Book of Changes | Wu Siyuan, Zhang Baoquan

Zhou Yi, or Book of Changes, is an ancient divination book. It contains Sixty-Four Hexagrams, or the symbolic signs, and the judgments of the hexagrams and lines, through which various scenarios and changes in the universe and human world are represented. It aims to guide one's actions at present and in the future so as to avoid impending trouble and seek good luck. Nowadays, it can still be regarded as a book of prediction and conduct of life. The core concept in the Book of Changes is "change". It is the "change" that enables us to locate the right position, maintain the central balance, guard the upright character, strive for harmony, be flexible and adaptable, and act with time. In adversity, we are able to walk out of trouble and eventually achieve success; in prosperity, we know how to avoid taking a bad turn and move forward successfully so as to secure an invincible status. The seasoned wisdom of traditional Chinese culture is embodied in the Book of Changes, and we are able to change our fate and enjoy a wonderful life as long as we immerse ourselves into the study of the book and apply the ideas in real life. The original Chinese texts in this present selected collection are based on the version of Zhou Yi Zhengyi compiled in Shisan Jing Zhushu by Ruan Yuan in Qing Dynasty. The commentator provides the textual interpretations in plain words for 100 entries. It is our hope that, through our efforts, the essential thoughts in the Book of Changes can be comprehensively accessible, and the core values in this book can be more inspirational for readers of our generation.