Clarity,
Office 17622,
PO Box 6945,
London.
W1A 6US
United Kingdom
Phone/ Voicemail:
+44 (0)20 3287 3053 (UK)
+1 (561) 459-4758 (US).
When you say 'this' answered your question, I assume you are talking about how the I Ching answered your question, is that right? We often talk about the Yi as if it's a living, breathing entity, human or otherwise. We ask 'it' questions, and 'it' responds; it 'speaks to us'.The way this answered my question was so clear and true it was amazing.
Which then leads us to the never-ending question, what is an oracle? It seems that in some respects it's still a book with pages .... but?When consulted, it's an oracle, and then things get interesting.
Never-ending, indeed. Any definition of an oracle I could muster would start by saying it's a living entity, and so I've described a perfect circle.Which then leads us to the never-ending question, what is an oracle? It seems that in some respects it's still a book with pages .... but?
I don't necessarily disagree. I'd only say that when people talk about the Yi being an 'entity' it seems to be a bit of a slippery slope (for me) to calling the Yi - or it's voice - that of God, or Christ, or the (undefined) Ancestors, etc. ....Any definition of an oracle I could muster would start by saying it's a living entity, and so I've described a perfect circle.
I'm happy to pitch my tent somewhere on that slope. I won't mind if slides a bit.I don't necessarily disagree. I'd only say that when people talk about the Yi being an 'entity' it seems to be a bit of a slippery slope (for me) to calling the Yi - or it's voice - that of God, or Christ, or the (undefined) Ancestors, etc. ....
That works, too.Another, unprecise definition that I can muster - and which works for me - is that the act of divination creates a resonance between ourselves (via our utterances, questions, queries) and the greater world or universe, ... and we then get to translate or interpret what that resonance sounds like - a.k.a. what the (possible) entity the Yi is 'saying to us'.
See the thread title: I'm referring to my own perfectly circular logic. 'The I Ching is a living entity because it's an oracle, which is a living entity.'And what is this 'perfect circle' of which you speak?
Best, D.
Clarity,
Office 17622,
PO Box 6945,
London.
W1A 6US
United Kingdom
Phone/ Voicemail:
+44 (0)20 3287 3053 (UK)
+1 (561) 459-4758 (US).