The Yijing: A Guide

by Joseph A. Adler

Despite its enduring popularity both in China and worldwide, the Yijing is often poorly understood. As a divinatory text, it has a devoted following in the western hemisphere, even as it represents a foundational text of both Confucianism and Daoism. A fascination with the Yijing has been evident among western scholars since the Enlightenment, as well as in notable modern literary and artistic figures. This book provides an introduction for the general reader to this classic sacred text. Joseph A. Adler explains its multi-layered structure, its origins, its history of interpretation from the early first millennium BCE up to the present day, its function of divination, its significance in the history of Chinese thought, and its modern transformations. He explores why the Yijing has been considered the most profound expression of traditional Chinese thought and what meaning it can have for contemporary readers.

Genres: China

218 pages, Hardcover

Published February 18, 2022

Reviews

[Barbara DaCosta]

This is the clearest and most comprehensive book about the Yijing / I Ching, an ancient and sometimes puzzling oracle text from China. Adler breaks it all down and explains well. Excellent.

[Angelo Montinovo]

Bellissima, esauriente e super aggiornata guida al mondo dell’Yijing. L’autore menziona poi rimandi a tanto altro materiale utile.