Feng Shui and the I Ching
The I Ching (pronounced E Ching – also known as “The Book of Changes”) is perhaps the oldest known of the classical Chinese texts (these texts date from the pre-Qin era – the Qin Dynasty ruled from 221 to 207 BC listen)) and also one of the oldest texts known from antiquity.
The I Ching describes an ancient system of cosmology along with a philosophy at the very core of Chinese cultural beliefs that is still firmly in use today. The crux of this philosophy deals with the apparent dynamic between yin and yang and also how yin and yang interact with each other in opposite but paradoxically complementary ways.
Yin represents stillness, calm, smoothness, while yang represents the exact opposite movement, hectic activity and stress.
At the center of the I Ching are eight iconic representations known as Trigrams. Each trigram is made up of yin and yang line elements. The origin of these trigrams is attributed to the figure “Fu Hsi” about 5 millennia ago.
You can find more information about the history of the trigrams and Lo Shu here:
http://www.fengshuiastrology.com/LoShu.html
The I Ching uses two trigrams, one placed on top of the other to form a Hexagram. The different combinations of the stacked trigrams give rise to some 64 different I Ching hexagrams, each of which, when used in combination, can provide valuable information about the answers divination practitioners seek.
Many people see the I Ching as a mere divination system, while others see its contents as teachings, full of the wisdom of the ancient Chinese.
Your title sheds deep insight into your content:
“I” when used as an adjective means “simple or easy”, but when used as a verb it means “to change”.
“Ching” means “classical text”, but the original meaning is “persistence” or “regularity”.
A popular translation of this title is “Book of Changes”, but it is also known as “Classic of Changes”, a title that has come into increasing use in recent times.
The underlying message within the I Ching recognized by many is one of “the final path” or the truth: no matter what time the reader encounters the content, the information contained within it will remain as fresh and applicable as the day it was created. written.
If the information is understood, applied and followed, you can enjoy the easiest path in life.
The I Ching is one of the foundations of Feng Shui (or as it was known in ancient times “Xiangdi” – which means the observation and appreciation of the earth). Before the Qin dynasty (approximately 475 to 221 BC), Feng Shui experts delved into the I Ching and used its teachings to influence the foundations of Feng Shui as we know it today.
Along with the I Ching, Feng Shui also has its roots firmly rooted in the philosophies of Taoism and Confucianism.