Book of changes The I Ching method of self- knowledge THE ! Ching is not the kind of book you _ breeze through on a weekend. Nor even a lifetime. - By Barbara Black News Reporter But it is the kind of book you can consult fora lifetime. The 7 Ching, or Book of Changes was originally designed in 2200 BC as an oracle. Misused in the fourth century BC as a book for divination and magic, it was not until AD 200 that it was known again as a book of wisdom. Now, as Westerners turn their attention away from a2 mechanistic, causal world view they are looking to this complex text and embracing a model that allows for the ‘‘irrational fullness of life’? as Carl Jung puts it. The I Ching is essentially a book of seif-knowledge that takes into account the law of change, the tao of Lao-tse, that acknow!- edges the one in the many. . Thre book consists of 64 six- lined figures or hexagrams made up of broken and unbroken lines, all based on eight trigrams. The trigrams can be thought of as im- ages which represent al! ihat hap- pens on Earth and in heaven, but are in a state of continual transi- tion. Traditionally, the questioner would cast off a bundle of 50 yar- row sticks, which, after much meditation are interpreted. The less complicated coin method is more in favor today. One can use special J Ching coins, or any other coins, so long as all three are the same. In the coin method, each toss indicates one of the six lines of the hexagram, starting from bot- tom to top. One side of the coin is ascribed the value of two, the other the value of three. By totall- ing the values of the three coins after each toss and applying the numter to its corresponding line you build each line of the six-line hexagram. When the lines of a hexagram have the value of six or nine, they are called ‘moving lines’’ and are especially important in the inter- pretation because they represent a change in the situation. ‘*Hesitation, anxiety, dissatisfaction are to the Taoists what sin is to the Christian. To dispel them and clear the mind and heart the I Ching is devoutly, ceremoniously cast. The resuhant hexagram indicates to the ques- tioner his Tao, his natural direc- EXPECT EXCELLENCE MARYLIN TOWARD ! offer experience, en- | thusiasm. and ability proven by a consistently successful sales record. {Sussex} sus: 925-2911 Realty } Res: 926-5890 Sussex Group - SRC. Healty Corporation NEWS ‘photo Mike Wakefield THE | Ching or Book of Changes contains 64 hexagrams. Hex- agrams ave chosen by tossing yarrow sticks or coins. Historica!- ly the 1 Ching was used for divination but now it is primarily used as a source of self-knowledge. tion,”’ says author Sam Reifler in his book on 7 Ching. The result is not deterministic but prescriptive. For instance, by throwing the coins we might end up with the configuration T’ung Jen, Fellowship with Men. The image combines two trigrams, one of heaven above and the flame below. A ‘judgment’ follows which reads in part: “True fellowship among men must be based upon a concern that is universal. It is not the private interests of the indi- vidual that create lasting fellowship among men, but rather the goals of humanity....” The judgment usually tells whether a given action will bring fortune or misfortune in the situa- tion. In Richard Withelm’s excellent book, an explanation of the image foilows, and then an explication of the changing lines. The contents of the | Ching may be considered mysterious, but only because we approach it in ignorance. As Jung writes in Wilhelm’s translation, ‘It offers neither facts nor power, but for lovers of self-knowledge, of wisdom...it seems to be the right book....Let it go forth into the world for the benefit of those who can discern its meaning.” This is the second of a series on oracles, methods of divination and self-knowledge. y FRORT DISC BRAKE PACKAGE METALLIC PADS IRCWDED Until December 14, 1991, we've got brake and muffler decls that are sure to settle your nerves. For $99.95, we have a front disc brake packoge that should offer some peace of mind. We'll install high quality metallic pads, dean end repock the front wheel bearings (except for sealed units) and, if necessary resurface the rotors. Whot’s more, your Midos-installed broke pads and shoes ore all backed by the famous Midas guarantee. This brake price applies to most cars and light trucks, import and domestic. Nobody tops the Top Guns. DEREK A. 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