Yijing

Despite its enduring popularity both in China and worldwide the<em> Yijing</em> 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 <em>Yijing</em> 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 <em>Yijing</em> has been considered the most profound expression of traditional Chinese thought and what meaning it can have for contemporary readers.<br>