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AI智能摘要
The Bagua is an ancient Chinese symbol system of the universe, composed of eight trigrams with three lines each, representing yin and yang. Rooted in binary logic, it reflects core philosophical and cosmological ideas. Historically, it was used in divination, cosmology, astronomy, medicine, and martial arts. Two primary orders, the Primordial and Manifested Bagua, reveal distinct perspectives on cosmic origins and practical applications. In the I Ching, two trigrams form 64 hexagrams, each with symbolic and philosophical significance. The Bagua's influence continues today, offering insights into binary systems, quantum mechanics, and systems thinking. It remains a vital cultural and intellectual heritage of Chinese civilization.
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The Bagua: A Concise Overview of the Cosmic Symbol System
I. Symbol Composition and Philosophical Core
As a crystallization of ancient Chinese wisdom, the Bagua is a symbol system that interprets the essence of the universe. It consists of eight trigrams each composed of three lines, with each line being either “unbroken” (yang) or “broken” (yin). Through the combination of these two basic forms, it constructs a model of cosmic operation where yin and yang interact and mutually constrain each other. Based on binary logic, three lines can generate 2³=8 permutations, forming the basic framework of the Bagua. This concise yet sophisticated symbol structure provides a concrete carrier for thoughts on the origin of the world in Chinese philosophy.
II. Multi-domain Connections and Applications
The Bagua is not limited to a single field but is closely linked to many aspects of ancient society. In Shang and Zhou religious activities, it was the core of I Ching divination, playing an important role in communicating with heaven, earth, and gods. It is also interrelated with traditional philosophical concepts like Taiji and the Five Elements, jointly forming the theoretical basis of ancient Chinese cosmology. In practice, its influence extends to various fields: corresponding to stellar movements in astronomy, used for geographical surveys in Feng Shui, corresponding to human meridians in traditional Chinese medicine, and spawning martial arts styles like Tai Chi and Baguazhang, thus becoming an important link between natural sciences and humanities.
III. Historical Evolution of Two Hexagram Orders
There are two main Bagua orders. The “Primordial (Fuxi) Bagua” is linked to Fuxi, with Qian (south), Kun (north), Li (east), and Kan (west), showing the universe’s initial order. The “Manifested (King Wen) Bagua” from recorded history has Zhen (east), Dui (west), Li (south), and Kan (north), reflecting Shang – Zhou practical views. The former explains cosmic origins; the latter focuses on real – world applications.
IV. Extended Application in the I Ching
In the I Ching, two trigrams with three lines are combined up and down to form hexagrams with six lines (Hexagram). These 64 different combinations constitute the main content of the I Ching, and each hexagram contains rich symbolic meanings and philosophical thoughts. Taking Hexagram 19 “Lin” as an example, its image is “earth above the lake” (Kun above Dui). The commentary mentions “The earth above the lake: The image of Approach. Thus the superior man is inexhaustible in his will to teach, and without limits in his tolerance and protection of the people.” This reflects the extension from the hexagram image of natural phenomena to human ethics, which is a typical way of elevating specific symbols to philosophical concepts, and also reflects the unique characteristics of traditional Chinese thinking.
V. Enlightenment for the Modern Age
In the current era, the Bagua symbol system still has important research value and practical significance. Its binary thought predates Leibniz’s binary by hundreds of years, the dialectical relationship of mutual dependence between yin and yang has a wonderful similarity with the complementary principle in quantum mechanics, and its holistic thinking mode also provides a useful reference for the research of modern complex sciences. This symbol system originating from the Bronze Age, with its unique Oriental wisdom, continues to provide us with wisdom enlightenment spanning time and space for understanding the universe and building a harmonious society.
The Bagua is not only an important cultural gene of Chinese civilization but also a unique symbol paradigm for human beings to understand the world. With simple symbol combinations, it explains the operation laws of all things in the universe, and shows the superb abstract thinking ability and system construction wisdom of ancient Chinese sages in both philosophical thinking and practical application. This “simple yet broad” cognitive system has always exuded unique charm in the long river of human civilization
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