The I Ching is an ancient Chinese book of wisdom that dates back more than three thousand years. Used by rulers to take appropriate action for the benefit of their kingdoms, this book of wisdom is just as applicable today in assisting us with our modern-day dilemmas. The I Ching offers perspectives deeper than surface appearances and helps us access our own intuitive knowing. Since there are many websites and books dedicated to helping others learn from this book of wisdom, I will only touch on how it can be used at the four levels of choice. Paradoxically, only one level offers value for I Ching wisdom.
At the no choice level, with one exception there is no place for any I Ching discernment. We merely follow what's in front of us. The exception comes when we realize that, though we may be at effect of external circumstances, we have a choice about the attitude we hold inside ourselves. In the book, Man's Search for Meaning, Victor Frankl describes his experience of choosing his attitude while being in concentration camps. Likewise, we can use I Ching wisdom to offer us a frame of mind to hold while moving through the inevitable external circumstances.
At the simple choice level, most choices are made without an awareness of their deeper implications. Nor are the choices seen as having much importance in the grand scheme of events. Again, there's no place for I Ching discernment except when we see ourselves inside a multi-leveled universe that happens to be offering simple choices.
At the fourth level, where authentic choices are made, I Ching wisdom is not necessary either. For when we reach this level, we know in our heart, mind and gut what choice we're making.
It is only at the third level, where complex choices are made, that I Ching wisdom is not only useful, but it can be used to discern various levels of meaning and import that surface distinctions can only hint at. (A future blog will talk more about this level in detail.)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment