Yijing Compass: Ancient Key to Modern Problems

Introduction

• Presenter: Chi
• Purpose: Introduction to Yijing, the ancient oracle.

What is Yijing?

• Meaning: Yi means "change"; Jing means "book".
• Also known as the "Book of Change".
• Considered the oldest oracle, with a history of over 7,000 years.

Origin and Development

• Creator: Legendary figure Fuxi.
  • Initial version used symbols before the invention of Chinese characters.
  • Concept of Taiji, from which yin and yang energies derive.
  • Yin and Yang:
    • Yang: Masculine, creative, doing, advancing.
    • Yin: Feminine, supportive, being, resting.
• Fuxi's Contribution:
  • Created eight trigrams (Ba Gua) representing different forces in nature: Earth, mountain, water, wind, thunder, fire, lake, and heaven.

Expansion by King Wen

• King Wen of Zhou (3,000 years ago):
  • Expanded Fuxi's eight trigrams into 64 hexagrams.
  • These hexagrams represent 64 unique situations in the universe and human life.

Confucius's Influence

• Confucius (500 BC):
  • Discovered and interpreted the I Ching.
  • Wrote "Ten Wings" to elaborate on its meanings and ensure its longevity.

Impact and Usage

• National treasure of China.
• Inspired rulers, scholars, philosophers, fortune-tellers, and common people.
• Predominantly used for divination, predicting outcomes of wars, harvests, and major life events.

Western Influence

• Gained attention in the late 17th century.
• Carl Jung, Swiss psychologist:
  • Described I Ching as a spiritual agency aiding in meaningful responses to change.

Mathematical Influence

• Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz:
  • Founding figure in binary system development.
  • Drew inspiration from I Ching.

Significance

• Unites image, logic, and numbers.
• Serves as a source book for understanding changes and choosing responsible reactions.

Conclusion

• Yijing as a book of change and spiritual guidance.
• An invitation to explore further in upcoming videos on the I Ching compass.