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Awesome.
A Christian Book of Changes
- Thread starter hajile44
- Start date
Awesome.
Let me throw the Gita into this mix, just for fun with symbols. Some believe those battles of Arjuna were literal; others know they still exist within themselves. And look at the value Krishna placed on life and death: m'eh.. There's only One, so what are you worried about?
pocossin
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Not me. Last week I cut off and buried the skull of a coyote shot behind my house by a neighbor with sniper training. Coyotes had been getting his cats. When it's properly cleaned by the critters that live in the earth, I'll offer it to my neighbor as a trophy of his prowess. Coyotes were artificially introduced into this area by Weyerhaeuser, aiming to protect its pine seedlings from deer.
In my opinion, the difference between the Yi and the Bible is not remote. The Well (hexagram 48), for example, is the Chinese equivalent of the Chalice, holding the blood of the sacrificial victim. And the ding (hexagram 50) is equivalent to whatever holds the bread, representing the body of Christ. (Not being Catholic, I do not recall the term.) The difference between the religion of the Yi and ancient Christianity is that the Chinese were spiritualists while the Christians were theists. Six of one, half a dozen of the other. The same spiritual perspective.
OT but - here, coyotes keep the burgeoning feral cat population under control, which are far more intrusive and dangerous than the coyotes are to people here. Coyotes howling always make me smile and relaxes my body... like hearing a deeply familiar song, while domestic dogs which bark obsessively have the opposite effect, raising my blood pressure. One is natural, even if "artificially" introduced (what, your sniper neighbor's cat wasn't?) while the domestic canine is trained to be neurotic by neurotic people. ha! speaking of, there they go again. Just love the vibration they send through the night and early morning, communicating their position to the others across the valley. I know their population has become problematic in certain densely human populated areas or to small livestock, but out here, they are typically embraced as part of our landscape. Hell, they are the landscape. It's not really that far off topic I guess, since coyotes have been woven through the indigenous peoples' mythic (religious) landscape, long before we white dudes claimed it as ours. My own encounters with coyotes have included some really funny antics, some which touched the core or my heart. I also offered my best friend to them, when I had to put him down. That entire experience was more 'spiritual' than any of the heavenly variety. It still is, and may always be. Dogs are sacred to me. It's sad what some people do to them, even when well intentioned. Again, not too far off subject.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coyote
So, maybe my calling is to write a Coyote I Ching.
Just kidding.
So, maybe my calling is to write a Coyote I Ching.
Just kidding.
dharmamom
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I studied the Gita for many years. Like you say, the battles of Arjuna are not literal. Arjuna would be like our better self, this part in us that continually aims at self-development, the Pandits (his cousins), like our lower instincts, our shadow, and they all battle for the the conquest of Hastinapura, which would be something like Wisdom, Knowledge, Liberation... you name it.
I love the Gita!
As to the coyotes and cats issue, I live in a Swiss suburb where coyotes or any wild animals are alien to the ecosystem, therefore not an issue, but cats, instead, can be a plaque. Since they have no natural enemies (I have no sniper neighbours!) they are devastatingly disrupting the zoological balance in our area. I love cats but they are our pest here!
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I obtained my copy of the Gita at the Port of Authority building in NYC. After turning down a pitch to buy one from a Hari Krishna devotee (talk about persistent and dogmatic!), I went into the men's room and there was a brand new, just purchased copy sitting there on a sink and no one else there. So I figured it was meant for me to read.
Though the dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna, and the underpinning story of a great man and warrior/hero and his Lord, was powerful and alarming, the endless stories of wars between the hero Krishna, in some form or other, and the daemons and kings he'd kill (cast out?), were tedious, but necessary. Of course each daemon represents a human character found within ourselves, and this sort of superman god would always win. But you're right, it does require study, even when it's tough to bite through. Krishna himself is bliss, God of gods, King of kings, and devotees see themselves as his bride; all a strikingly familiar motif of Christian belief, the bride of Christ. It's the same reason the Krishna devotes feminize themselves.
There's a strong resemblance between Krishna and Coyote. Both are young, playful, mischievous, and G/god.
I worshiped with a local Krishna follower group for awhile just to get the feel from the inside. Frankly, it wasn't much different from the Christian cults.
