The Classic of Changes: A New Translation of the I Ching as Interpreted by Wang Bi

Bi Wang

Columbia University Press, 1994 - Body, Mind & Spirit - 602 pages

The first new translation of this work to appear in more than twenty-five years, the Columbia I Ching presents the classic book of changes for the world of today. Used in China as a book of divination and source of wisdom for more than three thousand years by scholars and general readers alike, it has influenced Western intellectuals and artists from Carl Jung to John Cage, bringing this most important work of the Confucian canon immense popular appeal. Finally, after decades of inaccurate translations and outdated, expurgated pocket editions, here is an I Ching that catches up with its readers. Richard Lynn's introduction explains the organization of The Classic of Changes through the history of its various parts, and describes how the text was and is still used as a manual of divination with both the stalk and coin methods. For the fortune-telling initiate, he provides a chart of trigrams and hexagrams; an index of terms, names, and concepts; a glossary and bibliography; and thoughts on his method of translation. Lynn presents for the first time in English the fascinating commentary of Wang Bi (226-249), who was the principal definer of the work for some seven hundred years. Wang Bi interpreted the I Ching as a book of moral and political wisdom, arguing that the text should not be read literally, but rather as an expression of abstract ideas. Lynn places Wang Bi's commentary in historical context and examines the interpretation of this common source for both Confucian and Taoist philosophy before and after Wang Bi's time. Columbia's I Ching offers devotees the most authoritative and lucid translation they have yet to encounter, while giving first-time readers the chance to consult afascinating and important Chinese work. The Classic of Changes will be the new standard for years to come.

About the author

Richard John Lynn has a Ph.D. in Chinese from Stanford University. Acclaimed as one of the outstanding translators of our time, he has taught at the University of California, Berkeley; Auckland University; and the University of British Columbia. He is currently professor of Chinese thought and literature at the University of Toronto. Lynn has also served as a Humanities Administrator in the Division of Research at the NEH, in charge of the Translators Grants Program.

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Classic of Changes: A New Translation of the I Ching as Interpreted by Wang Bi; Columbia Asian studies series: Translations from the Oriental classics; Translations from the Asian classics
• Editor: Bi Wang
• author of text accompanying photos: Bi Wang
• Translated by: Richard John Lynn, Bi Wang
• Edition: illustrated, reprint
• Publisher: Columbia University Press, 1994
• ISBN: 0231082940, 9780231082945
• Length: 602 pages
• Subjects: Body, Mind & Spirit / I Ching; Philosophy / Eastern; Philosophy / General; Religion / Eastern