The "Book of Changes" uses the eight trigrams, the sixty-four hexagrams and the three hundred and eighty-four lines as symbols. For example, hexagram shapes such as ☰, ☷, ☲, ☱, ䷘, ䷞ and other hexagram shapes are in the shape of a - -, so it is said that "all hexagram paintings ar

1. Image

Image refers to image and symbol. "The one who looks like this is also the one who looks like this" ("Yixi Ci Xizhuan"). "The image of the thing is expressed in words" (" Zhouyi Zhengyi"). It has three meanings.

(1) Hexagram and Yao Symbols

In " The Book of Changes ", the hexagram shapes of the hexagrams and the sixty-four hexagrams and the Yao shapes of the three hundred and eighty-four lines are used as the symbols. Such as ☰ (Qian), ☷ (Kun), ☲ (Li), ☱ (Dui), ䷘ (Wuwang), ䷞ (Xian) and other hexagram shapes, one (Yang Yao) - - (Yin Yao) The shape of the lines, so it is said, "All hexagram paintings are called images" ("Book of Changes Wanci").

(2) Things symbolized by the Bagua

Things symbolized by the Bagua

(3) Specific things in the hexagrams and lines

For example, there is "dragon" in the hexagrams Qian, "female horse" in the hexagrams Kun, etc. "All hexagrams are called images" ("Book of Changes Wanci") , so hexagram words and line words are also called "xiang words". The so-called "Yi means Xiangye" ("Yi Zhuan·Xici Xizhuan"). Images constitute the symbol system of the Book of Changes.

2. Numbers

Numbers in the "Book of Changes" have three meanings: ∠ Number of 筮s: Number of divination 筮s. Through the calculation of numbers, divination can derive the numbers of seven, eight, nine, and six to determine the image of a line. ②The number of yin and yang: odd numbers represent yang lines, even numbers represent yin lines. In the Book of Changes, the Yang Yao is called Nine, and the Yin Yao is called Six. Nine and Six are derived from the number of 筮. ③The number of Yao positions: One hexagram and six paintings are from bottom to top, one painting is called the beginning, two paintings are called the two, three paintings are called the three, four paintings are called the four, five paintings are called the five, and six paintings are called the top.

Kun Gua

——(Part 1)

——(Five)

——(Four)

——(Three)

——(Two)

— —(Initial)

There are sixty-four hexagrams and three hundred and eighty-four lines in the Book of Changes. Each hexagram and line can be interpreted as a number, and each hexagram and line is evolved from a certain number. Images and numbers are inseparable, so the Book of Changes is called the book of images and numbers.

3. Ci

Zhen Ci, that is, hexagram and line diction, is a writing system in the "Book of Changes", which expresses the good or bad luck of an event in words. Ci is the explanation of the hexagrams and lines. Its basic function and role is to judge and analyze the good and bad fortune of personnel. Therefore, it is said: "The person who distinguishes good and bad fortunes lies in Ci... Therefore, there are small and large hexagrams, and there are dangers and dangers in Ci. Ci is also , each refers to its place." ("Yi Zhuan·Xici") Upload》)

4. Meaning

Meaning refers to the meaning and philosophy contained in images, numbers and words, also known as "meaning".

is like Qian ䷀, which is expressed as a hexagram, and its name is Qian. It resembles heaven, king, father, head, horse, etc. Its meaning is masculine and strong, that is, vigorous. In the number nine, the two lines of the Qian symbol are the yang lines. If they are in the yin position, they are the two even numbers. They are also in the middle position of the lower hexagram, and their meaning is Zhongzheng. As far as hexagrams and lines are concerned, the things and objects they say have inherent meanings.For example, the ninth line of the Qian hexagram "Hide the dragon, don't use it" contains the meaning of hiding it and not moving it.

Images, numbers, words, and meanings are the basic concepts of the Book of Changes. Understanding its meaning will help us understand the ideological system of the "Book of Changes".

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