Yijing, Shamanic Oracle of China

Yijing, Shamanic Oracle of China A New Book of Change Translated by Richard Bertschinger For the Chinese, the destiny of each individual and the cosmos have always been inextricably linked, and for two thousand years the Yijing, or the Book of Change, has exercised the best minds in the Orient. Richard Bertschinger, author of The Secret of Everlasting Life (the first translation of The Can Tong Qi), has worked from the classical commentaries to make a fresh and up-to-date translation for the modern world. Marriage, business ventures, journeys, military ventures, disputes, world affairs, personal problems, health or money issues, all are grist for the mill of the Book of Change. Through pondering the lines, studying their poetry, and devoting ourselves to its meaning, the heart of the ancients is clear. We pick up perhaps in a way we never could have conceived of, how to guide and direct our lives. With an introduction that explains the underlying structure and philosophy of the Book of Change, as well as its history, and a detailed explanation of how to throw the yarrow sticks, or the coins, the novice reader is given everything they need to take their first steps in consulting the ancient oracle, and those already familiar with established translations will find this fresh translation from the original texts clear and illuminating. Contents Why a Book of Change? Why another Translation? How to Cast the Oracle. Introduction. First Book. 1. The Creative. 2. The Receptive. 3. The Hesitant. 4. The Innocent. 5. Waiting. 6. The Lawsuit. 7. The Army. 8. Relating. 9. Small Cultivation. 10. Stepping. 11. Flourishing. 12. Decline. 13. Fellowship. 14. Great Possession. 15. Humility. 16. Harmony. 17. Following. 18. Corruption. 19. Approach. 20. The Observing. 21. Biting Through. 22. Adornment. 23. Tearing Apart. 24. The Restored. 25. The Uerring. 26. The Great Cultivation. 27. The Jaws. 28. The Great Excess. 29. The Double Trap. 30. The Adhering. Second Book. 31. Affection. 32. Constancy. 33. Withdrawal. 34. Great Strength. 35. The Advancing. 36. A Darkening Light. 37. The Family. 38. Separation. 39. Obstruction. 40. Release. 41. Decrease. 42. Increase. 43. Breaking Through. 44. Encounter. 45. Gathering. 46. The Ascending. 47. The Stuck. 48. The Well. 49. Reformation. 50. The Cauldron. 51. The Shaking. 52. The Stopping. 53. The Gradual. 54. Marrying Maiden. 55. Abundance. 56. Travelling. 57. The Yielding. 58. The Joyful. 59. Dispersion. 60. Restraint. 61. Inner Faith. 62. A Little Excess. 63. Already Over. 64. Not Yet Over. A Yijing Phrases Glossary. Resources. Bibliography. Reviews 'The great strength of Richard Bertschinger's rendition of the Yijing is that it is both a personal interpretation and one that is based on scholarship of the Chinese language. For millions of Chinese who have read the Yijing over the millennia understanding its ideas has been part of a lived experience, a personal journey. This edition also encourages the reader to place themselves at the centre of understanding; to understand it from the inside, not as an external observer.' - Ian Appleyard, course director of degree programmes at the London Confucius Institute for Traditional Chinese Medicine, UK 'Richard Bertschinger's new translation of the Book of Change is poetical and perceptive, revealing aspects of this enigmatic work that may easily pass unnoticed. Whether the reader is interested in the cosmology of the Change, or wants to experiment with it as a divination manual, they will find inspiration in this translation.' - Fabrizio Pregadio, Taoist scholar and translator, and researcher at the University of Erlangen, Germany 'As a scholar and practitioner, Richard Bertschinger has devoted much time and interest to researching ancient Chinese philosophy. This new translation and commentary on the Yijing is an exceptionally fine piece of work, creating an easy-to-understand interpretation of the shamanic oracle of China for modern times.' - Dr Jidong Wu, PhD, senior lecturer in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Middlesex University, UK 'Reading through this translation of the Yijing by my old friend Richard Bertschinger, I was struck by his deep respect for the wisdom and living spirit of this ancient text, always allowing the oracle to speak for itself. Our practice is to become still enough to hear its voice.' - Shi Jing, 31st generation Dragon Gate priest and Chairman of the British Taoist Association, UK 'An essential book for anyone interested in Humanity's relationship with Heaven and Earth. Richard's scholarship opens a door to the rich imagery of the Yijing, illuminating its relevance for our time. Its insights guide us in adapting to change, whilst orienting ourselves within the awareness of that which is beyond change.' - Alan Hext, acupuncturist, zero balancer and co-author of Jing Shen, UK Author information Richard Bertschinger has been working on this translation for thirty years. He studied with the Taoist sage and Master, Gia-fu Feng. A practising acupuncturist, teacher of the healing arts, and translator of ancient Chinese texts, he lives with his family in the hills of south west England.