Version 1
: Received: 17 August 2023 / Approved: 18 August 2023 / Online: 18 August 2023 (11:29:41 CEST)
How to cite:
Zheng, X.; Cao, Y. Big Data Analyzing the Asymmetry of 64 Hexagrams Based on the Yarrow-stalk Method. Preprints2023, 2023081347. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202308.1347.v1
Zheng, X.; Cao, Y. Big Data Analyzing the Asymmetry of 64 Hexagrams Based on the Yarrow-stalk Method. Preprints 2023, 2023081347. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202308.1347.v1
Zheng, X.; Cao, Y. Big Data Analyzing the Asymmetry of 64 Hexagrams Based on the Yarrow-stalk Method. Preprints2023, 2023081347. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202308.1347.v1
APA Style
Zheng, X., & Cao, Y. (2023). Big Data Analyzing the Asymmetry of 64 Hexagrams Based on the Yarrow-stalk Method. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202308.1347.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Zheng, X. and Yang Cao. 2023 "Big Data Analyzing the Asymmetry of 64 Hexagrams Based on the Yarrow-stalk Method" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202308.1347.v1
Abstract
The divination function of China's Yijing has led to its circulation for thousands of years. In our exploration of Yijing's characteristics using big data, we have discovered variations in results between the coin toss method and the ancient yarrow-stalk method of divination, known as "the number for the great expansion method of divination(大衍之数)". The yarrow-stalk method serves as the fundamental method of divination in Yijing and continues to hold significance in studying the essential characteristics of Yijing. Despite the complexity of yarrow calculations, advancements in computer technology and big data have simplified its application. By employing the yarrow-stalk method, we simulated changes in the 64 hexagrams, calculated probabilities and proportions of hexagram alterations, and derived fundamental characteristics and patterns of hexagrams. Additionally, we constructed the spatial representation of lines and hexagrams. Through a binary system rearrangement, we created a 64x64 matrix illustrating hexagram transformations. Subsequently, we generated 100 million random hexagrams and analyzed line and hexagram changes accordingly. Our findings indicate the following:(1) Big data analysis reveals evident asymmetry in the hexagrams obtained through the yarrow-stalk method, with a triangular fractal characteristic forming the background.(2) Each of the 64 hexagrams exhibits a distinct probability distribution when transforming into other hexagrams, which can be categorized into five types.(3)The occurrence probabilities of Laoyang, Laoyin, Shaoyang, and Shaoyin are 18.61%, 6.387%, 31.38%, and 43.62% respectively. The probabilities of Yin and Yang occurrences are nearly equal, each close to 50%. However, the probability of Laoyang is approximately three times higher than that of Laoyin.(4) Visualized and analyzed the characteristics of hexagram changes greater than 100000 times using 3D statistical maps and Sankey diagram.These results demonstrate that the yarrow-stalk method effectively unveils the characteristics and underlying patterns of the 64 hexagrams. This study provides a novel approach for scientifically exploring the internal laws governing the 64 hexagrams in Yijing.
Keywords
Yijing; 64 hexagram changes; number in the great expansion method of divination; yin‐yang asymmetry; big data analysis
Subject
Computer Science and Mathematics, Analysis
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.