Exploring the I Ching: A Journey from Divination to Philosophical Wisdom
Explore Millennia of Wisdom: The Philosophical Evolution of the I Ching
On 2025/3/7, the traditional Chinese culture lecture series "I Ching: From Divination to Philosophy," hosted by Chang'an Club and Chang'an Society, was successfully held on the 9th floor of Chang'an Club. Distinguished guests gathered to embark on this journey exploring a millennium of wisdom.
Mr. Shang Jingwei shared insights during the lecture
Guest Introduction: Mr. Shang Jingwei
The event features distinguished expert Mr. Shang Jingwei, a leading figure in the field of I Ching studies. Born into a family with a long tradition of I Ching scholarship, Mr. Shang has over 30 years of deep expertise in studying the Classic of Changes. Drawing on his profound knowledge of traditional Chinese culture and extensive practical experience, he presents complex I Ching principles in clear, accessible terms for the audience.
Lecture Topic: A Journey from Divination to Philosophical Wisdom
In the lecture, Mr. Shang Jingwei first guided attendees through the origins of the I Ching, clearly tracing its evolution from Fuxi's Pre-Heaven Bagua to King Wen of Zhou's Post-Heaven Bagua and the development of the 64 hexagrams, highlighting its historical depth. He then explored the pivotal transition of the I Ching from divination to philosophy—covering the standardization of divination practices, the unique role of scribes, and the influence of the Hundred Schools of Thought period—to illustrate how it evolved from a占卜 art into a philosophical classic. Additionally, he contrasted Western science's linear logic with the I Ching's distinctive complex thinking, explaining the value of its image-numerical system in interpreting social relationships.
Full view of the lecture venue
Group photo of attendees
This lecture offered participants a fresh perspective on the I Ching, a precious gem of Chinese traditional culture. Chang'an Club and Chang'an Society are dedicated to preserving and promoting China's excellent traditional culture. We will continue to host more such events in the future, guiding people to explore the charm of traditional culture in depth. When studying cultural treasures like the I Ching, we should approach them from philosophical, historical, and cultural perspectives to uncover the wisdom and value they hold. We look forward to welcoming everyone again at our next event as we continue this exploration together in the vast ocean of traditional culture.
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