Customer Reviews:
| Showing reviews 1-5 of 29 | | NEXT » |
 One of the Best English-interpretation of I-Ching May 18, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
By far, this is one of the best English-interpreted understanding of the Chinese I-Ching. In fact, it puts other English interpreted versions pale in comparison. I-Ching is really a Chinese heritage and most, if not all, of Chinese Philosophy and understanding comes from I-Ching (as a source). What the book lacks is to show how each of the I-Ching hexagrams or Gua (total 64 Guas with 384 "Yaos" or lines of Wisdom) is rooted to which Chinese Philosophy and how in Modern days, they can be applied successfully. A Note: Under teh Preface Section III, 2nd Paragraph, the line should states that there should be 384 and NOT 386 Yao Texts (since 64 Guas multiply by 6 Yaos per Gua will give us = 384 Yao Texts!). Steven Lim (RSTN Consulting - Singapore).
Clear and comprehensive May 12, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Alfred Huang's translation of the Yi-Jing is one of the few books with "definitive" in the title that actually is what it says. The introduction to each hexagram offers up snippets from Wilhelm and Blofeld, two earlier translators whose works are widely read. As a scholar of the etymology of Chinese characters I found Huang's use of the most ancient ideographs to be a nice touch--some of these characters go a long way to making sense of what have become rather obscure meanings of the hexagram names. Each hexagram chapter ends with additional information which encourages the reader to explore further connections. After initially reading R.L. Wing I go to Huang's translation for greater depth of explanation, and I am never disappointed.
THE COMPLETE I CHING April 10, 2008
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
I FOUND THE DELIVERY OF THIS PURCHASE WAS EXCELLENT AND DELIVERED AS PROMISED.
THE BOOK ITSELF WAS IN PRISTINE CONDITION AND HAVE ENJOYED IT EVERYDAY SINCE I HAVE HAD IT.THE REVIEW ON THE BOOK WAS GREAT AND TO THE POINT.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR PROFESSIONAL WAY OF DOING BUSINESS.
SINCERELY,
HECTOR R. MARTINEZ
Provides My Primary, Fundamental Understanding Of The I Ching January 17, 2008
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
I came to understand the I Ching by way of a rich amalgam of factors that I could not have accomplished the goal without... And Alfred Huang's presentation of the I Ching has been the foremost influence in my ability to comprehend & access this incredibly vast system of sacred knowledge.
I have a major math problem, & the I Ching was always held out from me. My gateways to learning the I Ching were:
* Feng Shui...
I accessed the I Ching through the side door of Feng Shui, which has its basis in the I Ching. When I grasped the environmental layout system of Feng Shui - I segued right into the I Ching.
Richard Webster's introductory Feng Shui books were instrumental in getting my feet wet with the I Ching system. I also recommend "Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life" by Karen Rauch Carter. And a good compass.
* "The Visual I Ching: A New Approach To The Ancient Chinese Oracle" - Cards & Commentary by Oliver Perottet.
This book & card set helped me to visually understand the fundamental super-structure of the I Ching Oracle. Because you can see the system artistically represented across the 8 elements & 64 individual Hexagram cards, with apt descriptions of what each means. It puts the Hexagrams out there in pictorial terms, where you can see the over-arching, primary structure of the entire Oracle - all at once. It graphically shows you the way the I Ching is built. If all those lines aren't reaching you, this pictorial system will. I got the mathematical process of "changing lines" through my head in this book - & could proceed. Simple & concise for the novice. Experimenting with the cards according to the suggestions in the book has been a meaningful experience.
"The Complete I Ching: The Definitive Translation" by Alfred Huang.
I have accumulated several versions of the I Ching now - & I always find this translation to be the most useful. When I use the Oracle, I consult this book first. This is my starting place. Wilhelm second. I found the ideas for means of divination Huang presents were extremely helpful. He showed me that we can be flexible & creative in accessing the Oracle. I developed a system of drawing stones as a result, & the Oracle has been fantastic, & unfailing, in its wisdom. I've had a colorful variety of helpers in learning the I Ching - but this book has been INDISPENSABLE. I couldn't have mastered it as well as I have, without the teachings of Alfred Huang.
