I’ve been reading the I Ching or Book of Changes, the ancient Chinese oracle (in particular the version by Brian Browne Walker, published by St. Martin’s). Basically, you toss three coins, and by plotting them out in a certain way, you come up with a hexagram. The book then interprets the hexagrams for you. What’s interesting is that the advice of many of the hexagrams is extremely similar to the advice of New Thought, Science of the Mind, etc.
For example:
p. 12: Lastly, we are required to unstructured our attitude. By abandoning strategies about people and situations, we let the past and the future go and meet the present with an open mind. To be unstructured and open is to allow the Sage to guide us safely and joyfully through life.
p. 38: What is needed in the moment comes out of the one’s allegiance to the Sage. If this is constant and steadfast, then there is no lack.
p. 43: A fundamental fact of consciousness is that we take on the attributes and energy of that upon which we focus our attention.
p. 53: The nature of the ego is that when we exercise it, it takes us out of the present. When we engage in ambitions, anxieties, or anticipations, our ego is skipping ahead, and we miss the guidance of the Creative in the present moment. When we engage in anger, judgment, and condemnation – whether toward ourselves or others—our ego is looking backward, and we cannot see the Sage’s clear solution to the present situation.
p. 79: The simple truth is that every moment in every person’s life contains the teaching he or she most needs at that time.
p. 83: Truly, the only way to dispel trouble and regain peace of mind is to change our attitude.
Now I must go toss some coins….
Posted by: I Ching — Meg
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