Symbolic Meanings of the I-Ching
The I-Ching, or as its also known as, "The Book of Changes," comes from ancient Chinese philosophy. German theologian Richard Wilhelm cites the I-Ching as "unquestionably one of the most important books in the world's literature." While commonly referred to as a source of wisdom, its also widely used as a divination tool.
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Hexagram Symbols
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Evidently written by Duke of Chou and possibly others, the I-Ching expresses ideas mostly in terms of hexagrams, or symbols comprised of six broken or unbroken lines stacked on top of each other. The various combinations of lines in each hexagram express different ideas that often represent states of change. At the most basic level, an unbroken line symbolizes the positive "yes" and the broken line symbolizes the negative "no." In short, the I-Ching elaborates on what is now known as the Yin-Yang principle, acknowledging two primary forces in the universe that affect all energy and living things.
Symbolic Interpretation
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The "yes" and "no" meanings of hexagram lines were expounded on to represent more complex ideas. For example, a hexagram with all solid lines represents strength and creativity, a highly outgoing force. Six unbroken lines, on the other hand, while not necessarily representing weakness, indicate a highly receptive quality. In terms of earth's seasons, the six unbroken lines symbolize the autumn, when life prepares to change into a state of rest and sits poised for renewal. These hexagrams were relied upon to indicate what a person should do when facing a decision. A person, in order to elicit a hexagram, would toss coins or other objects to the ground and, depending on how they landed, would attribute a "yes" or "no" definition. With six definitions, the hexagram would be evident and interpreted.
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Inspiration from I-Ching Symbols
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According to the nonprofit educational organization The Way of Emptiness, princes and sovereigns through history have used the book to guide their decision-making. Because of its perceived value, the book was evidently spared destruction at a time when burning books was common during the reign of emperor Ch'in Shih Huang Ti. Aside from those in higher station, many Chinese have relied -- and still do rely -- on the book to make decisions in their lives. Fortune tellers also incorporate the I-Ching into their practice. According to theologian Wilhelm, Chinese Confucianism and Taosim both have common roots in the I-Ching philosophy.
Philsophical Symbols
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Apart from hexagrams, the I-Ching has inspired pithy sayings that have guided people in their thinking and decision making. Confucius, for example, is quoted as emphasizing the importance of change in life, evidently because of inspiration from the "Book of Changes," when he said while standing by a river, "Everything flows on and on like this river, without pause, day and night." In order to succeed in life, then, a person would have to go with the flow, depending on how life's energy was flowing in that place and time. This philosophy, while having gained popularity in the Western world, appears to go contrary to the traditionally western, Christian view, which states that divination exposes a person to damaging forces.
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References
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