| The archetypal journey of the sage-ruler expresses ideals ingrained in Chinese tradition. Attributes of sage-rulers are discussed in the I Ching, a classical text compiled from an ancient oracular system that expanded into a work of philosophy during the Chou Dynasty, becoming the basis of the indigenous Chinese religions, Confucianism and Taoism, whose sages contributed commentaries to the work. The I Ching includes archetypal situations collected into sixty-four categories meant to predict the future; its commentaries advise how to handle those situations effectively.; Using Richard Wilhelm's I Ching, I trace the archetypal journey of the sage-ruler in a manner comparable to Joseph Campbell's mythical journey of the hero to show the development of the individual from a novice to a sage. I further show the impact of sage-rulers on Chinese civilization as they inspired Chinese culture with ideals of striving, humane government, and a humanity open to the transcendental. |
