yijing

Yijing, also known as the I Ching or the Classic of Changes, is an ancient Chinese text traditionally regarded as one of the foundational classics of Chinese thought. It is both a divinatory manual and a work of philosophy, influencing later Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist traditions as well as East Asian art and literature. The central structure consists of 64 hexagrams, each formed by a stack of six lines that are either yin (broken) or yang (unbroken). Every hexagram is given a Judgment and an Image, and many editions include additional line statements that can change, producing a new hexagram and guiding interpretation. The hexagrams arise from combinations of eight trigrams (Ba Gua), reflecting patterns of change and balance between opposing forces.

Historically, the Yijing is associated with early Zhou period origins and is traditionally linked to legendary figures such as King Wen and the Duke of Zhou. Over time, layers of commentary were added, most notably the Ten Wings, a set of interpretive texts that shaped the work’s ethical, cosmological, and philosophical uses. By the Han dynasty, the Yijing had become an influential cultural and scholarly touchstone, read both as a divination manual and as a practical philosophy of change and moral decision making.

Influence and use extend beyond China, with translations and commentaries playing a pivotal role in the study of Chinese thought worldwide. Methods of consultation include a yarrow stalk method or a coin toss, each yielding a hexagram for contemplation and guidance. Today, the Yijing remains a subject of academic study and a resource for personal reflection, ethics, and strategic thinking.