DECISIONS, DECISIONS-THE I CHING IN MODERN SOCIETY

Decisions, decisions

I Ching, E Ching — Book of Changes. Since 3000 BC, libraries have been filled with the intricacies of this work from China — a predecessor to Confucianism and to Taoism. It is a fascinating and baffling study. 

How could I presume to “boil it down”? 

The word “divination” is often used. Sages consult the toss of stones, or plants or tea leaves. You have heard of this. Of what value can this have in modern, scientific society?

Can you solve a problem on the chance way that a tortoise-shell breaks, in its pattern, when dropped?

If the answers are clearly NO, then what is going on? I can only give you a marker of where I am, in my studies and understanding.

Restricting our discussion to sentient beings— for yes, there are immutable (seeming) rules which apply to iron, to trees, to photosynthesis — yes, to all of that.

But, the I Ching is looking at sentient beings. Thinking, feeling, deciding, choosing beings….and, of course, mostly HUMAN beings.

We are a result of our choices. Of our decisions. Small and large, they are made, every second. How do we make them and thus make the world behave as it does?

I believe the I Ching primarily supports the idea that humans will tend to look at facts, and at some kind of analysis and assess what they know, before making decisions. HOWEVER, at the moment the ACTUAL choice or decision is made, it will NOT be made with these facts and analysis—instead, we really make our choices and decisions on a myriad of feelings and vibrations and peripheral “gut” insights. I have looked at the obvious and larger choices I have made in life and this is true—if I admit it—of every single one.

Yes, I accumulated data and facts and I thought about it. Yes, this may have prepared my emotional or intellectual molecules, or whatever—but the moment of decision, that is done by what feels the thing to do at the moment—even, sometimes, knowing it is wrong and will cause me agony—still, the force for the decision or choice is something peripheral and unexplainable. 

Going further, one can meditate and possibly improve this process. Ones mental health assists. But it isn't going to change the basics. You will decide and choose, day after day—item after item, pushed and pulled by your “gut” — the peripheral input from feelings and nudges and vibrations. That is how you will choose, even if you think you were cold and rational.