Introduction to Zhouyi by China Zhouyi Association

"The Book of Changes" is known as the first of the classics, the source of Chinese national culture and Chinese philosophy, and is called a treasure of oriental culture. Simply speaking, the study of Yi includes three aspects: theory, imagery, and mathematics. Li explains everything in the universe in a philosophical way; Xiang: explains the phenomena in the universe in a theoretical and scientific way. Number: every phenomenon has number in it. The Han Dynasty Book of Changes focused more on images and numbers, while the Song Dynasty Book of Changes focused more on principles. "The Book of Changes" is a masterpiece that integrates philosophy, sociology, and natural science. Its essence is the theory of yin and yang syndrome and the theory of yin and yang balance, which has a huge impact on Chinese traditional culture and science. "Sikuquanshu Yi Lei" says: "The Yi Dao is vast and encompasses everything, including astronomy and geography, music theory, military art, rhyme, and arithmetic. All the fires outside the fang can be explained by referring to the Yi". "Zhuangzi · Tianxia" says "Yin and Yang are easy to understand". Sima Qian said: "The changes are transformed by Taoism." This captures the philosophical essence of "The Book of Changes", especially the philosophical connotation of change and the opposition of yin and yang.

Explanation of "Zhou":

As analyzed in "Yi Lun" by Zheng Xuan of the Eastern Han Dynasty, "Zhou" means "Zhou Pu", which means that everything is prepared, and the cycle begins again and again. The laws of change in all things in the universe.

Explanation of "Yi":

1. Yi is named after lizard, which is a pictographic character. This is said from Xu Shen's "Shuowen Jiezi"; and lizards can change color , commonly known as "chameleon", so the changing meaning of "yi" is the extended meaning of lizard.

2. It must be pointed out that understanding the "Change" of the Western Zhou Dynasty should be based on the reform of the ritual and music system of the Western Zhou Dynasty. Etiquette refers to the etiquette of calmness, and Yi means elegant music. They are all means and tools for the ruling class to control the people and maintain the patriarchal system. "The Book of Changes" preserves the framework and regulations of the "symphony" of bells and drums in the Western Zhou Dynasty. The ringing of bells and meals was unimaginable in the lower class society of the Western Zhou Dynasty.

3. The sun and moon are in the same position, symbolizing yin and yang, and reminding the principle of the cyclical alternation of yin and yang.

4. The sunrise is easy. Chen Guying believes that this meaning is also the original meaning of "Qian".

5. Yi is the name of divination.

6. The meaning of change and change means that everything in the world is constantly changing. Therefore, "The Book of Changes" is a book that teaches people to face changes.

7. Transaction, that is, the mutual changes of yin and yang, and yang and yin. As shown in the general Tai Chi diagram.