The Living I Ching: Using Ancient Chinese Wisdom to Shape Your Life – A Taoist Guide to Divination, Hexagrams, and Practical Answers

by Ming-Dao Deng

Known widely as a tool for predicting the future, the I Ching is also a repository of three thousand years of philosophy. Its basic premises are that all the world changes, that change is driven by impersonal forces that can be seen in terms of yin and yang, and that all change is cyclical. The wise person harmonizes with the great cycles of change, and, in order to be a master of change, must understand the I Ching. With this new translation, Deng Ming-Dao, a leading authority on Taoist practice and philosophy, recovers the true wisdom of this ancient classic. The language is friendly, open, and welcoming, and a breathtaking watercolor by the author opens each chapter. This innovative translation brings the ancient Eastern wisdom of the I Ching alive for contemporary readers.

Genres: Philosophy, Taoism, Spirituality, Religion, Divination

456 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2006

About the author

AKA Deng Ming-Dao

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course I have done the classic Wilhelm book with coins and even yarrow stalks with the help of my former Chinese loftmate, but have treasured this author's 365 Tao since 1989, so when I worked in Open Center Books I beefed up their Tao section and bought this and have needed no other. The original I Ching was written for divinators for Chinese Rulers, as many divinators have worked for chiefs or rulers and people with power. This book is clear as a bell and helps one's Taoist practice of Taoist power enormously if their is something heavily on one's mind. I once saw a writer's I Ching but doubt it would help me more than this.

[Lalena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the Wilhelm translation that introduced so many westerners to the I Ching. Seems to be a lot of debate about good translation verses "authentic" translations when it comes to the I Ching. I found this book to be a very nice balance of respect for the history of the I Ching combined with a very modern, practical approach.

[Arthur Rosenfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a fan of the author's work. Any real understanding of the I-Ching requires experiencing the throwing the yarrow stalks or coins, and also having a good understanding of the background, culture, philosophy, and history behind the work itself. This is a worthy addition to any I-Ching fan's library.

[Joseph Gendron · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book presents a lot of background on the development of what today we know of as the I Ching as well as the oracle itself. After many years of using the Wilhelm version, that is still my preference but I appreciate the approach the author takes to further illuminate the work.

[Katherine Fitzgerald Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book was my official introduction to the book of changes. it was really interesting but i'm sure there are better editions out there. i don't recommend this for beginners.

[Mikelkpoet · Rating 1 out of 5]

A Yoga acquaintance said that I MUST read this book,
so I tried, but it is NOT my thing.

[Lizelle DuPlessis · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to know; read this book. It's an eye opener like no other.

[Ann Kucera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I use this translation of the I Ching, called The Living I Ching by Ming-dao Deng. The I Ching which translates as The Book of Changes contains the philosophical roots of feng shui.

[Brian Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterfu translation accessble for the Western mind

[Dorothy Osbourne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic