Quick Summary: Who Wrote I Ching? Unveiling the Origins of the Book of Changes in Chinese Philosophy
The I Ching, or Yijing, is an ancient Chinese book of wisdom and divination manual with origins attributed to mythical figure Fu Xi and the Zhou dynasty. The core text was written by King Wen and the Duke of Zhou, further evolving into a philosophical guide through the influence of Taoist and Confucian schools, including Confucius' Ten Wings commentary. The I Ching's transition to Western audiences was facilitated by Richard Wilhelm and Carl Jung, and it continues to act as a living oracle for navigating life's complexities.
Main Article
The I Ching, also known as the Yijing or Book of Changes, is one of the oldest and most revered texts in Chinese philosophy. Often referred to as a book of wisdom, this ancient book has guided scholars, sages, rulers, and seekers for thousands of years. But one question continues to intrigue historians and spiritual practitioners alike Who wrote the I Ching?
To answer this, we must journey through dynasties, legends, and centuries of divination, philosophy, and cultural transformation. In this article, we’ll explore how the I Ching, or Ching, evolved from a divination manual into a sacred book at the heart of Taoism and Confucian thought. We’ll examine the roles of mythical figures like Fu Xi, historical leaders like King Wen and the Duke of Zhou, and later interpreters like Confucius, Richard Wilhelm, and Carl Jung—each shaping the translation and meaning of this classic of change.
What Is the I Ching and Why Is It So Influential?
The I Ching, or Ching or Book of Changes, is a foundational ancient text of Chinese philosophy and one of the oldest of the Chinese classics. It is both a cosmological text with a series of hexagrams and a practical divination manual. The Ching reflects the dynamics of yin and yang, the core dualities that shape change in the world.
Used for guidance in political decisions, personal challenges, and spiritual growth, the Ching has had a deep and lasting influence on Chinese culture, medicine, governance, and metaphysics. Today, many people consult the I Ching to explore personal dilemmas, career shifts, or emotional insight, using either yarrow stalks or coins. An ancient source of chinese divination.
Who Was Fu Xi and Did He Create the First Trigrams?
According to legend, the I Ching began with Fu Xi, a culture hero of ancient China, who created the eight trigrams. These three-line symbols—composed of either a broken line (yin) or a solid line (yang)—are said to have come to him as visions from heaven or patterns on the back of a dragon or turtle.
These trigrams became the symbolic foundation of the 64 hexagrams later formalised in the Book of Changes. Whether Fu Xi truly existed or not, his influence on early Chinese symbolic systems and metaphysical thought is undeniable. His contribution is revered in both Taoist and Confucian traditions.
How Did the Zhou Dynasty Shape the Original I Ching?
The text as we know it began to take form during the Western Zhou period (circa 1046–771 BCE). During this time, the Ching became more structured, with divination practices evolving into philosophical and ethical systems. The Ching was used in royal courts to make major decisions, establishing it as a core divination system and book of wisdom.
This period also saw the formalisation of the 64 hexagrams, each built from two trigrams and representing archetypal situations in life. The Zhou dynasty elevated the Ching from a ritual tool to a central text of the state, embodying not only divinatory but moral and political insight.
What Role Did King Wen and the Duke of Zhou Play?
Much of the original I Ching is attributed to King Wen of Zhou, who is believed to have written the judgments (called wen) for each hexagram while imprisoned during the fall of the Shang dynasty. His son, the Duke of Zhou, later added the line-by-line commentary that completed the structure we know today.
This father-son contribution forms the core text of the Book of Changes, establishing both the symbolic structure and philosophical interpretation of each hexagram. Their efforts transformed the Ching from early Chinese oracle practice into a classic of reflection, ethics, and strategy.
Was the I Ching Written as a Book of Divination?
Yes, the I Ching was originally a divination manual used in the Zhou dynasty. It helped decision-makers align with natural patterns by interpreting hexagrams formed through yarrow stalks or the later three coins method. This allowed individuals to use the book to receive guidance based on the natural forces of yin and yang.
Even in its ancient Chinese form, the Ching was more than fortune-telling—it was about harmonising with change. This aligns closely with the spirit of the Tao and later teachings on wu wei, or non-forced action.
