易

The origin of 易 is ambiguous and debated, as its ancient forms suggest several competing interpretations.

1. Pictographic theory:

The Shuowen Jiezi (説文解字 shuōwén jiězì) interprets 易 as depicting a lizard or chameleon, an animal whose ability to change its skin symbolizes transformation — hence “to change.”

「易，蜥易也。象形。」

“易 depicts the lizard (蜥易), whose image signifies change.”

2. Symbolic duality theory:

Later scholars viewed the upper component 日 (sun) and a rounded or divided lower part as representing the alternation of day and night, thus symbolizing the cyclical nature of change.

From this interpretation, the sense of “transformation” (change over time) arose naturally.

3. Ritual vessel theory (Shirakawa Shizuka):

Shirakawa proposed that the oldest forms resemble a ceremonial cup or libation vessel, indicating “to grant or offer.”

From “giving and taking,” it extended semantically to “exchange.”

In any case, by the Bronze and Seal script periods, the character’s dominant meanings were change and ease—fundamental to early Chinese cosmology.

變易 (변역) — change, transformation

交易 (교역) — trade, exchange

平易 (평이) — simple, plain

容易 (용이) — easy

易經 (역경) — the I Ching (Book of Changes)

In classical Chinese philosophy, 易 became the central concept of the I Ching — the “Book of Changes.”

Here, it represents the constant flux and transformation of all phenomena under Heaven, governed by the interplay of 陰 (yin) and 陽 (yang).

The text identifies three dimensions of change:

變易 (biànyì) — change and transformation.

不易 (bùyì) — the unchanging principle behind change.

簡易 (jiǎnyì) — simplicity or naturalness in the cosmic order.

Thus, 易 unites change and simplicity, expressing both the mutability of the world and the ease of aligning with its rhythm.

「變化者，易之文也。」

“Transformation — that is the pattern of the 易.”

In Confucianism, 易 denotes moral adaptability and wisdom — the ability to adjust one’s conduct harmoniously to circumstance.

In Daoism, it expresses the effortless flow of the Dao (道) — natural transformation without resistance.