The Ten Wings (Yi Zhuan): Confucius and the Dialogue with the Book of Changes

What Are the Ten Wings?

The Yi Zhuan, also known as the "Ten Wings," is a collection of ten commentaries in seven parts that interpret the core text of the I Ching (Book of Changes). Traditionally attributed to Confucius and his disciples, the term "wings" symbolizes their role as aids to understanding the classic.

Composition of the Ten Wings

1. Tuan Zhuan (Commentary on the Judgments, in two parts)

Explains the judgments of the 64 hexagrams, interpreting the core meaning of each. "Tuan" implies judgment or decision regarding a hexagram’s significance.

2. Xiang Zhuan (Commentary on the Images, in two parts)

Divided into the Great Images and the Small Images:
- Great Images: Derives life philosophies from the symbolism of the upper and lower trigrams.
- Small Images: Explains the line texts of each hexagram.

For example, the Great Image of the Qian hexagram states: "Heaven moves with vigor; thus, the noble person strives unceasingly to strengthen himself."

3. Xi Ci Zhuan (Commentary on the Appended Judgments, in two parts)

Serves as a general discourse on the I Ching, elaborating on its philosophy, purpose, and principles of divination. Notable passages include:
- "One yin and one yang constitute what is called the Dao."
- "What is above form is called the Dao; what is within form is called the vessel."
- "When exhaustion is reached, change follows; when change is achieved, continuity follows; with continuity, endurance is attained."

4. Wen Yan Zhuan (Commentary on the Words of the Text)

Specifically interprets the Qian and Kun hexagrams, delving deeply into the principles of heaven and earth.

5. Shuo Gua Zhuan (Discussion of the Trigrams)

Explains the symbolic meanings of the eight trigrams, forming the foundation for understanding hexagram imagery.

6. Xu Gua Zhuan (Sequence of the Hexagrams)

Clarifies the order of the 64 hexagrams and their inherent logic.

7. Za Gua Zhuan (Miscellaneous Notes on the Hexagrams)

Compares the meanings of the hexagrams using concise language.

Confucius and the I Ching

According to Records of the Grand Historian, Confucius developed a deep interest in the I Ching in his later years. It is said that he studied it so intensely that the leather straps binding the bamboo slips broke three times ("Wei Bian San Jue"). He remarked, "If I were given a few more years, and could start studying the Yi at fifty, I might avoid major faults."

Significance of the Ten Wings

The Ten Wings elevated the I Ching from a divination manual to a philosophical classic, imbuing it with profound intellectual depth. Without the Ten Wings, the wisdom of the I Ching would have remained largely inaccessible to later generations.