I almost got snaked oiled into the Moonies, while on the Berkly campus. I had no idea who they were until a friend and fellow musician laughed when I told him I would be gone for a few days, going with some others to a retreat of truth seekers. When he told me they were Moonies, I said, no way! Really? I immediately called this "Doctor David" dude and said, can't make it, sorry. He became immediately demeaning and argumentative. I hung up, and in some way, woke up.
But later, when I needed a doctor, I was persuaded to call upon the name of Jesus, and indeed my life was instantly revolutionized. It was a trip worth taking, but not one I could embrace forever, except in the stories and their lessons or mystery. Yet, I stumble on the treasure there, the pearl of great price, the same pearl the dragon chases, clutches or stares at.
Though the dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna, and the underpinning story of a great man and warrior/hero and his Lord, was powerful and alarming, the endless stories of wars between the hero Krishna, in some form or other, and the daemons and kings he'd kill (cast out?), were tedious, but necessary. Of course each daemon represents a human character found within ourselves, and this sort of superman god would always win. But you're right, it does require study, even when it's tough to bite through. Krishna himself is bliss, God of gods, King of kings, and devotees see themselves as his bride; all a strikingly familiar motif of Christian belief, the bride of Christ. It's the same reason the Krishna devotes feminize themselves.
There's a strong resemblance between Krishna and Coyote. Both are young, playful, mischievous, and G/god.
I worshiped with a local Krishna follower group for awhile just to get the feel from the inside. Frankly, it wasn't much different from the Christian cults.
I almost got snaked oiled into the Moonies, while on the Berkly campus. I had no idea who they were until a friend and fellow musician laughed when I told him I would be gone for a few days, going with some others to a retreat of truth seekers. When he told me they were Moonies, I said, no way! Really? I immediately called this "Doctor David" dude and said, can't make it, sorry. He became immediately demeaning and argumentative. I hung up, and in some way, woke up.
But later, when I needed a doctor, I was persuaded to call upon the name of Jesus, and indeed my life was instantly revolutionized. It was a trip worth taking, but not one I could embrace forever, except in the stories and their lessons or mystery. Yet, I stumble on the treasure there, the pearl of great price, the same pearl the dragon chases, clutches or stares at.
Hi Meng,
I am also working on a similar project. It might be interesting to compare perspectives. I have several chapters of my work on line at http://sacredpause-roger.blogspot.com/p/christian-i-ching_27.html
Pax Christi!
- Roger
I am also working on a similar project. It might be interesting to compare perspectives. I have several chapters of my work on line at http://sacredpause-roger.blogspot.com/p/christian-i-ching_27.html
Pax Christi!
- Roger
Thanks, Roger. The original poster posted only once, to promote his buggy web page.
Yours looks well ordered. I'm familiar with the Episcopal church; was married in one, befriended the pastor. We had stimulating and open conversations. My brother has been faithful to an intimate Episcopal congregation, and many of the more abstract ideas I write to him about, he says his pastor says the same things, lol.
Regarding your site, I was a little disappointed not to find more information re the IC, and a statement as to how and why you've chosen to use principles from two socially opposing creeds? I've not yet read your blogs, but I'm talking about front page stuff. Maybe you prefer to begin the information and learning process on Skype? Do you offer readings for a fee? It's not clear to me what you are offering, based on your website, other than a session (is Sessions your real name?) on Skype, I assume, to make a presentation of your consulting practice? It's unclear to me.
The topics interest me. Is there a discussion community/forum?
Yours looks well ordered. I'm familiar with the Episcopal church; was married in one, befriended the pastor. We had stimulating and open conversations. My brother has been faithful to an intimate Episcopal congregation, and many of the more abstract ideas I write to him about, he says his pastor says the same things, lol.
Regarding your site, I was a little disappointed not to find more information re the IC, and a statement as to how and why you've chosen to use principles from two socially opposing creeds? I've not yet read your blogs, but I'm talking about front page stuff. Maybe you prefer to begin the information and learning process on Skype? Do you offer readings for a fee? It's not clear to me what you are offering, based on your website, other than a session (is Sessions your real name?) on Skype, I assume, to make a presentation of your consulting practice? It's unclear to me.
