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

by Jack M. Balkin

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 one’s 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 Ching’s divinatory system helps the reader discover the book’s underlying philosophy through applying its insights to everyday problems.

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 affords us the opportunity to experience a world masterpiece anew with unprecedented depth and understanding.

Genres: Spirituality, Philosophy, Divination

672 pages, Hardcover

First published November 26, 2002

Reviews

[Leslie Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read quite a chunk of this, although not all the hexagrams. It is one of my all time favorite I Ching versions and the scholarly apparatus will make it easier to find more. Balkin doesn't endorse synchronicty as he argues that when you don't have a clear rational way to proceed then it is a good time to consult the I Ching for out of the box thinking. Balkin has done work on using I Ching in modeling intuition for AI or so my AI told me when I was teaching it to do it with tarot. Weird perhaps. I never took a class with Balkin but he came my second year there. Personally I thought it was gutsy for a law prof to take the time to work on the I Ching and for those who don't know there are scholars at Yale that read ancient Chinese better than anybody in China, or so a Chinese friend told me. He also did work with the University of the People, which is at least worth a google, for making college affordable and available worldwide, as a friend in Bangladesh tipped me, recommending I do computer science. If you can't get hard copy, I think it's available ebook. It's worthwhile.

[Kristen Isis Karayani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended for anyone interested in and/or practicing the I Ching. It is yet another rich and unique perspective that can add to one's casts esp. for personal development, as food for further thought offering a deeper study of patterns in life, enriching one's understanding. As well can be received as a wider perspective to the original texts, which can add too, for example, practical steps into one's every day life very intelligently, looking through processes and cultivating oneself. Very well thought and well written.

[Kevin Peer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich, wise, compassionate, and always encouraging, Jack Balkin’s embodiment of the venerable I Ching is extraordinary in both its scholarly depth and its accessibility. He has given the world a great gift that continues to enrich my life immensely.

[Rimas]

perhaps finishing reading I-ching just does not exist:)

[Nigel Cockayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have looked at lots of printed material on the Book of Changes and would, without doubt, say this is the most comprehensive and a MUST HAVE worth adding to any other books you have on the topic.
The typeface is lovely and clear and the text spaced nicely making it easier to read. What is missing in another book is here! The plain English explanations are fantastic. With this book, you feel like you will truly learn something new each day. So if you have a really difficult situation to consider I would certainly consult this book.

My hat off to the author this has sparked a deeper interest. I just wish some beautiful art was included to make this work an even more stunning read.

[Benny Robertson II · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a life changing read. This particular book has helped significantly with my understanding of the original Wilhelm/Baynes translation. I often use the two together to increase my understanding of the original.