In China, the I Ching (Book of Changes) is revered as the "first among the classics." It is not only an ancient text of wisdom but also a practical tool that can guide our lives. The best way to learn the I-Ching is not to "read it through" from beginning to end, but to start with "practice"—first by casting a hexagram, then by interpreting the classic.
By casting a hexagram with the question that concerns you most at the moment, you will receive a "cipher" (a hexagram) unique to this moment. Interpreting it against the classic text often leads to the most profound insights.
Ask with Sincerity: Clearly formulate a question in your mind that is currently your biggest concern or source of confusion. The more specific and sincere the question, the better.
Cast the Hexagram: Use the Da Yan (Great Divination) method to divine the answer to your question and obtain a hexagram composed of six lines (yao).
Record the Hexagram: You will receive a "present hexagram" representing your current situation, as well as any potential line changes (known as "changing lines" or "moving lines").
Use AI for a Preliminary Analysis: Input your question and the hexagram information you obtained (e.g., "The present hexagram is 'Qian,' with the second line of the nine changing, and the resulting hexagram is 'Tong Ren'" or "The present hexagram is 'Kun,' with no changing lines") into an AI assistant and ask: "What insight does this hexagram offer me?" AI can provide a multi-faceted initial interpretation.
Consult Resources for Deeper Understanding: Visit the ichingdao.love website to view in-depth interpretations of specific hexagrams.
Reflection and verification are key! Treat divination as a tool to inspire thinking and aid decision-making, not as a prophecy of fate. Its core lies in a "commitment-revelation" mechanism:
Contemplate the meaning of the hexagram and line statements in the context of your own situation, and observe and verify them in practice.
Ancient Wisdom That Cannot Be Scientifically Verified
Sincerity Brings Efficacy; Do Not Divine Without Stillness: Sincerity is paramount. Divination must come from the heart, and the question must be genuine and urgent. Avoid repeatedly asking about the same matter ("The third inquiry is an importunity. If it is importunate, it will not be told").
Gain Insight into Change, Rather Than Accepting Fate: The core of "I" (易) is "change" (变易). The I Ching reveals the patterns and possibilities of how things develop, not a fixed destiny. It helps you understand "why it is so" and guides you on "what you can do," empowering you with the wisdom to proactively face the future.
Follow the Path of Love to Pursue Good Fortune and Avoid Misfortune: When first learning to interpret, do not simply judge in terms of "auspicious" or "inauspicious." Try to understand the state, logic, and warnings described in the hexagram and line statements from the perspective of the great love of the "unknowable," which is to "love oneself and love others." "Inauspicious" is often a risk warning, while "auspicious" is more of a signal of opportunity. "Loving oneself" or "loving others," or both, is often the reason for a change in intention and action.
From Technique to a Way of Life (the Dao), with Love as the Path: Divination is the "technique" for beginners, a bridge to connect with the I Ching. The ultimate goal is to comprehend the "Dao"—the universal principles of life—that it contains. Its true value is revealed when you integrate the wisdom of the I Ching into your daily decisions, relationships, and personal growth.