Make sure you pay special attention to all of the introductory material, before you get to the Upper Cannon. After this, review the glossary in the back. Read it, & re-read those first sections as many times as necessary - before you proceed. Huang suggests that you next read "Heaven" & "Earth" thoroughly, & I strongly suggest that you do. It is densely packed & essential material that will tell you how the I Ching is built, & how it works.
Huang recommends you read & understand all of the Hexagram interpretations, before using the Oracle for divination. But I do it the opposite way. After gaining an understanding of the history & the fundamental structure of the Oracle itself, which Huang provides - I learned by doing, & I read as I go. After grasping the basics, I cast the Oracle - & THEN I consulted the meanings of the hexagrams - & gained an understanding of their interpretations, directly as they applied to the life situations I read about. And then the I Ching came alive. Incredible...
* "The I Ching Pack" by Anthony Clark & Richard Gill, including "The Little Book That Tells The Truth".
Forget the cards, they're nice art - it is THE BOOK that really is worth the cost of this set. If I find myself stymied, or have an objectivity issue with an I Ching reading - the interpretations in this book will succinctly clarify the matter & remove any obstacles in short order.
* "The I Ching, Or Book Of Changes" by Wilhelm & Baynes.
When consulting the I Ching, FIRST I closely consult the interpretations of Alfred Huang... Then after taking a look at Gill's "Little Book", I mull it over later in detail with Wilhelm... Huang pans much of this work - & I understand where he is coming from, & why. It is a western theosophical approach to the Oracle, from a completely different culture, time, & spiritual era. But with a firm understanding of the perspective from which Wilhelm wrote - & I don't mind consulting the book for the fine tuning concerning a reading. Huang speaks to my inner Monk, & I go there first... Wilhelm speaks to my inner Yankee. And as a westerner, sometimes this reaches me in ways & in a language that the other works can't.
* The "Reiki Psychic Attunement" DVD, by Reiki Master Steve Murray.
This Reiki Attunement initially inspired & jump-started my process of learning to understand & read the I Ching. It put me on this path in 2005. This Attunement is *fantastic* - & you will need no knowledge of Reiki to benefit from it. This was where The Door to the I Ching first was opened for me. I highly recommend this Attunement, it is a one of a kind spiritual experience.
* My own Reiki & I Ching spirit guides... And past life experience.
If you once "got" the I Ching 1000 years ago - no matter how thick headed you feel, I'm living proof that you can "get it" again today... :) In a far different land, language, culture, lifestyle, & era. Math problem & all.
* Having a strong background in reading tarot didn't hurt either... Not a necessary requirement, but having experience with reading an oracle isn't a bad thing.
Reading the tarot is like driving a nice Honda Tracker... Reading with the I Ching is like driving a mint Rolls Royce......... The I Ching is a HUGE, comprehensive, intricate, holy & sacred System - to understanding All That IS. It is as Simple, as it is incredibly complex - & as Complex, as it is amazingly simple! Tarot has been practical & useful, & it is an excellent system bearing a great deal of depth. But the I Ching is like a GIGANTIC Metaphysical Spiritual Institution, all unto itself. Built on what is essentially, Binary Code... You are NOT in Kansas anymore, Toto..... When you get there - you'll see what I mean. You'll feel like you're viewing The Innermost Workings of The Universe, from the inside - & you are... : D And once you immerse yourself in the understanding of the I Ching, you will treasure it always.
"The Complete I Ching: The Definitive Translation" by Alfred Huang comprises the cultural foundation of my understanding of the I Ching - augmented & supported by all of these other major helpers... Think of Huang's I Ching as the cornerstone to my understanding, & the rest of these items supportive bricks in the archway.
good purchase December 31, 2007
0 out of 7 found this review helpful
Not read it yet, but I think that the book will be very interesting and can teach me a lot of thinks
|
