Talk:I Ching divination
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When the bundle of yarrow stalks is divided in two at random, does that mean that it is divided strictly at random, with every division equally likely, or does that mean it's divided approximately in half, but not exactly (meaning that we ought to use something like a normal distribution)? Can anyone tell us who's seen it done? eritain 22:33, 1 November 2005 (UTC)
The process of counting through many stalks by fours allows the probability distribution of the results to be quite noise-ammune. In fact this noise-immunity aspect may well be the reason the process has been made in such a specific way. Nad 02:42, 2 November 2005 (UTC)
My method is to hold all the stalks in the right hand and then to spontaneously throw some of the stalks onto the floor thus dividing the stalks randomly.
[edit] second version of coins divination
From the book of "The Tao Of I Ching Way to Divination" by Tsung Hwa Jou
On page 68, it describes a different version of coins repersentation. 1. two tails are Yang (----). 2. two heads are Yin (-- --). 3. three tails are old Yang moving to Yin (--x--). 4. three heads are old Yin moving to Yang (--o--).
I have been studying the I Ching almost two years now. I found Tsung Hwa Jou's version is more accurate. But this is only my opinion. written by Wen S. Huang
[edit] Clarification of moving lines
"Once a hexagram is determined, each line has been determined as either changing (old) or unchanging (young). Since each changing line is seen as being in the process of becoming its opposite, a new hexagram can be formed by transposing each changing yin line with a yang line, and vice versa."
This is somewhat misleading, for two reasons:
1. The moving line should not be considered merely as "changing into its opposite." This is true, but by omission the article may be misleading people into thinking that old Yin and old Yang are somehow weaker than their younger counterparts (and that that it why they are changing.) Actually, the opposite is true. In Taoist philosophy, Yin and Yang cannot exist independently of each other. Yin that becomes incredibly powerful (incredibly Yin-y) will turn into Yang, and Yang that becomes incredibly powerful (Yang-y), will turn into Yin. This is an important concept, especially in light of my second point.
2. It is true that the moving line does change into its opposite, and a new hexagram is formed (and must be considered in conjunction with the first.) However, before this happens, one must first take into consideration the increased power of the "old Yin" or "old Yang" lines. Before the moving Yang line becomes a (static) Yin line, it is considered to be an exceptionally powerful Yang line. Thus, the meaning of the original hexagram (not the second hexagram created by reversing the polarity of the moving lines) is reenforced or changed depending on which lines have old Yang or old Yin. Each changing line adds another section of text.
For example:
The hexagram of six unbroken lines signifies Qian, the Creative. According to the Wilhelm/Baynes translation, it reads:
The Creative works sublime success,
Furthering through perseverance.
The movement of heaven is full of power.
Thus the superior man makes himself strong and untiring.
If all the lines are young Yang (unmoving) lines, then that is it. Without any mitigating context, this is a generally positive, "Rah rah rah! Just do it! Anything is possible!" sort of hexagram.
However, if the top line (which usually signifies the highest reaches of heaven) is old Yang, then we also add this line:
Arrogant dragon will have cause to repent.
This obviously changes the meaning of the message very significantly. It implies that one has soared so high that they have lost touch with Earthly reality and may suffer for it. This meaning was not present in the first example; it is ONLY present if the top line of Qian is old Yang. (Old Yang lines in different positions yield different meanings such as "Hidden dragon. Do not act." or "Flying dragon over the heavens. It furthers one to see the great man.")
After we take into account old Yang's or old Yin's increased power, we change it into the young version of its opposite and look up the resulting hexagram. In this example, it's Guai, Parting/Break-through/Resoluteness, and its text reads:
Break-through. One must resolutely make the matter known.
At the court of the king.
It must be announced truthfully. Danger.
It is necessary to notify one's own city.
It does not further to resort to arms.
It furthers one to undertake something.
The lake has risen up to heaven;
The image of Break-through.
Thus the superior man
Dispenses riches downward
And refrains from resting on his virtue.
As I've said before the second hexgram is always composed of young lines only, so we don't get any additional meanings.
I'm editing the article to reflect the added meaning old Yang/Yin lines add before the second hexagram is generated. --Lode Runner 12:31, 28 March 2007 (UTC)
- The prose is a little ugly (the entire thing really needs to be rewritten, perhaps with examples), but at least the info's there now. --Lode Runner 12:46, 28 March 2007 (UTC)
