The I Ching (Book of Changes)

The I Ching has influenced thinkers and artists throughout the history of Chinese philosophy. This new, accessible translation of the entire early text brings to life the hidden meanings and importance China''s oldest classical texts. Complemented throughout by insightful commentaries, The I Ching: A Critical Translation of the Ancient Text simplifies the unique system of hexagrams lying at the centre of the text and introduces the cultural significance of key themes including yin and yang, gender and ethics. As well as depicting all possible ethical situations, this new translation of the ancient text suggests the best ethical behavior and encourages ethical sensitivity. It shows how the hexagram figures can represent social relationships; the order of lines seen as a natural metaphor for higher or lower social rank. Matters of gender discussed in chapters refering specifically to women. Introduced by Hon Tze-Ki, an esteemed scholar of the text, this up-to-date translation uncovers and explains both the philosophical and political interpretations of the text. For a better understanding of the philosophical and cosmological underpinning the history of Chinese philosophy, The I Ching is an invaluable starting point.