Discover the I Ching 2: Inner Guidance for Any Question

In this lecture, we'll explore the basic forces of yin and yang. We'll talk about the concept of the Tao, explore the definitions and characteristics of yin and yang, and look at several examples. In addition, we'll describe the dynamics of how these two forces interact to drive all change that occurs in the cosmos. We'll also discuss the taijitu, the well-known black and white yin-yang symbol that we've all seen, and what the different elements of this symbol mean.

In this lecture, we'll talk about the concept of "being in Tao," yin and yang approaches to situations, varying your approach to adapt to the ever-changing terrain of time in the moment, and the concept of balance.

In this lecture, we'll provide an introduction to the trigrams and explore both the Pre-Heaven (Fuxi) and Later Heaven (King Wen) arrangements of the trigrams.

In this lecture, we'll explore each of the eight trigrams in depth and get a feel for the elemental energies they represent.

In this lecture, we'll learn how the individual trigrams function as part of a hexagram, look at the meanings of the upper and lower trigrams, and explore how the trigrams move and interact to create the situation of a given hexagram using an example.

In this lecture, we'll talk about the traditional rules regarding the different line positions in the hexagram that are often referred to in I Ching texts. We'll discuss line characteristics like essence, instinct, and virtue or character as well as axle centers, ruling lines, and relationships between lines within the same hexagram, including correspondence, neighboring relationships, and social status.

In this lecture, we go beyond the traditional rules regarding line positions that we discussed in the last lecture and look at the line positions from a broader perspective, exploring some general characteristics that define the distinctive voice of each line position. We'll also look at several different possible associations with the line positions, and how these can sometimes be adapted to fit the specific context of your question.

Questions are at the heart of consulting the I Ching. Because every person is free to use it in their own way, there are many different practices for consulting the I Ching. Before personally consulting, take time to hear your own unspoken questions and to find words that express what you really want to know.

For relationship questions we have noted that any two people could cast a joint-question together. Well, entire groups can also consult the I Ching. A “group question” addresses some shared concern and applies the reading to the group as a whole. Cool case illustrations are included that are drawn from Dr. Masa's decades in private practice.

There are many recurring opportunities for consulting the I Ching. Some people ask questions every day or every week. When I was in private practice psychotherapy, I regularly consulted the I Ching for diagnostic insights and guidance on how to best help each new client. Case illustrations of the I Ching in action including: Wise advice from Hilary Barrett to Dr Ron!

In this lecture, we'll talk about different randomizing methods people use to generate the hexagrams for their I Ching readings. We'll revisit the coin method we discussed in our first class and add some extra details. We'll also discuss the yarrow-stalk method and the difference in probabilities between these two methods and why the yarrow-stalk probabilities are more accurate. Finally, we'll explore some more recent methods that duplicate the probabilities in the complicated yarrow-stalk method but are quick and easy like the coin method.

It is possible to discuss the I Ching with only a limited mention of Carl Jung, but his role is important and useful to understand. Three things deserve recognition. First, Jung’s role in bringing the I Ching to the west was of great importance. Join Ron to learn more about Jung's contributions.

In the Foreword to Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching, Carl Jung, one of the world’s most astute and accomplished psychiatric interviewers, gave the I Ching a kind of sanity hearing. Watch the class to see if Mr. I. Ching passes his sanity hearing or not!

It often feels like an exhilarating surprise when the thoughts in your mind are answered by outer world events that could not be causally related. It feels like the whole Universe is speaking to you, personally. Synchronicities connect our interior world of the mind with the physical world in a non-rational manner that gives the body chills. Carl Jung coined the term “synchronicity” after much experience of these events among his patients and his discussions with Albert Einstein and Wolfgang Pauli. 

Selected quotes about synchronicity from a diversity of experts and authors are provided for you to ponder.

The I Ching is of great value for self-development and personal growth. As a retired psychotherapist, I want to mention the role that Resistance may play when making personal changes. What psychotherapists call “Resistance” refers to psychological forces that resist the very changes people are working hard to make. Try altering any established habit and you will encounter your own psychological and emotional resistance to your goal.

Whenever you see that a person is frustrated or defensive, you can assume that their resistance is very high. This is a non-teachable moment. Much unsolicited advice is wasted; the I Ching wisely waits for you to show an interest and ask a question. Even then, resistance appears. Let's discuss resistance and the I Ching.

Let's consider some ways to manage the resistances that might affect your use of the I Ching. What are the symptoms of strong resistance? We Avoid things, we Forget things, we get Anxious and Worried, we become easily Distracted, Irritation can catch us by surprise or Confusion can simply take over. Let's take this all into account for the best results...

The story of the I Ching is an interesting mix of mythology and actual history. In this text lecture illustrated with photos, we look briefly at the I Ching's evolution from prehistoric to modern times. We touch upon the story of Fuxi and the trigrams, the Mandate of Heaven, the story of King Wen and the Zhou people, and modern-day revisions of the I Ching's history due to recent archeological findings.

If I want to know which school or job or relationship to pursue, these are largely questions about future prospects. Can the future be predicted? If so, how does the I Ching do it?

I know this is an I Ching class, but I want to talk about dreams in a minute. I have given several I Ching examples involving prediction already and I want to mention dreams because they provide additional evidence about predicting the future. 

I want to briefly address the issue of free will vs a predictable future. When someone asks the I Ching about choosing a particular job or romantic partner, it implies knowing what to expect in the future.

My current best hypothesis is that we live in a universe which includes both 1) super-probable or virtually pre-determined elements called fate, and 2) a great degree of free will in most matters. Someone has likened the structure of our freedom of choice to a fishing net. Visual illustrations are included in the lecture.