I Ching, also known as the Book of Changes, is one of the most important classics in ancient China, revered as the "first of all classics, source of the great way." I Ching originated from ancient divination practices and, through thousands of years of development, formed a complete philosophical system.

The core idea of I Ching is "change," believing that all things in the universe are constantly changing. By observing and summarizing the patterns of these changes, we can guide our lives and decisions.

Composition of I Ching

• Classic Section:includes hexagram judgments and line texts of the 64 hexagrams, which are the core content of I Ching
• Commentary Section:includes the Tuan Commentary, Image Commentary, and Wenyan Commentary, which are explanations and elaborations of the Classic Section

Yin-Yang Theory

Yin and Yang are fundamental concepts in I Ching. Yin represents softness, darkness, stillness, and inwardness, while Yang represents hardness, brightness, movement, and outwardness. Yin and Yang are interdependent and transform into each other, forming the basic laws of all things in the universe.

Five Elements Theory

The Five Elements include: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. There are generating and overcoming relationships among them:

• Generating:Wood generates Fire, Fire generates Earth, Earth generates Metal, Metal generates Water, Water generates Wood
• Overcoming:Wood overcomes Earth, Earth overcomes Water, Water overcomes Fire, Fire overcomes Metal, Metal overcomes Wood

Bagua (Eight Trigrams) is the basic symbol system of I Ching, consisting of three lines, each of which can be Yang (—) or Yin (--). The Eight Trigrams include:

The 64 hexagrams are formed by combining the Eight Trigrams in pairs. Each hexagram consists of six lines. The 64 hexagrams cover all states and changes of things in the universe.

The 64 hexagrams are divided into the Upper Classic (30 hexagrams) and the Lower Classic (34 hexagrams). The Upper Classic mainly describes the basic laws of nature and human society, while the Lower Classic mainly describes interpersonal relationships and life changes.

Classic Hexagrams

• Qian (Heaven):The first hexagram, symbolizing heaven, representing strength, initiative, and creativity
• Kun (Earth):The second hexagram, symbolizing earth, representing gentleness, inclusiveness, and support
• Tun (Difficulty):The third hexagram, symbolizing initial difficulties, requiring persistence
• Meng (Youthful Folly):The fourth hexagram, symbolizing enlightenment education, progressing step by step