Learning from the I Ching

[edge]

Hi everyone,
I've been studying the I Ching for a while now and have noticed a few interesting things. When I first started I think (as a lot of people do) I got a bit obsessive and was asking questions about every area of my life that I felt anxiety about, trying to second guess things over which I had little control, and generally driving myself crazy. However after a while I realised that my study was making me calmer, and much more accepting of change, and life moving in cycles. Its made it easier to accept difficult situations with faith that ultimately everything changes, and also to be a bit more aware and in the moment when things go well. Generally I'm finding myself more chilled out, and much more intuitive than before. Now when I ask a question of the I Ching I think very carefully about whether I really need to know the answer and whether I'm being respectful of myself and the process. As a result my readings are much clearer and more useful as a means of guidance. I also decided to stick with the yarrow stalks and the full length traditional technique because I find its useful in getting me into a calm meditative state and clearing my mind (and stops me asking stupid questions for the hell of it!)
So two questions, first I'd welcome anyone else's thoughts on the above and how you find you engage with the I Ching, and what you learn from it or understand about yourself...

and second, while on this train of thought I asked the question:
What am I supposed to be learning from the I Ching? 14:1 to 50

So, I have my own interpretation (around modesty/humbleness, respecting the fact that things happen in their own time, and that I am learning a new way of being in the world), but I would love to hear your thoughts on the reading.
Thanks!!
E

 

[willowfox]

What am I supposed to be learning from the I Ching? 14:1 to 50

A wealth of knowledge but it isn't going to be easy. Reading is very different from actually understanding, understanding takes time, so don't expect quick results as you are not cooking an egg but a gourmet meal.

 

[gene]

Hello Edge

I think you are right on the cusp of a truly deeper understanding of the I Ching than is commonly found in the mix. Believe me, the things you say you are going through, with excessive readings, etc., are things I have gone through and still do from time to time. Coupled with that is the fact it is hard to read for yourself because it is very hard to be objective.

The I Ching in every line, in every verse, is in one way speaking of itself, and its relationship to the reader. Therefore, it is wise not to get caught up too excessively in the divination aspect of the I Ching, though it can be used for that, and look beyond the surface. The I Ching is very deep, and if our modern physicists and biochemists would study it, it would greatly enhance their understanding of the universe around them.

The I Ching is a tool for self growth, divination being only one part of it. As for the reading you got, I think it is a very excellent start on this subject. The first line tells us, "no relationship with what is harmful." The I Ching is a guidebook to keep us from getting snagged on the rocks just below the surface as we fish for inner truths and little nuggets of wisdom. It can keep us from danger, both internally and externally. It can teach us the right way, the way of the Tao, the way of harmony. Or, if you prefer, the way of the cross that leads home. The next line says, "There is no blame in this." Studying the I Ching and following its precepts can lead us to a blameless and harmless life. It can free us from our errors, (see hexagram 40) It can lead us in the "paths of righteousness." (See hexagram 10.) It is a deep well that none can fully exhaust. (see hexagram 48) and it gives us clarity, (see hexagram 30 and 50.) The next line says, "if one remains conscious of difficulty, there is no blame." The I Ching reminds us of our shortcomings, and how to overcome them. (See hexagram 3 line 3, and hexagram four)

And in closing, hexagram 50, Supreme great good fortune. This is the result, the reward, of using the I Ching. Hexagram 14 is "Possession in Great Measure." This is what we find in our studies. The cauldron teaches us the proper measure in cooking, i.e. in putting the right ingredients together, then preparing them in the right way, then cooking for the right amount of time. On a personal level it tells us how to accumulate Chi, which leads to a long life. On a cosmic level, it teaches us how the universe maintains itself, and how it follows cycles.

A very good answer indeed.
Gene

 

[tigerintheboat]

Not Tested Yet

Hi everyone,

What am I supposed to be learning from the I Ching? 14:1 to 50
E

The reading is about how to behave in a time of "great possession." What you possess now is knowledge, and the Yi Jing itself. That is a great possession.

Line 1 reminds you that you are untested with this knowledge. You are at the beginning of an endeavor. Nothing serious has had a chance to go wrong yet.

H50, the sacred cauldron, is you, the creation of your being as a spiritual creature. Yi is implying that the aim of our existences is to be like a sacred vessel that is enlightened and made more spiritual through the kind of ethical culture that Yi promotes.

Tiger

 

[proserpine]

The reading is about how to behave in a time of "great possession." What you possess now is knowledge, and the Yi Jing itself. That is a great possession.

Line 1 reminds you that you are untested with this knowledge. You are at the beginning of an endeavor. Nothing serious has had a chance to go wrong yet.

H50, the sacred cauldron, is you, the creation of your being as a spiritual creature. Yi is implying that the aim of our existences is to be like a sacred vessel that is enlightened and made more spiritual through the kind of ethical culture that Yi promotes.

Tiger

yes, agreed.

 

[proserpine]

I liked Gene's and Tiger's ideas.I wish to add that I remember a piece of the Possession in Great Measure implies you already have this possession.I could be asking about my stocks and bonds or, I could be asking whether a relationship will work out--especially if he and I are currently enuring an opposition or, he has given me reason to distrust him, my spirituality itself--
and yes,I've receieved this hexagram a few times re:
learning,growing and even re: learning thru the Yi itself...
The Possession in Great Measre has always told me that what is mine will be retruned to me--but only when the correct conditions are in order.

For example using the relationship question again--*correct* could well be if I'm emotionally open and yet mature enough to be responsible for my decisions--and my significant other who will almost certainly be interested in reuniting--still haas to have the qualities that are a sort of prerequisite to committment.

I agree with Tiger, that "no relationship with what is harmful" implies nothing bad has happened, you already had some success,and now have a good new place to start off.
And I do agree with Gene however, that 14 to the Ting,50, has excellent reason to believe that if he stays on the path he'll keep going deeper and higher at the same time into the wonderful vessel that is the Yi Jing.i also think 'no relationship with what is harmful' suggests to keep it that wayas well

 

[meng]

However after a while I realised that my study was making me calmer, and much more accepting of change, and life moving in cycles. Its made it easier to accept difficult situations with faith that ultimately everything changes, and also to be a bit more aware and in the moment when things go well.

This is a progressive realization in general. 14 for sure.

I have to often laugh at my daily horoscopes, because every other day I am meeting a new lover or soul-mate, getting a promotion at my job, discovering some wonderful hidden talent - and every other day I'm losing them.

While I'm not comparing that with the Yi literally or directly, I do make reference to the grand images each uses. Since Yi is divided into just 64 main segments, 1/64 of the whole is a mighty big slice of the pie! It has to be a big image to hold all that. What happens, especially in the beginning, is that we swallow that great big pill whole, plus any change lines and relating/resulting hexagram. That's a full 1/32 of everything there is ! It's easy to get overwhelmed when trying to sift through all that, to answer a simple question or offer some practical advise.

It sounds like the initial tempest has past, and your finding your way across the great water in your teapot.