Classical Texts and Commentaries
Explore the foundational texts and historical commentaries that form the complete I Ching corpus.
Core Texts
The foundational 64 hexagrams with their original judgments and line texts
Components:
- 64 hexagram names and symbols
- Judgment texts (Tuan)
- Line texts (Yao)
Historical Significance:
Forms the divinatory core of the I Ching system
Ten commentaries that explain and expand upon the original text
Components:
- Commentary on Judgments
- Commentary on Images
- Great Commentary
- Sequence of Hexagrams
Historical Significance:
Transforms divination into philosophical system
The Ten Wings Explained
Tuan Zhuan (Commentary on Judgments)
Explains the meaning and structure of each hexagram judgment
Xiang Zhuan (Commentary on Images)
Describes the symbolic images and their practical applications
Xi Ci Zhuan (Great Commentary)
The most philosophical wing, discussing the nature of change and the universe
Shuo Gua Zhuan (Discussion of Trigrams)
Explains the eight trigrams and their correspondences with natural phenomena
Xu Gua Zhuan (Sequence of Hexagrams)
Explains the logical order and relationships between the 64 hexagrams
Za Gua Zhuan (Mixed Hexagrams)
Presents hexagrams in contrasting pairs to highlight their differences
Major Historical Versions
Wang Bi Edition
3rd century CECharacteristics:
- Philosophical emphasis
- Metaphysical interpretation
- Influenced by Daoist thought
Historical Influence:
Became standard for over 1000 years
Kong Yingda Commentary
7th century CECharacteristics:
- Confucian interpretation
- Systematic organization
- Educational focus
Historical Influence:
Official imperial examination text
Zhu Xi Neo-Confucian
12th century CECharacteristics:
- Rational philosophy
- Moral cultivation emphasis
- Systematic metaphysics
Historical Influence:
Shaped later Chinese philosophy
Approaches to Reading
Focus on the oracular aspects for guidance and decision-making
Methods:
- Study hexagram and line texts directly
- Apply to specific life situations
- Consider changing lines and transformations
Explore the deeper philosophical and cosmological principles
Methods:
- Study the Ten Wings commentaries
- Understand yin-yang dynamics
- Explore connections to other Chinese philosophy
Examine the text as a historical document and cultural artifact
Methods:
- Compare different historical versions
- Understand cultural context
- Trace development over time
Use modern psychology to understand archetypal patterns and symbols
Methods:
- Apply Jungian analysis
- Identify universal patterns
- Connect to personal development
Study Tips
Start with Original Text
Begin with the hexagram judgments and line texts before reading commentaries
Compare Translations
Read multiple translations to understand different interpretive approaches
Study Systematically
Work through the hexagrams in order to understand their relationships
Practice Reflection
Take time to contemplate and apply the wisdom to your own experience
Ready to Dive Deeper?
Now that you understand the classical texts, start practicing with real consultations and interpretations.