Sam Reifler's I Ching from 1974

[TaoYinYang]

Hello All, I just went on a trip to an out of the way but huge used bookstore and found this I Ching I had never heard of by Sam Reifler.

"I Ching: A New Interpretation For Modern Times"

I examined some passages and found it enlightening unlike two other I Ching's on the shelf that were new to me. I look forward to studying it closer. It does look deep plus useful which is my general criteria for my extensive collection.

I am sure others are aware of it. Maybe they can share their reflections? For those interested in looking closer or buying a used copy here is a link:

I Ching: A New Interpretation for Modern Times: Reifler, Sam: 9780553278736: Amazon.com: Books

I Ching: A New Interpretation for Modern Times [Reifler, Sam] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. I Ching: A New Interpretation for Modern Times

www.amazon.com

 

[Freedda]

Thanks for posting. It would be interesting - if you had the inclination to share - to see what this version looks like: maybe to see a couple of the hexgrams and their lines (say 11 and 12?) so we could get a sense of how Reifler presents them and what he has to say?

Thanks.

 

[svenrus]

Found this old thread about the subject:

https://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/fri...ew-interpretation-for-modern-times-1974.2676/

Other references

 

[TaoYinYang]

Thanks everyone!

Here's a sampling

11. Peace

Heave descends.
Earth ascends.
They join.
Heaven and earth mingle with the man.
The wise man brings this accord to the people.

Auspicious.
Success.

[...]

Line 1:

He pulls up a cluster of wildflowers;
the grass comes with it.
Auspicious
if you advance.

Your ability effectively to concentrate on what you are doing attracts others who have the same goals, if not the same gift of total involvement. This can only further your efforts. Accept these friends.

12. Disjunction

Heaven and earth separate from each other.
There is a lack of understanding between men.
The great ones have gone
and the small ones have come.
The superior man conceals his true qualities
and avoids calamaties.
He shuns gainful employment.

Difficulty
in keeping to your course.

[...]

Line 4:

He acts with piety
and makes no mistakes.
His friends come
and share his happiness.

Although success is unlikely, if you wish to act on your principles, go ahead. To act boldly and sincerely will not cause you too much trouble at this point and by doing so you may encourage others to do so as well.

 

[Freedda]

Here's a sampling - 11. Peace
Heave descends. Earth ascends. They join.
Heaven and earth mingle with the man.
The wise man brings this accord to the people.

Thanks for sharing this. It seems that this might be his version of the Image statement (same as what you shared for 12). Any chance you could add the oracle statment for each? Or is this what he has for 11 and 12? Maybe a sort of oracle/image statement combo?

Thanks, D

 

[TaoYinYang]

It says Oracle before the statement. There is no other verses beside the text itself.

Reifler breaks the standard text interpretation of each hexagram into 3 catagories. They are Hindu words --- something akin to physical, mental, spiritual.

 

[Freedda]

It says Oracle before the statement. There is no other verses beside the text itself.

Okay, thanks. I can't say for sure, but it seems like Reifler may have creatively combined the oracle and image statements. For example, for 11, he has:

11. Peace - Heaven descends. Earth ascends. They join.
Heaven and earth mingle with the man.
The wise man brings this accord to the people.
Auspicious. Success.​

Whereas Wilhelm only has this for the oracle statement:

The small departs, The great approaches. Good fortune. Success.​

... but he also includes this image statement:

THE IMAGE Heaven and earth unite: the image of PEACE.
Thus the ruler Divides and completes the course of heaven and earth;
He furthers and regulates the gifts of heaven and earth,
And so aids the people.​

Best, D