The topics interest me. Is there a discussion community/forum?
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Meng,
I think I have successfully created a group called Christian I Ching. Let me know if you can't find it. I'm still new to this site and figuring out the tools. I hope you will consider joining.
To answer your questions...
The front page on my site is just the most recent blog. That will change whenever I do a new posting. The high level starting point for my information on the I Ching is under the CIIC tab (Christian Interpretation of the I Ching.) Or you can go there through this link: http://sacredpause-roger.blogspot.com/p/christian-i-ching_27.html
In general my blogs are not about the I Ching but about various topics in Mystical or Progressive Christianity. But I am collecting all of my I Ching writings under the link/tab shown above.
As to what I am offering, I really don't see myself as an I Ching reader/diviner. I see using the I Ching as one tool within the context of an on-going spiritual direction relationship.
You may not be familiar with the idea of spiritual direction, so let me briefly explain. As understood within the Episcopal Church, spiritual direction is an ongoing counseling relationship that focuses on the directee's relationship with God. The spiritual director is one who is trained to facilitate that relationship. We see three parts to total health: physical, psychological, and spiritual. The medical field focuses on physical health. Psychologists focus on psychological health. Spiritual Directors focus on spiritual health. Of course, the boundaries separating these disciplines can get blurry.
Oh yes, your last question. Yes, my last name is really Sessions. I suppose if I ever develop a formal practice it could be called Sessions' Sessions.
Looking forward to talking more!
I think I have successfully created a group called Christian I Ching. Let me know if you can't find it. I'm still new to this site and figuring out the tools. I hope you will consider joining.
To answer your questions...
The front page on my site is just the most recent blog. That will change whenever I do a new posting. The high level starting point for my information on the I Ching is under the CIIC tab (Christian Interpretation of the I Ching.) Or you can go there through this link: http://sacredpause-roger.blogspot.com/p/christian-i-ching_27.html
In general my blogs are not about the I Ching but about various topics in Mystical or Progressive Christianity. But I am collecting all of my I Ching writings under the link/tab shown above.
As to what I am offering, I really don't see myself as an I Ching reader/diviner. I see using the I Ching as one tool within the context of an on-going spiritual direction relationship.
You may not be familiar with the idea of spiritual direction, so let me briefly explain. As understood within the Episcopal Church, spiritual direction is an ongoing counseling relationship that focuses on the directee's relationship with God. The spiritual director is one who is trained to facilitate that relationship. We see three parts to total health: physical, psychological, and spiritual. The medical field focuses on physical health. Psychologists focus on psychological health. Spiritual Directors focus on spiritual health. Of course, the boundaries separating these disciplines can get blurry.
Oh yes, your last question. Yes, my last name is really Sessions. I suppose if I ever develop a formal practice it could be called Sessions' Sessions.
Looking forward to talking more!
Hi Roger
Thank you for your comprehensive response. I think I understand better the order of the cars in the train, so to speak.
I'm too much of a lone coyote at this point to be mentored, and hear no calling to mentor, but thank you for the invitation to tune into what you're doing.
Thank you for your comprehensive response. I think I understand better the order of the cars in the train, so to speak.
I'm too much of a lone coyote at this point to be mentored, and hear no calling to mentor, but thank you for the invitation to tune into what you're doing.
Just musing here. I went through a period of comparing Yi metaphors to Biblical metaphors. There were a couple decades of just the reverse, recognizing in what I was learning from the Bible, what I've already gathered from IC divination, and other more esoteric material, including Jung, eastern religions and philosophies.
I'm being invited to churches here quite a bit, and I must admit, I sometimes do miss the fellowship with saved sinners at those bountiful potluck dinners. And the free mature women, that's where to find them, knucklehead, I've said to myself. But I can't go back to that, nor can I fake it, not for God nor woman.
I wish you well, and thanks again.
Bruce
I'm being invited to churches here quite a bit, and I must admit, I sometimes do miss the fellowship with saved sinners at those bountiful potluck dinners. And the free mature women, that's where to find them, knucklehead, I've said to myself. But I can't go back to that, nor can I fake it, not for God nor woman.
I wish you well, and thanks again.
Bruce