I Ching in Plain English: A Concise Interpretation of the Book of Changes

By George Hulskramer

The I Ching focuses on the belief that change is always possible, the only mistake in life is to be inflexible and not open to the opportunity of growth. It can be consulted about any situation where you desire to change an aspect of your life or your relationship with another. The I Ching seeks to make the most of any situation and to overcome the disharmony in a life.
In I Ching In Plain English George Hulskramer has balanced several new translations of recently published versions of the I Ching to capture the essential spirit of this ancient classic.
It opens up the meanings of the coins to a wider range of contemporary experience than is provided by Richard Wilhelm's traditionally accepted translation of 1923. The traditional Confucian version of the I Ching, which dominates Richard Wilhelm's edition, emphasises correct behaviour and good manners while the Taoist and Buddhist schools stress inner development, how to make changes to the relationships you have with people around you and how to manage change in your life.
George Hulskramer's synthesis of the differing versions of the I Ching makes this edition relevant for everyone interested in this ancient oracle. The multiple meanings of each hexagram are condensed into two pages that combine Buddhist and Taoist interpretations and translations with the Confucian translations used by Wilhelm.

Based on several new translations of the I Ching, this groundbreaking interpretation explores the meaning of the ancient text and places it within the context of contemporary experience. Once used for consultation and guidance, this spiritual classic has come to emphasize inner development, relationship connections, the management of daily life changes, and the balance and harmony available in philosophies and actions. This edition's condensed commentary on coins and hexagrams allows for quick and easy consultation.

The I Ching focuses on the belief that change is always possible, the only mistake in life is to be inflexible and not open to the opportunity of growth. It can be consulted about any situation where you desire to change an aspect of your life or your relationship with another. The I Ching seeks to make the most of any situation and to overcome the disharmony in a life. In I Ching In Plain English George Hulskramer has balanced several new translations of recently published versions of the I Ching to capture the essential spirit of this ancient classic. His translation opens up the meanings of the coins to a wider range of contemporary experience than is provided by Richard Wilhelm's traditional translation of 1923. The multiple meanings of each hexagram are condensed into two pages that combine Buddhist and Taoist interpretations with the Confucian translations used by Wilhelm. The traditional Confucian version of the I Ching, which dominates Richard Wilhelm's edition, emphasises correct behaviour and good manners while the Taoist and Buddhist schools, which flourished before Wilhelm's visit to China in the 1920's, stress inner development, how to make changes to the relationships you have with people around you and how to manage change in your life. George Hulskramer's synthesis of the differing versions of the I Ching makes this edition relevant for everyone interested in this ancient oracle. For centuries people have consulted the I Ching, allowing themselves to be guided by it in their choices and this new translation balances the different versions of the I Ching to make this ancient oracle work for anyone. George Hulskramer has also condensed the commentary on each hexagram into two pages to allow quick and easy consultation for today's hectic world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Souvenir Press
• Release date: Apr 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9780285641310

Book preview

1. Ch’ien, the creative

(the power)

Heaven, the creative, the spiritual foundation of life, is expressed in its purest form in this hexagram of six Yang lines. Ch’ien is the timeless fountainhead of the universe, which exceeds any form of duality or origin. Ch’ien is therefore often associated with the sun, the heavenly father of fathers, which nourishes and sustains all life without distinction. The search for wisdom and self-knowledge steers you in the direction of Ch’ien, although, as humans, this is a state we will, naturally, never fully achieve.

Key words

Creative energy, expansion, great power, unimpeded progress, the male principle, unlimited growth, an unfaltering position, exalted insight.

The judgement

The creative, borne by great perseverance, is always successful.

The image

The motion of heaven is so powerful that no one can stop it. Unfalteringly, the wise man is guided day and night by this force.

If you only pursue your own interests and focus on unimportant, minor affairs, major projects will not get off the ground. Seek that which binds you to others and be guided by the force that bears and nourishes all life. If your life lacks true inspiration, an all-encompassing purpose or great ideals, then everything you do will be bound with loose sand and you will move only piles of sand instead of mountains. Everyone has the power to move heaven and earth and can tap this energy. You only need to take a step aside to allow this force to flow into your life.

Changing lines

Your creative force has not yet fully awakened. Don’t evoke it yet. Let it carry out the preparatory work in silence.

Your creativity is looking for a release. Let yourself be guided by a great plan, an all-encompassing purpose and by knowledgeable people.

It will not be long before your lethargic life is over. Dare to accept responsibility and don’t avoid difficulties.

Treat life like a game. If you leave your options open then nothing can go wrong.

You will be given the chance to do what you have wanted to for so long. Get the best out of yourself and seek contact with people who inspire you. Create, design, set in motion.

There is a difference between real and imaginary strength. Boasting about what you can do is not beneficial to the realisation of your