Memorizing The I Ching

 Although it is one of the oldest books known to exist, the Book of Changes - I Ching in Chinese - is one of the most important books in the New Age Library. It's origin goes back at least three thousand years and is the root of Confucianism and Taoism, yet it gives us sage advice for life in the modern era.

Basically the I Ching divides human experience into 64 different plot lines. Somewhat like Hollywood saying a script can be a Romance or a Western or a Thriller, and that there are definite rules for each type of show, the I Ching presents 64 different life situations, describes how they will inevitably develop and advises how one should act in each situation.

By studying the plot lines laid out in the IC one comes to recognize these situations when they appear in real life. Then the hope is that by following the IC's advice on how to behave in this drama or farce, one will be able to navigate the situation free from error.

The stories or lessons in the I Ching are referred to as hexagrams because each one is made up of 6 lines or paragraphs. Hexagram 1  deals with the trials one comes up against when first starting out to create something new in life.

"Clear Intentions.

A clear intention is the key to success.

However, you must persevere and not give up.

Therefore the first advice is that you make yourself strong and healthy."

I think this sounds a bit like the British advice, "Keep Calm and Carry On." (It's interesting to see how many different cultures have come up with similar phrases to express the same core wisdom.)

The I Ching goes on to divide the experience into six specific steps:

1. Hidden dragon, do not act.

This line is warning us that at the start of creating any new experience we should be aware that we don't know what we're getting ourselves into!

"Stop and Think" is another way of saying the same thing.

2. Dragon appearing in the field.

It furthers one to see the great man.

After we have paused to consider our intentions, we should watch for someone who is already active in the world we are interested in and then we should seek him out.

3. All day long the man is creatively active.

At night his mind is still beset with cares.

Danger. No blame.

Okay, doors are starting to open up. The mind never stops thinking and there is a danger a person may become overwhelmed with all the new ideas, people, activity. However if a person is reasonably focused and stays true to their intention there should be no problem and "no blame."

4. Wavering flight over the depths.

No blame.

The fourth position in these hexagrams or stories usually refers to help one might find at this point. However, as hexagram 1 is the very first story, there is no one who can tell what should happen next. In line 3 the artist was warned against taking on too much. Here he is assured he can choose for himself just what level of accomplishment he should aim for.

5. Flying dragon in the heavens.

It furthers one to see the great man.

Here our intentions have connected us with a whole flock of like minded dragons. Our work is recognized through out our world. It indicates the height of the creative endeavor.

6. Arrogant dragon will have cause for remorse.

The sixth position in the hexagram indicates what happens after the key idea has been fulfilled. In this first story we have a warning at the end that even when one has been wildly successful at bringing their plans to fruition, they must be careful and "Don't get above yourself" as another British expression warns.

To put this all together as a story we could say a person just starting out in life dreams of ... hmm... being an actor? I choose that for our example because that does seem to be what most little kids fantasize about. So the I Ching Actor's Story might go something like this:

First be clear about what you want to be. Then prepare yourself.

Step 1: You don't know what you're getting yourself into!

2: So find an agent or a teacher or a friend who is willing to show you the ropes.

3.Take classes, appear in small parts, do what ever to be active in your field but don't spread yourself too thin or sell out to x-rated porno flicks!

4. Find the niche that works for you. You can have a fulfilling career in small town community theater as much as on the big screen.

5.Opening night, glorious!

6. Don't become an arrogant dragon. When the show is over, get off the stage.

So there we have the six steps to creating whatever we wish to experience.

To make this study more real for you, see if you can spot these six steps appearing in some project you work on this week. I think it is particularly encouraging how this ancient book of knowledge promises we will DEFINITELY experience success as long as we don't give up.

PERSEVERANCE FURTHERS,

Rosada

--

Rosada, EXT 2340
CertifiedPsychics.com