I Ching, << ee jihng, >> also spelled Yijing, is the earliest and most important book of the ancient Chinese texts called the Five Classics. It is also known as the Book of Changes. The I Ching has also influenced thinkers outside of China, particularly in Japan and Korea.
The I Ching probably originated early in the Zhou dynasty (about 1045-256 B.C.). In its earliest form, the book was used to predict the future. It contained figures consisting of broken and unbroken lines. These lines were later combined to form symbolic figures called trigrams. As time passed, eight trigrams were created, each representing certain qualities and concepts. For example, three unbroken lines, called the Qian trigram, symbolized creativity, strength, heaven, and father.
Eventually, the trigrams were paired to form 64 six-line figures called hexagrams. Written interpretations, called judgments, explained the general significance of every hexagram. Each line, beginning at the bottom, was given a meaning or message to guide conduct.
A person who wishes to consult the I Ching follows a specific ritual which involves tossing special sticks or coins to select a hexagram. The hexagram is then interpreted by referring to the appropriate comments in the I Ching. Only a person who has extensive knowledge of the I Ching can successfully interpret the hexagram.
By the 500’s B.C., the I Ching had become a book of philosophy instead of a mere fortuneteller’s manual. The Chinese philosopher Confucius taught the I Ching as a book of moral wisdom. His followers wrote commentaries to the I Ching known as the Ten Wings. In later Chinese history, the Ten Wings served as the basis for important philosophical theories.