What Are Hexagrams and How Are They Used?
A hexagram is a figure composed of six stacked lines—each either broken (yin) or unbroken (yang). Each hexagram is made from a combination of two trigrams and represents a specific situation or archetype.
There are 64 hexagrams in total, each with its own name, commentary, and set of changing lines. These can be generated using yarrow stalks or coins six times. The user consults the Ching by forming a hexagram, then interpreting its meaning in relation to their current question or condition.
You can view the full list of ching hexagrams and their interpretations on our site.
How Did Confucius Influence the Commentary on the I Ching?
The Ten Wings, a group of commentaries appended to the I Ching, are often attributed to or inspired by Confucius. These include deep philosophical reflections on the text of the I Ching, including moral and psychological insights.
For Confucians, the Ching became not just a divination manual, but a guide to self-cultivation and ethical decision-making. The Han dynasty later canonised the Ching as one of the Five Chinese Classics, further embedding it into the intellectual and spiritual fabric of Chinese history.
Who Translated the I Ching for the West?
The most influential translation of the I Ching in the West came from Richard Wilhelm, a German translator and missionary in China, who spent years studying with Chinese scholars. His translation of the ancient Chinese text was later introduced to English readers by Baynes, with a foreword by Carl Jung.
Jung praised the I Ching as a mirror of the psyche, highlighting its relevance in psychological insight and spiritual growth. He described it not just as an oracle, but as a book of wisdom that reveals archetypal patterns in the unconscious mind.
What Is the Structure of the Classic of Change?
The Classic of Change, another term for the I Ching, consists of
-
Judgments by King Wen
-
Line statements by the Duke of Zhou
-
Ten Wings (philosophical commentaries)
Each hexagram entry includes its symbolic structure, its meaning, and often poetic or metaphorical imagery. The names of the hexagrams reflect universal conditions conflict, peace, growth, retreat, influence, duration, and so on. The text of the I Ching is written in Chinese characters and often layered with symbolic, ethical, and metaphysical nuance.
Why Is the I Ching Still Used Today?
The Ching continues to be consulted as a guide for personal and spiritual clarity. Whether used as a divination system, a book of changes, or a meditative tool for understanding the Tao, it remains a profound reflection of life’s shifting nature.
Modern users draw on its insight in everything from business and leadership to love, self-growth, and psychological interpretation. It is one of the rare Chinese classics that has transcended cultural and historical barriers, offering guidance through every season of life.
Summary: Who Wrote I Ching? Key Takeaways
-
The I Ching, or Yijing, is a foundational book of wisdom and divination manual in Chinese literature.
-
Its origins trace to the mythical Fu Xi, who created the first trigrams, and the Zhou dynasty, which formalised the 64 hexagrams.
-
King Wen and the Duke of Zhou wrote the core text, forming the original I Ching as we know it.
-
The Ching evolved from a divination tool into a philosophical guide used by both Taoist and Confucian schools.
-
Confucius and the Ten Wings added depth through commentary on ethics, psychology, and moral cultivation.
-
In modern times, Richard Wilhelm and Carl Jung helped bring the Ching to Western audiences through translation and psychological insight.
-
The Ching remains a living oracle, used for navigating life’s complexities with grace, wisdom, and Taoist presence.
Download the I Ching App. Life's GPS in the palm of your hand.
Useful Links
- Revolutionary I Ching App to harness Insights for Personal Growth, Download AI Ching App
- What is the I Ching
- How to consult the I Ching
- Consult the I Ching Online
- Discover the ‘Daily I Ching’ for universal guidance.
- Access all the I Ching Hexagrams 1 to 64
- Buy the book, Embracing Life’s Journey Your Guide to Personal Growth with the I Ching
- Little Panda Learns the Tao: Stories of Nature’s Balance. Download on Amazon
- Discover Inner Peace, one day at a time
FREE Ebook - The I Ching: Life’s GPS
The Ultimate Guide to Life's Answers
Unlock ancient wisdom. Discover how the I Ching can guide your decisions and bring clarity to your path—your answers await.