What is the essence of the I Ching divination? To delve into the study of the I Ching is to emphasize the art of casting and interpreting hexagrams. If one embarks upon the journey of understanding the I Ching without comprehending the nuances of interpreting hexagrams, how to respond to the profound meanings embedded within each hexagram, and grasping the origins of divination through “the grand numerical scheme of fifty, utilized in forty-nine ways,” one may find the pursuit somewhat elusive.
The method of I Ching divination involves the diviner preparing fifty divination stalks (anciently crafted from divination plants or bamboo pieces), extracting one, placing it aside, ready but unused, hence constituting forty-nine. (The grand numerical scheme of fifty, utilized in forty-nine.) In the first iteration:
- Partition the forty-nine stalks into two groups, labeled A and B. (Divide into two to symbolize duality.)
- Select one stalk from group A and position it between the index and middle fingers. (Suspend one to symbolize the trinity.)
- Divide group A by four. (Divide by four to symbolize the four seasons.)
- The remainder obtained from group A, whether one, two, three, or four, is placed between the fingers. (Return odd to even to symbolize intercalation.)
- Divide group B by four. (Again, divide by four to symbolize the four seasons.)
- Repeat the process of step four.
- Set aside the number obtained between the fingers. The remainder is either forty-four or forty.
In the second iteration:
- Divide the remaining forty-four or forty stalks into arbitrary groups, labeled A and B.
Perform the steps 2 to 7 as in the first operation. At this point, the remainder should be forty, thirty-six, or thirty-two. For the third operation: 1. Repeat the process of the second operation. 2. The remainder should be thirty-six, thirty-two, twenty-eight, or twenty-four. Through these three operations (three transformations), the determination of the yin or yang of a hexagram can be made. That is, dividing the final remainder by four yields nine, eight, seven, or six. Nine represents the old yang, seven the young yang; six the old yin, and eight the young yin (nine and six are changing lines, seven and eight are static lines). A total of eighteen operations are required for the six lines, known as the “eighteen changes to form a hexagram”. Note: Old yang represents summer, old yin represents winter; young yang represents spring, young yin represents autumn. In the simplified method of divination using coins in the Book of Changes, the attributes of yin and yang related to the characters, symbols, and patterns of coins are as follows: square represents yin, circle represents yang; combinations of lines (patterns, characters can be seen as combinations of lines) represent yin, single lines represent yang; thick represents yin, thin represents yang; rough represents yin, smooth represents yang, etc. According to the above content, it is not difficult to distinguish between yin and yang aspects of various coins. When starting to shake the coins, write down the year, month, day, and time of the divination. It is best to also note the province and county of the location where the divination is conducted. Also, inform about the gender and time of birth. 1. Wash hands clean, wait until dry, choose a quiet place, hold the three coins together in the palm of the hand, focus on the matter being divined, do not be disturbed by other external thoughts, keep the intention in mind. The question should be in the form of an inquiry, not an affirmative sentence. For example, if you want to inquire about your recent financial fortune, the intention should be: “How is my recent financial fortune?” The utterance, “My recent financial fortune is surely good,” cannot become “。When the mind is focused and tranquil (approximately one minute), both palms are held aloft, gently swayed a few times without letting the money slip out. Then, the hands are parted, letting the coins scatter onto a flat, clean, and firm surface. Allow the coins to roll freely without manually restraining or obstructing them. Even if a coin falls to the ground, pay it no mind. Once the coins come to rest, observe the Yin-Yang faces of the three coins, which can manifest in four ways:
1. If three Yin faces appear, it’s Old Yin, denoted as: ▄▄ ▄▄ ×
2. If three Yang faces appear, it’s Old Yang, denoted as: ▄▄▄▄▄ ×
3. If one Yin face and two Yang faces appear, it’s Lesser Yin, denoted as: ▄▄ ▄▄
4. If two Yin faces and one Yang face appear, it’s Lesser Yang, denoted as: ▄▄▄▄▄
Thus, the initial hexagram (the first hexagram) is formed.
2. Following the method of “1,” shake the coins five times successively to obtain the second, third, fourth, fifth, and top lines (the sixth line). Starting from the second shake, to ensure undivided focus, maintain the same intention in mind as during the first coin toss and proceed with shaking the coins directly.
3. Arrange the results obtained from shaking the coins six times in the following order to derive the primary hexagram: Top line, Fifth line, Fourth line, Third line, Second line, Initial line. This process yields a hexagram, enabling you to interpret the matters you wish to predict based on the hexagram you’ve cast! The hexagram derived from a divination, marked with a crossed line, represents a changing line. Depending on the specific situation of this changing line, one should consult the relevant answer as follows:
1. If there is only one changing line: Refer to the hexagram’s oracle in the Book of Changes (Yi Jing) based on the meaning of this particular line.
2. If there are two changing lines: Consult the oracle of the hexagram with both changing lines, primarily focusing on the meaning of the upper line.
3. If there are three changing lines: Combine the oracle of the original hexagram with that of the resulting hexagram, prioritizing the interpretation of the original hexagram.
4. If there are four changing lines: Interpret the hexagram based on the meaning of the two unchanged lines and primarily focus on the line below them.
5. If there are five changing lines: Determine the resulting hexagram and interpret it using the unchanged line from the resulting hexagram.
6. If all six lines are changing: Interpret the resulting hexagram directly based on its oracle.
In the Confucian Classic of Changes, it is emphasized that divining the same matter repeatedly is considered disrespectful to the divine. Consulting the hexagrams is akin to seeking advice from a sage, much like seeking medical advice from a doctor. Instead of being rigid and feeling helpless when faced with unfavorable divinations or when unable to decipher them, one should swiftly alter the inquiry’s form and continue seeking guidance! The insights gleaned from divination are inherently straightforward and lucid! As long as one approaches with sincerity and reverence, the Bodhisattvas will never deem your supplications burdensome!
