I Ching and Two of Its English Versions
Article 1: Understanding the I Ching and Its English Versions
The I Ching, also known as the Book of Changes, is an ancient Chinese divination text that dates back over 3,000 years. It is considered one of the oldest and most influential books in Chinese literature and philosophy. The I Ching is not only a book of divination but also serves as a guide for personal growth and self-reflection.
The I Ching consists of 64 hexagrams, each made up of six lines, either broken or unbroken. These hexagrams represent different situations and possibilities in life. By consulting the I Ching, individuals can gain insight into their current circumstances and find guidance on how to navigate through challenges and make wise decisions.
Over the years, the I Ching has been translated into various languages, including English. Two notable English translations of the I Ching are the Wilhelm/Baynes translation and the Legge translation. Each translation offers a unique perspective on the ancient text.
The Wilhelm/Baynes translation, first published in 1950, is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive and widely read English versions of the I Ching. Translated by renowned sinologist Richard Wilhelm and psychologist Cary F. Baynes, this translation incorporates extensive commentaries that provide insight into the symbolism and meaning of each hexagram. The Wilhelm/Baynes translation also includes a foreword by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, who emphasized the psychological significance of the I Ching.
On the other hand, the Legge translation, published in the late 19th century, was one of the earliest English translations of the I Ching. Translated by James Legge, a Scottish sinologist and missionary, this version focuses on the literal translation of the text and lacks the extensive commentaries found in the Wilhelm/Baynes translation. Despite its simplicity, the Legge translation is still appreciated by many for its accuracy and historical significance.
Both the Wilhelm/Baynes and Legge translations have their merits and can provide valuable insights into the I Ching. The Wilhelm/Baynes translation offers a more comprehensive and interpretive approach, allowing readers to delve deeper into the symbolism and philosophy of the text. On the other hand, the Legge translation provides a more straightforward and literal translation, making it accessible to those who prefer a simpler interpretation.
Ultimately, the choice of which English version of the I Ching to study depends on personal preference and the specific goals of the reader. Some may prefer the depth and psychological insights offered by the Wilhelm/Baynes translation, while others may appreciate the simplicity and historical significance of the Legge translation.
Regardless of the translation chosen, studying the I Ching can be a transformative and enlightening experience. It offers timeless wisdom and guidance that can be applied to various aspects of life. Whether seeking answers to specific questions or simply looking for a deeper understanding of oneself and the world, the I Ching and its English versions provide a valuable resource for personal growth and self-reflection.
Article 2: Exploring the Differences between the Wilhelm/Baynes and Legge Translations of the I Ching
The I Ching, an ancient Chinese divination text, has been translated into various languages, including English. Two notable English translations of the I Ching are the Wilhelm/Baynes translation and the Legge translation. While both translations aim to capture the essence of the original text, they differ in their approach and interpretation.
The Wilhelm/Baynes translation, published in 1950, is highly regarded for its comprehensive and interpretive approach. Translated by Richard Wilhelm and Cary F. Baynes, this version includes extensive commentaries that provide additional insights into the symbolism and meaning of each hexagram. The Wilhelm/Baynes translation emphasizes the psychological aspects of the I Ching, making it a popular choice for those interested in the intersection of Eastern philosophy and psychology.
In contrast, the Legge translation, published in the late 19th century, takes a more literal and straightforward approach. Translated by James Legge, this version focuses on accurately translating the text without extensive commentaries or interpretations. The Legge translation is appreciated for its simplicity and historical significance, as it was one of the earliest English translations of the I Ching.
One key difference between the two translations is the inclusion of commentaries. The Wilhelm/Baynes translation provides detailed explanations and interpretations of each hexagram, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the symbolism and philosophy of the I Ching. In contrast, the Legge translation lacks extensive commentaries, presenting a more concise and direct translation of the text.
Another difference lies in the language and style of the translations. The Wilhelm/Baynes translation uses language that is more accessible to a contemporary audience, making it easier for readers to relate to the wisdom of the I Ching. The Legge translation, on the other hand, maintains a more traditional and formal style, reflecting the language of the time in which it was translated.
The choice between the Wilhelm/Baynes and Legge translations ultimately depends on the reader's preferences and intentions. Those seeking a comprehensive and interpretive approach may prefer the Wilhelm/Baynes translation, which offers extensive commentaries and psychological insights. On the other hand, readers looking for a more straightforward and literal translation may opt for the Legge version.
Both translations have their merits and can provide valuable insights into the I Ching. Whether one chooses the Wilhelm/Baynes translation for its comprehensive analysis or the Legge translation for its simplicity and historical significance, studying the I Ching in English can offer a profound understanding of this ancient Chinese text and its wisdom.
I Ching and Two of Its English Versi 篇三
I Ching and Two of Its English Versions
I Ching, the essence of Chinese culture, has a history of three thousand years.It embodies a kind of philosophy, wisdom,even a kind of science, and greatly influeaces Chinese civilization.However, for its special style and abstract content, I Ching's meaning is far to reach, especially for foreigners.This paper is going to compare two well-known English editions from the aspects of comprehension, wording and expression.The author atte
mpts to primarily probe into the practice and skills of the translation of I Ching. 作 者:张雯 作者单位:上海电力学院外语系,上海,200090 刊 名:中国电力教育英文刊名: CHINA ELECTRIC POWER EDUCATION 年,卷(期): 2007""(10) 分类号: H3 关键词: I Ching Chinese culture text style translation skills