Layers of Wisdom: The Ten Wings and Philosophical Expansion

The transformation of the I Ching from a divination manual (the Zhouyi) into a profound work of philosophy and wisdom is largely attributed to a collection of commentaries known as the Ten Wings (十翼, Shiyi). Traditionally associated with Confucius and his followers, these texts provided new layers of meaning and established the I Ching as one of the cornerstones of Chinese thought.

This article examines the Ten Wings, their traditional authorship, their purpose, and the significant impact they had on the interpretation and status of the I Ching.

Introduction to the Ten Wings

Overview of Each Wing

1. & 2. Tuan Zhuan (彖傳) – Commentary on the Judgments (Parts I & II)

3. & 4. Xiang Zhuan (象傳) – Commentary on the Images (Parts I & II)

5. & 6. Xici Zhuan (繫辭傳) / Da Zhuan (大傳) – Great Commentary / Appended Remarks (Parts I & II)

7. Wenyan Zhuan (文言傳) – Commentary on the Words of the Text for Hexagrams Qian (1) and Kun (2)

8. Shuogua Zhuan (說卦傳) – Discussion of the Trigrams

9. Xugua Zhuan (序卦傳) – Sequence of the Hexagrams

10. Zagua Zhuan (雜卦傳) – Miscellaneous Hexagrams

Impact of the Ten Wings