The I Ching is an ancient technology, a book of divination, which was designed by the early Chinese Sages to act as an oracle of wisdom for answering questions of personal, political and spiritual importance. For over 3000 years, people of all walks of life have been consulting the I Ching for clarity, insight and direction into life’s most difficult challenges. Being one of the oldest books ever written, it has been translated many times over and multiple versions of the text and changing lines exist. However, in spite of the often distorted interpretations which have come as a result of these revisions, there remains a consistent voice that speaks through the I Ching to help and guide those who sincerely seek its assistance. This is the voice of the “Sage”. The wisdom and guidance of the Sage is still alive today. In ancient China, two main schools of thought influenced writings on the I Ching; Taoism and Confucianism. In Taoist philosophy, Lao Tzu believed that human nature was intrinsically good and that if one followed their true nature, or "inner Tao", the cosmos would provide them with all they needed to live harmonious and productive lives. Hence, Taoist writers of the I Ching sought to bring one back to trusting in their true essential self and the way of nature to restore one to harmony with cosmos. On the other hand, Confucius held that human beings had both good and evil aspects in their nature, and therefore, needed to cultivate these “higher” virtues and tame the, so called, “lower” animal instincts. For countless centuries, this split of our natures into higher and lower, good and evil has been the cause of much suffering on the planet. The real work of the I Ching is not to reach for unattainable ideals, but rather to rid ourselves of the mistaken ideas and beliefs that block us from flowing in harmony with our true natural selves.
©Copyright 2008 Don Becker. All Rights Reserved.  Photos © Jef Murphy