The Book of Changes -- I Ching in Chinese -- is unquestionablyone of the most important books in the world's literature. The same idea also arises from the fact that in the present case it is two strong lines (the fourth and the fifth) that bring about the gathering together, whereas in the former case one strong line (the fifth) stands in the midst of weak lines. The fire, whose light illuminates the mountain and makes it pleasing, does not shine far; in the same way, beautiful form suffices to brighten and to throw light upon matters of lesser moment, but important questions cannot be decided in this way.

Therefore it may safely be saidthat the seasoned wisdom of thousands of years has gone into themaking of the I Ching. Jung (1875–1961) was the founder of analytical psychology and one of the great intellectual figures of the twentieth century.

When adversity befalls a man, it is important above all things for him to be strong and to overcome the trouble inwardly. This hexagram and THE WELL are the only two in the Book of Changes that represent concrete, man–made objects. Slipcase in G/G+ condition, showing some wear around edges and corners, title plate in clean, red text bold. Just as wood as an organism imitates the action of the well, which benefits all parts of the plant, the superior man organizes human society, so that, as in a plant organism, its parts co–operate for the benefit of the whole. Nothing of this benefit should be held back in a selfish way; it should really reach those for whom it is intended.

If it is allowed to take its course, misfortune is bound to result; the insignificance of that which creeps in should not be a temptation to underrate it.

Small wonder then that both ofthe two branches of Chinese philosophy, Confucianism and Taoism,have their common roots here. In contrast to the meaning of Chin, PROGRESS (35), this pushing upward is associated with effort, just as a plant needs energy for pushing upward through the earth. The I Ching, or Book of Changes, a common source for both Confucianist and Taoist philosophy, is one of the first efforts of the human mind to place itself within the universe.

We must calmly weigh the conditions of the time and by satisfied with small gains, because for the time being a great success cannot be attained. From this the word is carried over to apply to the “moltings” in political life, the great revolutions connected with changes of governments. Sometimes undeserved misfortune befalls a man at the hands of another, as for instance when someone passes by and takes a tethered cow along with him. Nearly all that is greatest and most significant in thethree thousand years of Chinese cultural history has either takenits inspiration from this book, or has exerted an influence onthe interpretation of its text.If there is neither a resistance that might be vigorously combated, nor yet a yielding that permits of victory—if, instead, everything is tough and inert like mire—movement is crippled. Heaven within the mountain gives the idea of holding firm in the sense of holding together; the trigram Kên which holds the trigram Ch’ien still, gives the idea of holding firm in the sense of holding back; the third idea is that of holding firm in the sense of caring for and nourishing. This is a situation in which a strong, superior, well–poised man tolerates and protects the inferiors in his charge. The influences are in actual conflict, and the forces combat each other like fire and water (lake), each trying to destroy the other. When a strong man meets with adversity, he remains cheerful despite all danger, and this cheerfulness is the source of later successes; it is that stability which is stronger than fate.

Ingoing through the streets of a Chinese city, one will find, hereand there at a street corner, a fortune teller sitting behinda neatly covered table, brush and tablet at hand, ready to drawfrom the ancient book of wisdom pertinent counsel and informationon life's minor perplexities. Although as a general rule the weak should not come to meet the strong, there are times when this has great significance.When we have tried in every way to bring about reforms, but without success, revolution becomes necessary. If we wish to know what anyone is like, we have only to observe on whom he bestows his care and what sides of his own nature he cultivates and nourishes. January 9 th 2022), a "restyling" has been completed for the entire site I Ching Online, including all 64 Richard Wilhelm hexagram pages AND the 384 changing line pages. From the point of view of politics, the meaning is that in exceptional times one does well to join with the lowly, for this affords a possibility of renewal. Octavos, 394 and 376pp, publisher s black cloth decoratively stamped in gilt, top edge stained pale yellow (minor dusting to bulked edges, tight, very good to near fine).