The laws of change : I ching and the philosophy of life

As important to Chinese civilization as the Bible is to Western culture, the I Ching or Book of Changes is one of the oldest treasures of world literature. In this masterful new interpretation, Jack Balkin returns the I Ching to its rightful place as a book of wisdom that teaches how to live one's life in a changing and confusing world. Balkin's comprehensive and perceptive commentaries highlight a clear, understandable version of the core text of the I Ching that preserves its striking imagery while remaining faithful to the long tradition of ethical interpretations of the work. The Laws of Change: I Ching and the Philosophy of Life offers the most detailed commentaries available in English on the I Ching's ethical and philosophical teachings, a comprehensive survey of different methods of consulting the I Ching, and an excellent history of the I Ching's transformation from a Bronze Age diviner's manual to a beloved book of wisdom that lies at the very heart of Chinese culture. This is an indispensable work for anyone who wants to understand the I Ching and its history.

yale Law Professor And Philosopher Of Culture Jack Balkin Offers A Brilliant New Translation Of And Commentary On The Ancient Chinese book Of Changes, Or I Ching. the Laws Of Change: I Ching And The Philosophy Of Life Offers The Most Detailed Commentaries Available In English On The I Ching's Ethical And Philosophical Teachings, A Comprehensive Survey Of Different Methods Of Consulting The I Ching, And An Excellent History Of The I Ching's Transformation From A Bronze Age Diviner's Manual To A Beloved Book Of Wisdom That Lies At The Very Heart Of Chinese Culture. An Indispensable Work For Anyone Who Wants To Understand The I Ching And Its History.

publishers Weekly

balkin, A Yale Law Professor, Offers An Engaging Translation And Interpretation Of This Chinese Classic. Based On A System Of 64 Hexagrams And Their Associated Oracular Statements, The I Ching Began As A Bronze Age Divination Manual For Rulers Seeking Advice On Upcoming Battles, Marriage Plans And Human Sacrifices, Among Other Things. While It Continues To Be A Popular Medium For Fortune-telling, Centuries Of Scholarly Commentary Have Made It A Centerpiece Of Confucian And Taoist Philosophy. In Addition To The Text Of The I Ching, Balkin Provides A Fascinating History Of The Work Along With A Lucid Introduction To Chinese Philosophy. But He Is Most Interested In The I Ching As A System Of Practical Wisdom Applicable To Everyday Problems. By Enticing Us To Make Sense Of Its Vague And Cryptic Language, He Argues, It Induces Us To Abandon Logical And Linear Thinking And Stimulates Intuition And Inspiration. Balkin Includes Detailed Commentaries That Help Make Sense Of The Book's Pronouncements, Which Are Sometimes Self-evident (perseverance Brings Good Fortune) But More Often Based On Oblique Metaphors (cart And Axle Separate / Husband And Wife Roll Their Eyes At Each Other Warns Of Accidentsleading To Loss Of Dignity, While He Bites Through The Tender Meat,/ So That His Nose Disappears / No Blame Means That Clearly Beneficial Reforms Should Be Pursued Energetically). Regardless Of Its Prognosticatory Powers, The I Ching's Evocative Imagery Makes It A Great Work Of Literature, Now More Accessible Than Ever Thanks To Balkin. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

An in-depth introduction to the mysteries of the I Ching describes the history, philosophy, interpretation, and practical applications of the ancient text and provides a definitive new translation of the text that includes sixty-four chapters based on the six-line figures around which the Book of Changes is organized. 15,000 first printing.