The Study of Changes, Ancient and Modern cover

The Study of Changes, Ancient and Modern

Rating 2.8
Word count
64 words
Chapters
6
ISBN
9787228067312

Tags

Summary

This book covers the Qian, Kun, Zhun, Meng, Xu, Song, Shi, Bi hexagrams, and more.

Editor's review

Using selected hexagrams from the sixty-four hexagrams of the *I Ching* as a thread, this book explains them one by one, from Qian, Kun to Zhun, Meng, Xu, Song, Shi, and Bi, with an emphasis on sorting out hexagram meanings and introducing traditional cultural knowledge. For readers who want a preliminary understanding of basic Yijing concepts and familiarity with hexagram names and sequence, it offers fairly concentrated introductory material. The structure, with separate discussions by hexagram, makes it convenient for browsing and reference, suitable as a desk reference for enthusiasts of traditional culture. Readers should maintain a rational attitude, treating the hexagram explanations as ancient thought and culture to be understood rather than as a divination tool.

Who it's for

A good fit for

  • Beginner readers with a preliminary interest in the *I Ching* and traditional culture
  • General readers who want to know the names and basic meanings of the sixty-four hexagrams
  • Readers who like to browse chapter by chapter at their desk
  • Teachers or culture enthusiasts engaged in popularizing traditional culture

Not a good fit for

  • Professional researchers seeking systematic philosophical study or academic research
  • Readers expecting a practical guide to divination and prediction
  • Readers with no interest in traditional culture who are only looking for light entertainment

Reading tips

  1. Read through the Qian and Kun hexagrams first to build a basic understanding of hexagram structure, then proceed in order
  2. Keep a notebook and record key words and your own understanding after each hexagram
  3. When encountering unfamiliar terms, consult a public-domain annotated edition of the *I Ching* for comparison; don't feel you must understand everything at once
  4. Treat reading as long-term accumulation; read only one or two hexagrams at a time and allow time for digestion

About the publisher

Xinjiang People's Publishing House China · Founded in 1951

Xinjiang People's Publishing House is a comprehensive publishing institution in Xinjiang, carrying out publishing work in six languages: Chinese, Uyghur, Kazakh, Mongolian, Kyrgyz, and Xibe. Its books in our database number 35, covering biography, social fiction, health, classic works, inspirational growth, and essays. Representative titles include Wu Sangui: The Two-Faced King, Mini Stories: Philosophical Gems, The Complete Encyclopedia of Women's Beauty Care, The Art of Navigating the World, Philosophical Essays: True Meaning of Life, and No Reason to Be Fragile, while its authors include Liu Xiutie, Jin Cheng, Liao Ran, Gudong, and Xiang Yanping. Judging from the books in our database, the house has developed certain strengths in lifestyle and health, mini stories and philosophical essays, biographies, and inspirational reading; its multilingual publishing background, combined with such popular titles, forms part of its publishing profile. Public information on other publishing details is limited.

Contents

  1. 版权信息
  2. 1
  3. 2
  4. 3
  5. 4
  6. 5

FAQ

Can I understand this book without any background in Yijing studies?
The book explains hexagram by hexagram, starting with Qian and Kun, in a clear structure suitable for readers with zero background. But Yijing concepts do have a certain threshold; it is advisable to read alongside basic introductory materials, and you can skip difficult passages for the time being.
Is this book about divination?
Judging from the table of contents, the book mainly consists of hexagram explanations and introductions to traditional cultural knowledge; it is not a divination manual. Readers should treat it as a book for understanding ancient thought and culture and view its symbols and meanings rationally.
Do I need to read it in order from beginning to end?
The book is divided by hexagram, and each is relatively independent. You can read in order or start with hexagrams that interest you. For beginners, reading Qian and Kun first helps build a basic framework, after which you can freely choose other hexagrams.

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About the author

古董 Author

Public information about Gu Dong is limited, and no clear records of the author's identity, dates of birth and death, or nationality are available. Judging from the eighteen works held in the library, Gu Dong's writing centers on traditional thought and practical wisdom for living. Representative titles include Wondrous Learning for Navigating the World, The Divine Learning of Strategy, Confucian Self-Cultivation, Ancient and Modern Studies of the Book of Changes, The Philosophy of Conducting Oneself, The Learning of Living Well, and A General Study of Humor. These works draw largely on Confucianism, the Book of Changes, and the philosophy of dealing with others, while also touching on categories such as inspirational growth, literary appreciation, and fate calculation. They reflect the author's interest in organizing classical resources and presenting them in accessible form. The titles often end with the word "learning," suggesting an approach that classifies traditional wisdom for easy daily use, with a practical and popular style suited to general readers seeking guidance on self-cultivation, social conduct, and the enjoyment of everyday life.

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