"Book Of Changes" And The Culture Of Scholars In The Song Dynasty

Zhou Yi, the source of Chinese culture, is one of the most important Chinese classics. The scholars of each dynasty who studied Zhou Yi continued their interpretation constantly, provided Zhou Yi with a great practical value and rich philosophical factors, also helped it being applied to social life in all kinds of areas, giving individuals and social development with great significance of guidance. "Shi", as the ancient Chinese "intelligentsia class", their personality were being cultivated, their thinking was being built, and their political ideal was being realized, while studying Zhou Yi and evolving Yi-ology. It happened particularly in Song Dynasty because of the flourishing of Yi-ology. "Shi"-group of Song who were keen to study Yi-ology were affected deeply in their real life and spiritual life. The influence of Zhou Yi was pretty remarkable, compared to any other Chinese Classic books.Exploring "Divination" and developing "leitmotiv" are the typical aspects of studying of Zhou Yi in Song Dynasty. Yi-ology divination, as the oldest Chinese divination, had got large enrichment and development, because divination was so popular at that time. Different from other forms of divination, the activities about Yi-ology divination of "Shi" were very common, scientific, and entertained. In addition, the leitmotiv of Yi also had been studied deeply and innovatively, which caused the discussion of life and politics. They seek for the philosophy of life and principles of country governing, and put them as the law and guideline of living and governing. This kind of research of Zhou Yi reflected practical philosophy, not only enriched and developed Yi-ology of Song Dynasty, but also inspired younger generations to change the way of their research, and enlightened people to think about personality cultivation and the construction of cultural system. Therefore, for "Shi"-group of Song Dynasty, Zhou Yi was not just the essential subjects of Imperial examinations, but also the approach of improving the social status, the tool of achieving political ideal, and the guideline of living and spiritual companionship, even entertainment of their life.