The Laws of Change: I Ching and the Philosophy of Life

About this book

As important to Chinese civilization as the Bible is to Western culture the I Ching is one of the oldest treasures of world literature. Yet despite many commentaries written over the years it is still not well understood in the English-speaking world. 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 ones life in a changing and confusing world. The I Ching is nothing less than an explanation of the laws of change in the universe and of how human beings can learn to live in harmony with them. Balkin presents it as a work of practical philosophy and ethics concerned with helping people to cultivate their characters achieve emotional balance and maintain personal integrity in the face of adversity and ever-changing circumstances. He shows how the I Chings divinatory system helps the reader discover the books underlying philosophy through applying its insights to everyday problems. Balkins 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 affords us the opportunity to experience a world masterpiece anew with unprecedented depth and understanding.