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Before we begin let me say that it is beyond the scope of this web page to go into a detailed
discussion of the Yijing (classic of change). I hope this short introduction will lead the student into a more detailed
pursuit of the matter as explained in many of the fine books that are available in any bookstore.The Yi is a book of wisdom and guidance. It is not a metaphysical or magical work although at times when used as an oracle the answers may seem like magic. The Yi is based on sound practical wisdom. You cannot use the Yi to gain mystical power over nature or other people. It was never intended to be a magical, satanic or religious work. As we will see the Yijing opens up our minds and hearts to the flow of things as they are. It blows aside the dust of illusion, points to the appropriate path for each situation. You have the choice to learn from nature and participate in the situation or walk away. In the final analysis we choose our own fates, we make our own luck based upon the consequences of our personal choices as to how we harmonize with events surrounding us. The Yi just points out the path, successes and pitfalls that will most likely occur. The Yijing, or Book of Changes, is one of the most ancient books in the world. It represents both the source of Chinese culture and a key to the understanding of Chinese history, medicine and philosophy. The Yijing concepts were developed in China's pre-historical period. The Yijing reveals the great wisdom and understanding concerning nature and man that can be found when one begins to comprehend the stages of change that take place in every thing, person and situation found in nature. The Chinese character for the word Yi is created by combining the symbols for the sun and the moon, and this combination presents the most fundamental perception of Chinese philosophy towards experience and life. Later this idea evolved into the symbols of Yin and Yang and became know as the Taiji, but before the symbol there was the idea of alternating polarity. First, the sun and moon are alternating qualities that follow each other in a circular path. The sun rises and comes to its zenith, and begins to decline. It disappears below the horizon, and the moon appears. The sun follows the moon, and then the moon follows the sun again. Night follows day and the seasons follow each other in succession. First one dominates then the other. Together, the opposing qualities of the sun and moon create a complex and always changing series of influences on the life of our planet. As we observe the interaction of their opposition, we come to another perception - their contrasts and the contrasts of similar energies here on earth are what make life possible. Thus we can say that the change from light to dark not only oppose each other, but also complement each other. The study of the Yijing evolved from this simple idea, to consider all the things that have physical reality and how humans' experience, do, say, feel, and deal with life. The Yijing imparts the same lesson modern physics is beginning to reveal. That is without contrast, there is nothing. With it, anything in our world may be seen and described. Our world and life are based on the activity and changes of this polarity.
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Nine Dragon Baguazhang™ P.O. Box 1777 Arlington, Texas. 76004-1777 TEL: 817-860-0129 FAX: 817-460-5125 Nine Dragon Baguazhang™ - John P. Painter Ph.D. ND. Jiulong Baguazhang™ - John P. Painter Ph.D. ND. Web Site© Copyright John P. Painter Ph.D. ND. 1999 - 2002 |