Yi Zhuan (Ten Wings): Dialogue between Confucius and the Book of Changes

What is Ten Wings

The Book of Changes, also known as the "Ten Wings", is a collection of seven types and ten texts that explain the scriptures of the Book of Changes. It is said to have been written by Confucius and his disciples. 'Wings' means wings, which assist in understanding scriptures.

Composition of Ten Wings

1. Biography (two parts)

Explain the hexagrams of the sixty-four hexagrams and elucidate the core meaning of each hexagram. 'De' has a categorical meaning, which is to determine the meaning of a hexagram.

2. Elephant Chronicles (two parts)

Divided into elephants and elephants:
-* * Elephant * : Deriving Life Philosophy from the Symbols of the Up and Down Hexagrams
- * Xiao Xiang * *: Explain the line words of each line
Like the elephant in the Qian hexagram: "Heaven is strong, and a gentleman strives for self-improvement

3. Synopsis (Two Chapters)

The general introduction of the Book of Changes elaborates on its philosophical ideas, creative purposes, and divination principles. Famous phrases include:
-One yin and one yang are called the Tao
-The metaphysical is called the Way, and the material is called the vessel
-Poverty leads to change, change leads to communication, and the general rule lasts for a long time

4. Classical Chinese transmission

The text specifically explains the Qian Kun hexagrams and delves into the way of heaven and earth.

5. Shuo Gua Zhuan

The symbolic significance of Bagua is the foundation for understanding hexagrams.

6. Xu Gua Zhuan

Explain the arrangement order and internal logic of the sixty-four hexagrams.

7. Zagua Zhuan

Compare the meanings of each hexagram in concise language.

Zi and Yi Jing

According to the Records of the Grand Historian, Confucius had a great love for the Book of Changes in his later years, and the "Wei Bian San Jue" broke the cowhide rope three times while flipping through bamboo slips. He said, "Add me a few years, and with fifty, I can learn easily without any major mistakes

The significance of the Ten Wings

The Ten Wings elevated the Book of Changes from a divination book to a philosophical classic, endowing it with deeper ideological connotations. Without the Ten Wings, the wisdom of the Book of Changes would be difficult for future generations to understand.