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I-Ching, (YI YING) The Classic Of Changes
The origin of the book, the I Ching (The Classic Changes), goes back to the third millennium before Christ.
It was probably the legendary emperors Yao and Shun (3000 BC) who developed the I Ching, but Emperor Fu Hsi, in the Hsia Dynasty (2300 BC), used it and organized the eight trigrams and their combination to explain the flow of energy within the planet and its bio-rhythm, as well as the connection with the inner elements in humans. The 64 combinations of the trigrams explain the different situation of the productive and the polarization of the elements and their effect in our daily life. This book, according to Kun Fu Tzu (Confucius, 400 BC) was never written for use in divination, on the contrary, it is a guide to improve our human conditions.
The lines represent the two modes yin – – , and yang -----. These are the system of the level of energy: yin, (passive, descending, storage and restraint) and yang, (active, upward movement, growth and progress). This explains the balance which is the pursuit of all Eastern philosophies. If there is too much yin, everything will be extremely passive, and if there is too much yang, things may turn too aggressive and a turmoil may occur.
Symbolism of the Eight Trigram (PA-KUA) of the I-Ching
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LI Trigram of Fire. The light that gives all things their brilliance. It signifies attachment and passion. It symbolizes glory, fame and high capacity, also war, arms and drought. Its organ is the eye. Li is the middle daughter of Earth and Heaven.
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KUN Trigram of Earth. Represents the beginning and abandon. It is receptive and protective. Symbolizes the vase, form and the soil ready to be fertilized by heaven. Its organ is the belly. It is the mother of the other trigrams.
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TUI Trigram of Metal. It is associated with pleasure, and therefore linked with the desire to reproduce. Tui, "lake" is connected with West and autumn, and signifies decline, collapse and breaking. Its organ is the mouth. It is the youngest daughter of Heaven and Earth.
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CHIEN Trigram of Heaven. It is the principle of superiority. It is the creator and its organ is the head. Symbolizes the chief, the ruler. It is the Father of the other trigrams.
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KAN Trigram of Water. Water moistens, but it can also cause rotting. Its symbols are wells, pits, and ditches. It signifies the cessation of activity and the danger of stagnation. The negative emotion is ignorance-stupidity. Its organ is the ear. It is the middle son of Heaven and Earth.
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KEN Trigram of the Mountain. It is the symbol of immobility, and is connected with sitting meditation. Signifies the stoppage or protection against danger and invasions and against obstacles that impede our progress. Its organ is the hand. It is the youngest son of Heaven and Earth.
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CHEN Trigram of Wood. It is a symbol of growth and movement. Its emblem is thunder. It is a vital force that awakens and excites. Its energy is expressed in both love and work. Its organ is the feet. It is the eldest son of Heaven and Earth.
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SUN Trigram of Wind. It is the gentle force that penetrates everywhere, but it can also produce dispersion. It is changeable and can scatter its energy. Its organ is the thigh. It is the eldest daughter of Heaven and Earth.
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