Casting About: A Buddhist Uses the I Ching
What Is the I Ching?
The I Ching, or Book of Changes, is one of the first efforts of the human mind to place itself within the universe. It has exerted a living influence in China for three thousand years, and interest in it has been spreading in the West. It was first set down in the dawn of history as a book of oracles, the Book of Changes, deepened in meaning when ethical values were attached to the oracular pronouncements; it became a book of wisdom, eventually one of the five classics of Confucianism, and provided the common source for both Confucianist and Taoist philosophy.
The I Ching or Book of Changes: The Richard Wilhelm Translation rendered into English by Cary F. Baynes, Introduction by C. G. Jung
It probably started with just two symbols scratched in the dirt. Eventually, it evolved into a sophisticated Taoist and Confucian document. The I Ching in ancient China was relied on by the elite as a guide for the use of power, and by the common people as a means of fortune telling.
As Buddhism began to spread throughout China, inevitably Chinese Buddhists turned to this familiar resource for guidance, applying it as an aid for overcoming obstacles in spiritual practice. And a contemporary American Buddhist can do the same thing.
So we thought it might be worthwhile to blog our daily reflections on the I Ching. Although modern translations with Buddhist applications are available, we have chosen to use the Bollingen edition of the Wilhelm/Baynes translation, which is by far the most familiar to Americans. Its graceful, poetic language gives resonance to the elemental imagery on which the original is based.
The traditional use of the I Ching is, like any oracle, to provide an answer to a question. To get the best results, it is important to have a calm mind, free of thought as much as possible, with focus only on the question. As long as the question is consistent with a commitment to the benefit of self and others, a Buddhist can use the I Ching as a tool for self-examination. A practitioner can even try to plumb one’s own hidden intentions and self-deceptions.
I Ching for the week of January 24, 2010
Why pay attention to our habits?
For those truly wishing for inspiring effect, it takes willingness for deep contemplation, which can lead to transformation. Transformation is not only for oneself, but for those who witness it. In other words, our transformation can set an example for others through inspiration, thus leading other people to their own transformations. This level of contemplation however requires self honesty and seriousness. Contemplation into our habits allows us to reflect upon our lives mission and self commitment to change, to benefit other. The text indicates that through the power of deep and profound contemplation, looking at habit close up and far away, enables a spiritual “power” to rise in us, “influencing others without their being aware of how it happens.”
This week’s question provoke the following hexagrams:
The original is Wind over Earth; 20
The expansion is Heaven over Fire; 13
The kernel is Earth over Earth; 2 BY WAY OF Mountain over Earth; 23
While we may not have the intention or motivation for our own transformations to impact others, they will. This is important to reflect upon because the laws of karma will place us in various environments, and our influences upon other people becomes critical to our own karma and spiritual practices and Path. Reflection and contemplation upon one’s habits is a transitional time, and can lead one to cultivate new, more beneficial habits. Ideally, we are motivated to always bring benefit in some way. This motivation comes from an inner strength to cultivate beneficial habits.
Something important to note when contemplating upon habits, is that generally speaking, one benefits most by being in fellowship. Why is this? It is through the power of interaction with other that the true test of habit presents itself, thus allowing the space and time to see one’s faults in order to change them. Therefore it really does further one to be engaged with fellowship; developing a perseverance for the Path.
We spend our lives endlessly in search of happiness, becoming tiresome. It is through a perseverance for the Path that we can reach our ultimate goal of enlightenment. A key to reaching this goal is constant evaluation of our habits, so yes, it is important to pay attention to them. Through this process we gain clarity and proper discernment. We need our spiritual friends for interaction and engagement, and we need our Teachers for guidance through troubled waters. Cultivating new habits brings breadth and purity to our character, enabling support and the ability to bear the obstacles that one will encounter along their spiritual journey.
Lastly, the ultimate outcome does not come by running away, rather, one must remain still with devotion. There are times to be active, and times to contemplate, and with the guidance of one’s Teacher, and spiritual friendships and fellowship, one can ride the ebb and flow of a turbulent ocean.
Have a wonderful week, enjoy your practices and contemplate deeply and profoundly upon your habits, because it is important, and it matters.
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