Abstract
In the Han dynasty, the study of Chenwei was regarded as a matter of the esoteric scholarship relating to the mystery of the Tao, and it was an important component of the ideology of the time. However, the titles of Wei Books are bizarre and ambiguous, so that it always been difficult for later generations to understand the nature of Chenwei.
This paper takes the titles of Wei Books, including seven classical texts popular in the Han dynasty, He and Luo, as research subjects and attempts to analyze the implications of these titles by considering the texts of classical books, popular ideology of the Han dynasty, and other relevant historical context.
According to this interpretation, it is not difficult to find that the titles of Wei Books are mainly based on the texts of classical books and on numerology, including Yin-Yang, The Five Elements, astrology, and so on, while at the same time influenced by current politics, sage orders, and the transfer of dynasties.
In conclusion, the essence of Wei Books lies mainly in prophecy. Such prophetic books had a practical influence on the politics of the time, and this influence was an important method for Confucianists to explain the classics and publicize their thoughts.
Keywords
Chenwei, Han Classics scholarship, numerology, prophecy
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