Reflections on "Introduction to the I Ching" and Future Learning Plan

Introduction#

The "I Ching," as a classic work of Chinese culture, integrates philosophy, cosmology, and divination, embodying the wisdom and contemplation of ancient people. To gain a deeper understanding of this classic, I have chosen the accessible "Introduction to the I Ching" [Shanghai Ancient Books Publishing House - Edited by Professor Zhang Shanwen] as a starting point. This book helps readers understand the core ideas of the "I Ching" more clearly by gradually analyzing the hexagrams and their interpretations. The "I Ching" is not only a tool for divination but also contains profound philosophical wisdom, exploring the relationship between the operation of the universe and human behavior. Through this book, I have taken my first steps into the world of the "I Ching" and its philosophical system, laying the foundation for future exploration.

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Approaching the Wisdom of the "I Ching"#

Philosophical Thought: The Operation of the Universe and Laws of Change#

Hexagrams and Natural Laws

The core of the "I Ching" lies in its hexagrams, with sixty-four hexagrams symbolizing the myriad changes in the natural world through the interaction of yin and yang. Each hexagram is not just a symbol but a concrete expression of the natural changes in the universe. The Qian and Kun hexagrams symbolize heaven and earth, with Qian representing active progress and Kun symbolizing inclusiveness and adaptability, revealing the fundamental laws of the universe's operation.

The Qian and Kun hexagrams not only symbolize natural forces but also provide a framework for understanding human behavior. Qian encourages moving forward bravely, while Kun reminds us to adapt to circumstances and maintain composure. The combination of the two reflects the principle of "As heaven moves vigorously, a gentleman should strive for self-improvement; as the earth is receptive, a gentleman should carry the weight of virtue," making the "I Ching" transcend divination and become a guide for wisdom in life.

Yin-Yang Theory and Dynamic Balance

Yin-yang theory is one of the core ideas of the "I Ching." Yin and yang are not opposites but interdependent and transformative forces. The dynamic balance of yin and yang drives the changes of all things in the universe, with the Qian and Kun hexagrams as its foundation, while other hexagrams represent the variations of yin and yang combinations.

The balance of yin and yang not only explains natural phenomena but also provides a theoretical basis for human behavior. Hard and soft, movement and stillness, initiative and compliance are all manifestations of the yin-yang interaction. Through the "I Ching," yin-yang theory helps us find balance in complex situations.

Wisdom of Timing and Adapting to Nature

The "I Ching" emphasizes "timing," believing that human actions and decisions should align with natural changes to achieve good fortune and avoid misfortune. The Qian hexagram symbolizes spring and summer, while the Kun hexagram represents autumn and winter. By observing the laws of nature, one can adjust the rhythm of life to maintain harmony with nature.

In both business and personal life, seizing the right moment is particularly important. The wisdom of "timing" in the "I Ching" is not only a strategy but also a mindset adjustment, helping maintain balance and harmony amid change.

The Art of Divination: A Tool for Predicting the Future#

Hexagram Changes and Future Trend Predictions

The core of divination lies in the changes of hexagrams. Each hexagram represents a specific cosmic state, reflecting the current state of affairs and future trends. By combining hexagrams, one can infer possible future developments, assisting decision-makers in finding strategies in complex situations.

Divination is not a mechanical prediction of fate but provides a framework for future trends through hexagram changes. It is not merely about predicting the future but serves as a tool to help people make rational decisions.

Wisdom of Change and Adaptation

The "I Ching" posits that change is the norm of the universe. Divination not only helps foresee changes but also teaches how to find one's place amid change. It is a wisdom training to cope with uncertainty. Through divination, one can anticipate trends in advance and adjust actions according to changes, thus maintaining clarity and decisiveness in turbulent environments.

Connection Between Divination and Personal Decision-Making

Divination offers insights into future trends, but its deeper significance lies in assisting decision-making. It is not just an external prediction but an internal reflection process, providing multidimensional thinking support for decision-makers, helping enhance judgment in rapidly changing situations.

The Fusion of Taoist Culture and "I Ching" Philosophy#

The Natural View in Taoist Philosophy#

Taoism advocates "the way follows nature," asserting that all things should conform to natural laws. The "I Ching" reveals natural laws through hexagram changes, with the Qian and Kun hexagrams symbolizing heaven and earth, embodying the fundamental principle of the unity of opposites in yin and yang. Taoism has absorbed this philosophical thought and applied it to cultivation, helping practitioners achieve harmony with nature.

Taoist cultivation emphasizes aligning with the timing and advantages of nature, which aligns closely with the philosophy of the "I Ching." The Qian hexagram represents masculine strength, while the Kun hexagram symbolizes gentleness and inclusiveness; their combination is the best interpretation of the idea of "the way follows nature."

