transformed the I Ching into a sophisticated philosophical system through the addition of the Ten Wings commentaries.
Layers of Wisdom: The Ten Wings and Philosophical Expansion

Exploring the Ten Wings (Shiyi), the Confucian commentaries that transformed the I Ching into a profound philosophical classic, detailing their content and impact.
From Oracle to Canon: The I Ching as one of the Five Classics

Exploring the process by which the I Ching (Yijing) was elevated to the status of a 'Classic' (Jing) and included in the esteemed Confucian Five Classics.
The Confucian Lens: Early Shaping of I Ching's Meaning

Investigating the initial impact of Confucian thought and its proponents in interpreting the I Ching, emphasizing its moral and ethical dimensions beyond divination.
Evolution and Interpretation

Follow the I Ching's continued development through Chinese history, from Han dynasty scholarship to Neo-Confucian innovations and beyond.
Han Dynasty: I Ching's Canonization and Early Interpretive Schools

Examining the I Ching's formal canonization as a Confucian classic during the Han Dynasty and the emergence of the foundational Yili (Meaning/Principle) and Xiangshu (Image/Number) schools of interpretation.
New Currents: I Ching in the Six Dynasties and Tang Dynasty

Exploring the evolving interpretations of the I Ching during the Six Dynasties and Tang Dynasty, including the profound influence of Daoism (Xuanxue) and Buddhism, and key commentators like Wang Bi.
The Great Synthesis: I Ching and Neo-Confucianism in the Song Dynasty

Detailing the flourishing of Neo-Confucian interpretations of the I Ching during the Song Dynasty, highlighting key figures like Zhou Dunyi, Shao Yong, Cheng Yi, and Zhu Xi and their cosmological and ethical frameworks.
Later Dynasties: I Ching Scholarship in Yuan, Ming, and Qing

Covering the continued development and diversification of I Ching studies during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, including scholarly debates, critical approaches, and its broad cultural integration.
The Unceasing Change: The I Ching's Enduring Relevance

Reflecting on the I Ching's status leading into the modern era and its continued adaptation and influence both in China and globally.

Evolution and Interpretation

Follow the I Ching’s continued development through Chinese history, from Han dynasty scholarship to Neo-Confucian innovations and beyond.

Key Topics

Han dynasty systematic interpretations
Six Dynasties and Tang period developments
Song dynasty Neo-Confucian philosophical integration
Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasty scholarship
The text’s enduring relevance in modern times

Articles in This Section

Trace the I Ching’s remarkable journey through Chinese dynasties and discover how it remained relevant across millennia.

Han Dynasty: I Ching's Canonization and Early Interpretive Schools

The Confucian Lens: Early Shaping of I Ching's Meaning

Last updated: 6/20/2025

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