The Classic of Changes: A New Translation of the I Ching as Interpreted by Wang BiBi Wang 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 Finally, after decades of inaccurate translations and outdated, expurgated pocket editions, here is an I Ching that catches up with its readers.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. |
Other editions - View all
The Classic of Changes: A New Translation of the I Ching as Interpreted by ... Limited preview - 2004 |
The Classic of Changes: A New Translation of the I Ching as Interpreted by ... Bi Wang No preview available - 1994 |
The Classic of Changes: A New Translation of the I Ching as Interpreted by ... No preview available - 1994 |
Common terms and phrases
achieve Appended Phrases blame Burton Watson centrality Cheng Yi commentary by Wang constitutes the image danger Ferrying Complete Fifth Yin fitting to practice followed Fourth Yang Fourth Yin glosses hard and strong hardness and strength Heaven and Earth HEXAGRAMS IN IRREGULAR involved IRREGULAR ORDER Judgment Juvenile Ignorance Kong Yingda comments Laozi lower trigram manner is commentary matter means good fortune means misfortune myriad things Neo-Confucian noble Nourishment numbers numinous obtains one's petty practice constancy prevalence PROVIDING THE SEQUENCE Pure Yin Qian Pure rectitude regret Restraint ruler sages Second Yang Second Yin signifies Sink Hole soft and weak someone sovereign stancy subcommentary subsequent text set Sun Compliance Superiority takes text says Third Yin tion Tongren Top Yin translates treads upper trigram virtue Wang Bi Wang Bi's Wang's Yi and Zhu yin and yang yin line yin position Zhouyi zhengyi Zhouyi zhezhong Zhu Xi Zhuangzi Zhun