Taoist Cultivation and the Practice of "I Ching" Philosophy#

Taoist cultivation focuses on the balance of yin and yang. Through hexagram interpretation, practitioners adjust their internal and external states to achieve harmony of body and mind. Taoism uses the hexagrams of the "I Ching" to provide guidance in cultivation, allowing practitioners to experience the laws of the universe through introspection.

Future Learning Plan - Systematic Exploration#

To systematically understand and master the "I Ching" and its related divination, fate calculation, and Taoist philosophy, I have developed a step-by-step learning plan covering the theoretical foundations of the "I Ching," divination, fate calculation, and classic works on Taoist cultivation.

I. Foundation Stage (6 months)#

Goal: Understand the original text of the "I Ching" and its basic meanings, familiarize with the sixty-four hexagrams and three hundred eighty-four lines, and establish a foundation in I Ching studies.

Learning Focus#

Repeatedly read these foundational books, familiarize with the meanings behind hexagrams, line symbols, and texts until key hexagram phrases can be memorized.
Take notes and repeatedly recite until they are thoroughly understood.

II. Foundation Expansion Stage (12 months)#

Goal: Based on foundational understanding, further expand I Ching knowledge through extensive reading of ancient and modern works to enrich understanding of "I Ching" theory.

Learning Focus#

Expand knowledge, attempting to understand the "I Ching" from different angles and schools.
Understand the philosophy in the "I Ching" and the deeper meanings behind its symbols and numbers.

III. Advanced Stage (18 months)#

Goal: Deepen learning in the directions of meaning, symbols, and divination, mastering higher-level interpretation methods of the "I Ching."

Direction of Meaning#

1. "Correct Meaning of the I Ching" (Kong Yingda) - Continue to deepen understanding of the meaning of the "I Ching."
2. "Brief Examples of the I Ching" (Wang Bi) - Understand the essence of the meaning school.

Direction of Symbols#

1. "Ancient Divination Examination of the I Ching" (Shang Binghe) - Further explore the symbolic system.
2. "Shangshi Studies of the I Ching" (Shang Binghe) - Expand understanding of symbolic mathematics.

Direction of Divination#

1. "Increased and Decreased Divination" (Ye He Laoren) - Classic divination techniques suitable for practical learning.
2. "Plum Blossom Divination" (Shao Yong) - A well-known divination technique widely applied.
3. "Golden Strategy" (Volumes 1 and 2, Takashima Kayoemon) - In-depth exploration of practical techniques in divination.
4. "Supplement to Takashima's Divination" - A supplementary version of Takashima's divination, helping further master the essence of divination techniques.
5. "Complete Book of Divination (Authentic Divination)" (Wang Hongxu) - A classic in divination, providing comprehensive learning of divination methods.

Direction of Fate Calculation#

1. "Yuan Hai Zi Ping," "Three Fate Connections," "Dripping Sky Essence Explained" - Classic works in fate calculation, discussing foundational knowledge and analysis methods in fate calculation.
2. "Qiong Tong Bao Jian," "Zi Ping Zhen Quan" - Detailed exploration of the relationship between the five elements and fate calculation, enhancing fate prediction abilities.
3. "Nine Heavens Xuan Nu Qing Nang Jing" - A classic in fate calculation and prediction, aiding deep understanding of fate calculation learning.
4. "Shen Feng Tong Kao Fate Calculation Authentic" and "Yuan's Fate Genealogy" - Further explore the practical applications of fate calculation and the profound impact of family fate calculation.

Learning Focus#

Conduct in-depth learning based on different directions, mastering the essentials of meaning, symbols, divination, and fate calculation.
Engage in practice, combining real-life cases for deduction and application.

IV. Verification Stage (Eternal Time)#

Goal: Through in-depth understanding of "I Ching" knowledge, apply it to real life, observe and deduce changes in worldly affairs, enhancing personal wisdom in I Ching studies.

Learning Focus#

Through studying Taoist classics, combine the philosophy of the "I Ching" to enhance personal cultivation and intellectual elevation.
Apply the wisdom of the "I Ching" in real life, deeply experiencing the laws of changes in worldly affairs.

Conclusion#

The "I Ching" is not only a classic of divination but also a treasure trove encompassing philosophy, natural laws, and life wisdom. Through systematic learning, combining theory with practice, one can truly understand the profound philosophy behind the "I Ching" and apply its wisdom to cope with changes and challenges in life.

Given my current level of understanding and scope of thought, the proposed plan and ideas inevitably have limitations and require further refinement and deepening. Here, I sincerely hope that seniors and peers can generously offer guidance and provide valuable opinions and suggestions. Thank you very much!

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