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The Mandate of Heaven - Hidden History in the I Ching (Paperback, New ed)
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The Mandate of Heaven - Hidden History in the I Ching (Paperback, New ed)
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The mysteries of the ancient Chinese text known as the I Ching
continue to fascinate scholars and enthusiasts alike. While
sinologists rely on historical criticism to explain the meaning of
the work, those who use it for divination tend to accept without
question the traditional account of its origin and purpose. Whereas
modern scholars are generally dismissive of the book's reputed
mystical significance, traditionalists often resent academic
research into the oracle because it seems irreverent or
iconoclastic. In The Mandate of Heaven, S. J. Marshall sets out to
reconcile these opposing approaches. He plumbs the book's numerous,
hidden historical references, reading them against other sources,
and discovers that the oracle has far more narrative integrity and
basis in historical fact than anyone has previously appreciated.
The Mandate of Heaven focuses on the story of the I Ching's
origins. The book is attributed to King Wen, who died before he
could succeed in overthrowing the tyrannical Shang dynasty. His
son, King Wu, eventually triumphed over the Shang and established
the Zhou dynasty as the legitimate royal house. According to the
tradition, these events are in some ways alluded to in the earliest
layer of commentary in the I Ching, but no sound historical basis
has been discovered to substantiate this claim. Consequently, since
the 1930s sinologists have discounted the value of this tradition.
Marshall uncovers an account of Wu's conquest in an important,
previously overlooked passage that tells of a solar eclipse
believed by the King to have been an omen from Heaven to
immediately march against the Shang. Marshall is able to match this
account with a scientifically verified solar eclipse that took
place on June 20, 1070 B.C., just one of his many historical
readings that show how the earliest layer of the I Ching has
preserved a hidden history that has remained undetected for three
millennia.
General
Imprint: |
Columbia University Press
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Country of origin: |
United States |
Release date: |
September 2002 |
First published: |
September 2002 |
Authors: |
S.J. Marshall
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Dimensions: |
211 x 129 x 20mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Paperback - Trade
|
Pages: |
260 |
Edition: |
New ed |
ISBN-13: |
978-0-231-12299-3 |
Categories: |
Books >
Humanities >
History >
General
Books >
History >
General
Promotions
|
LSN: |
0-231-12299-3 |
Barcode: |
9780231122993 |
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