The "Time" View Of Zhouyi And Its Ethical Implications

Chinese civilization is the only civilization in the world that has not been interrupted.Its strong vitality has a close relationship with the "cultural genes".These cultural genes were hidden in the "Yuan Dian" of the Chinese nation.The term "Yuan Dian" refers to those books that are not only original but also have a great effect on a particular civilization.In the Chinese culture system,the "Yuan Dian" can be called the "Six Classics" namely,The Book of Changes,and so on."Yuan Dian" is not only the source of the later "classic",but also the source of the Chinese nation's cultural genes.Among them,The Book of Changes is one of the classics of the Chinese nation.It played a major role in the cultivation and formation of the Chinese national spirit.Among the cultural genes hidden in The Book of Changes,time-dependent mean is particularly significant.The time-dependent mean is a great achievement of the ancient Chinese people.The Book of Changes is the source of time-dependent mean and the classical work which discusses the issue of time-dependent mean.The idea of time-dependent mean runs through The Book of Changes and is the most subtle place in the philosophy system of Yi.For this reason,this article focuses on the time-dependent mean of The Book of Changes from the perspective of the Chinese nation's cultural genes,and focuses on combing and discussing from three aspects:First of all,we will discuss the concept of "time" in the name of "Zhou Yi"."Zhou" has two interpretations namely "weekly" and "universal";"Yi" has three meanings namely "changing","unchanged",and "simple".The meaning of "Zhou" and "Yi" contains the connotation of "time" and reveals the endless pulsing of everything in the time.Secondly,we will discuss the concept of time-dependent mean in Yi Jing and the Commentaries of Yi Jing.It contains three parts: First,The Book of Changes advocates time.Change and transformation are images of progress and retrogression.It suggest us to keep abreast of progress of time.According to the relationship between time and position,we find that time is more important than position.Second,The Book of Changes advocates "mean".Based on the connection between mean and good fortune,it indicate that central place brings good fortune,so central place is better than proper place.Third,The Book of Changes thinks highly of time-dependent mean.This book is a reflection of the universe in miniature.Men place themselves inthe cosmos concern with their relation to the universe and to their fellow men.The time-dependent mean doctrine embodies the harmony of heaven,earth and human.Finally,we will discuss the ethical meaning of the idea of time-dependent mean in The Book of Changes and how to put it into action.The Book of Changes focuses on "Heaven" and "Humanism",advocates "Heaven and Man Oneness," and has created a cosmic ethics model that integrates "Heaven" and "Humanism".Although the time of completed The Book of Changes is far away from today,the time-dependent mean has a long-lasting impact on the Chinese nation.It provides a way of thinking and a practical guide for people's handling of life and human relations.Its ethical meaning has also been increasingly demonstrated in real life.The view of time-dependent mean is the crystallization of wisdom of the Chinese nation.Today,we can practice the time-dependent mean in the process of recognizing the outside world,perfecting one's self-cultivation and by which to guide our ethical life.The time-dependent mean doctrine is the spirit of Confucianism and the cultural genes of Chinese traditional ethics.It influenced the thinking patterns and the actions of the Chinese people gradually.It also provide the guidelines to deal with the problems and regulate people's behavior.The time-dependent mean doctrine has a great influence on Chinese ethical spirit.Regardless of the past,present,or future,time-dependent mean of The Book of Changes is the correct methodology for observing the world,knowing ourselves,thinking about issues and solving problems.The time-dependent mean is the core of the golden mean.It is the best virtue that the Chinese nation has been longing for and pursuing.The time-dependent mean will guide us to the ideal state of moral personality and help the Chinese nation to accomplish the "new life of old states" and realize the dream of Chinese national rejuvenation.