How the Yi-Ching Actually Works Is Not As You Expected . . . .

[Pearlescent]

Hahaha... toodlepip

I gotta say, that interpretation of 4 has changed my perception of that hexagram forever. It could be because I'm a virgo but I always cringed like I got a slap on the wrist from the Yi with hex 4, but wow, that whole hexagram has opened up for me now. The thought that there is something the Yi doesn't know yet makes the universe so much more exciting.

 

[iams girl]

Truth, objectivity, perspective are all good descriptions! In addition, I was questioning the actual nature of Yi because I think Cypocryphy’s thesis leads in that direction. First, the thesis includes two precepts we’ve been commenting on:

1. “The Yi-Ching does not necessarily foretell the future nor does it necessarily state the totality of the situation with the primary hexagram with an objective, truthful statement (i.e. hexagrams)”

2. "Yi reflects mental and emotional state and opinion “nothing more, nothing less”

To me, a reading of any number of posts on this site do not support either of these precepts as global truths. However, I think they bring up good questions which relate to the nature of our relationship with Yi. The saying “don’t look a gift horse in the mouth” comes to mind before going further, but it seems worthwhile if it results in a better relationship. Not that there are definitive answers, but maybe at least impressions and perceptions, a few questions that come to mind:

Is Yi simply an ingenious reflective mirror tool?

What factors, judgments are taken into account when individual reflections are generated?

Does it require presence/life force to generate individual reflections?

Do the reflections lead us somewhere and, if so, where?

Are things like truth and objectivity part of presence/life force themselves?

For me, Yi feels more organic and intertwined with life force/presence than mechanical. It may be a tool, but, if so, imo, not one that operates in a vacuum. My answers have come with a balance of truth and love that surpass the capability of an ordinary (or even extraordinary) tool. This truth and love are substantive and, however it is that I receive them, their substance (the better my interpretation) affects me and others around me in a good way as well.

 

[Tohpol]

My personal hypothesis is that the Yi connects you to the higher self - the completed self in the "future" - which naturally uses every means it can to reach us in the "present". The Yi seems to be the conduit par excellence for that contact. Whether we are asking about the mundane or issues of self-development the response is always there and will deepen, commensurate with the level of effort we put in to know it's many layers.

 

[stevef]

The vision of higher self and presumably a lower self seems to me to tie in with the structure of the hexagram: heaven- top two lines, mankind- middle line, and the lower- earth, all working in harmony. Yet, how about the past. Can we not be motivated or influenced sometimes to reflect on what is at the core of our suffering. Hexagram 18 springs to mind. I do share your perception, ultimately evolving to a higher being, and the Yi being a guide.

 

[butterfly spider]

Topal - perfect response. Why am I not able to write like that?
x

 

[angelatlantis14]

For me, Yi feels more organic and intertwined with life force/presence than mechanical. It may be a tool, but, if so, imo, not one that operates in a vacuum. My answers have come with a balance of truth and love that surpass the capability of an ordinary (or even extraordinary) tool. This truth and love are substantive and, however it is that I receive them, their substance (the better my interpretation) affects me and others around me in a good way as well.

... yes and I wish I had come up with the above
wonderful summary of what I am thinking!

 

[Tohpol]

Topal - perfect response. Why am I not able to write like that?
x

You do. It's just different. And if it wasn't different you wouldn't be you!