The Book of Changes / I-Ching
易经
The Chinese character 易 (yì ) means “change” or “shift.” According to traditional interpretation, it is associated with the chameleon or lizard, whose ability to change colour symbolises adaptation and transformation. Here is a brief introduction to The Book of Changes.
While imprisoned, King Wen of Zhou arranged the eight trigrams to act out the possible sixty-four hexagrams based on The Shift Theory. With each individual lines a notion of a situation gradually in change. King Wen is said to have reflected deeply on these patterns, perhaps using them to contemplate his own fate in the midst of adversity. His son, the Duke of Zhou, is credited with composing and revising many of the line statements, enriching the text with guidance, wisdom, and practical insight.
Additionally, The Book of Changes has been noted for its influence on Leibniz’s development and documentation of binary arithmetic, as well as its philosophical resonance with Niels Bohr’s principle of complementarity.
To conclude, The Book of Changes concept is adapted from The Shift Theory.
Dao / Tao
道
Dao can be approached as a way of life without relating it to the religious tradition of Daoism.
The earliest recorded teachings of Dao are attributed to Laozi. These teachings mainly describe the principles of nature and how we may live in harmony with its natural patterns.
Translating true Dao texts into other languages will usually lose its meaning and intention, as kennings similarity were used in riddle form.
To summarise the practical aspect: the direct translation of Dao is “the path” or “the way.” In this context, it may be understood as an “energy pathway.” To restore balance along this path, one must first learn to open the body’s “floodgates,” allowing stagnant energy to be released. Through structured breathing practices, one can then cultivate awareness of the body and its vital points, supporting a deeper connection between breath, energy, and wellness.