Consulting the I Ching

 

Overview

 

The I Ching is a workbook for studying the nature of change and the energies which generate life. Questions may be asked of the I Ching  for understanding and guidance relating to problems, situations, and the results of actions one may be planning to take. A response from the I Ching  is highly accurate, although the potential for misinterpreting its judgments and advice is just as great. 

 

Practical study and use of the I Ching is one of the best means to learn about the process of life, as well as fostering a person's own cultivation and unfolding destiny. The following guidelines will assist you in accessing the wisdom, support, and inspiration of the I Ching.

 

Questions

 

The best questions are simply and clearly conceived. Avoid yes or no questions. Most "confusing" or seemingly inappropriate responses occur because the I Ching will respond to the uppermost question or contents of your inner integral mind. Emotions of doubt and uncertainty will call forth an answer addressing those feelings rather than the question consciously asked.

 

If inquiring about the results of a specific plan or course of action, always make sure to ask what will happen if you do not take your intended action. Phrase your question with respect and be open to the advice, even if appears to run counter to your wishes or desires. The I Ching places your question in the larger context of the current conditions and natural process of the universe, revealing aspects about you and your circumstances which you may not know or be considering.

 

            Sample Questions:

 

                        What is your wisdom for me today?

                        What will be the consequences of doing         ?, paired with

                        What will be the consequences of not doing        ?        

                       

 

Preparation For Consulting the I Ching

 

Calm your mind, subdue your emotions, and focus on your question. Be fully awake, and choose a quiet spot where you will not be disturbed. You may use one of the following methods, or another method you have used with effective results, to generate a hexagram.

 

Professor Lin Yun's Coin Method

           

1. Using the Calming Heart Mudra, recite the Heart Sutra nine or 27 times.

 

2. Look to the sky.

           

3. Take 9 deep breaths, and call on the god of your heart to be with you.

           

4. Ask for guidance and inspiration

           

5. Put six coins (five of the same denomination, and one that is different) in your palms, and shake nine times,  concentrating on your question. 

           

6. Stack coins in one hand and place down one-by-one. Read from the bottom up, "heads" = a yang line, "tails" = a yin line, the coin that is different indicates the change line. 

 

7. You now have a hexagram. Find the upper and lower trigrams on the guide to finding the hexagrams (usually located in the front of the book), determine the number of the hexagram, and look it up.

 

8. Read the guidance from the perspective of your question, and stop when you reach the section on the lines. Keep in mind that the I Ching will always respond to what's in your integral (whole) mind, not just what's in your conscious mind.

 

9. For more detailed information, read the judgment of the line number which is the same as the position of your "different" coin. The "change" line indicates your specific circumstance, and will often contain a recommended course of action.

 

 

Source: Professor Lin Yun: Black Sect Tantric Buddhism

© 1994 by Seann Xenja ~ 707/249-2873