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I Ching: The Book of Changes and the Unchanging Truth
The philosophy found in the I Ching was created by the ancients from their careful observaton of nature. We 'moderns' can use the sixty-four hexagrams found in the I Ching as a predictive tool to enhance our lives and reconcile our spiritual and physical selves. When one consults the 'I CHing', the hexagram gives the general background of the situation, while the lines indicate the correct way in which to handle the specific circumstance. This masterful translation by Hua-Ching Ni is popular throughout the world.
- GenresSpiritualityTaoism
671 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1983
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 14, 2018
I've read all the introductory sections. The main part of the second half, the guidance of the 64 specific circumstances that is the actual I Ching, I've deliberately left to explore as I'm led to the hexagrams by asking guidance for specific questions. So I'm kinda finished, as I've done as much of it as I intend to read in order as a book. The rest is for a lifetime of consultation and study...
It's hard to know how to assign star ratings to this book. What am I scoring? The ancient wisdom of the Taoist masters? No-one could be that presumptious, surely? I don't know the original language, and haven't read other translations or commentaries, so can't really judge Ni Hua-Ching's contribution. I'm not sure how much of the hexagram commentary is his, how much is from Confucius etc. I suppose a true scholar could compare this to other I Ching translations and commentaries, and rate based on that. But that's not me!
Some of the introductory sections are inspiring, some are strange and confusing, but that's Taoism for you! I'm not convinced by all of it, but I don't need to be. The divination and guidance from the hexagrams are the important bit, and that will be true so long as you approach it with a pure heart and a clear mind.
The introduction is very interesting from a Taoist philosophy point of view, it puts it all in context. There are instructions on how to actually consult the I Ching, but not very extensive considering how big the book is. But if you want to know more about that you can look on the internet, and his main point is to keep it as simple as possible, so he didn't need to say any more about different methods. More instructions would only confuse things!
What it comes down to is that I like this guy, I trust his translation and interpretation (on instinct and recommendation from Mantak Chia of this version), and don't feel the need to read more elsewhere. So I guess that's 5*.
This book gives me what I need to incorporate the I Ching into my life. So it's now a case of using it. Reading more different books about it and taking the scholar's approach probably wouldn't add anything, because this is something you need to experience and relate to your own life, not read about!
It's hard to know how to assign star ratings to this book. What am I scoring? The ancient wisdom of the Taoist masters? No-one could be that presumptious, surely? I don't know the original language, and haven't read other translations or commentaries, so can't really judge Ni Hua-Ching's contribution. I'm not sure how much of the hexagram commentary is his, how much is from Confucius etc. I suppose a true scholar could compare this to other I Ching translations and commentaries, and rate based on that. But that's not me!
Some of the introductory sections are inspiring, some are strange and confusing, but that's Taoism for you! I'm not convinced by all of it, but I don't need to be. The divination and guidance from the hexagrams are the important bit, and that will be true so long as you approach it with a pure heart and a clear mind.
The introduction is very interesting from a Taoist philosophy point of view, it puts it all in context. There are instructions on how to actually consult the I Ching, but not very extensive considering how big the book is. But if you want to know more about that you can look on the internet, and his main point is to keep it as simple as possible, so he didn't need to say any more about different methods. More instructions would only confuse things!
What it comes down to is that I like this guy, I trust his translation and interpretation (on instinct and recommendation from Mantak Chia of this version), and don't feel the need to read more elsewhere. So I guess that's 5*.
This book gives me what I need to incorporate the I Ching into my life. So it's now a case of using it. Reading more different books about it and taking the scholar's approach probably wouldn't add anything, because this is something you need to experience and relate to your own life, not read about!
July 29, 2007
Good for the astrology info in the beginning, but a bit convoluted at times. Not great for general Yi Jing use, but a good resource to have on hand. I've never learned anything from one of the readings that I haven't understood better from another source. The Wilhelm clears all confusion. Maybe this would be different for others though.
December 23, 2018
Ni Huaching has a unique but insightful take of Daoism that has been handed down in his family for many generations. While somewhat mystical it is also a comprehensive guide from this family tradition. Reader should have a fairly good understanding of Daoist philosophy before undertaking this reading.
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August 12, 2023Aborted Read
I couldn't get my hands on a copy of this. I instead got hold of Brian Browne Walker's English translation which is only 134 pages. I would love to know why this is over 600 pages.
I couldn't get my hands on a copy of this. I instead got hold of Brian Browne Walker's English translation which is only 134 pages. I would love to know why this is over 600 pages.
August 30, 2008
Fantastic world of far-east...
It's Yin Yang rules is enough for me to crazy with it!
It's Yin Yang rules is enough for me to crazy with it!
September 12, 2010
Many years ago I spent some time checking out the many versions of the I Ching. This version I found to be the most interesting and fun to use.
February 16, 2016
This by far, the best Translation of the I ching I've seen. Well explained, discribed, and will change your life!
July 14, 2015
a lifetime of knowledge... will it ever leave the currently reading list.. i doubt it.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews