The Philosophy of the I Ching

Chapter 2 describes what in the I Ching is called the "Superior Man" or "Noble Self" as the unconstructed true self; the "Inferior Man" or "Little Man" is seen as the socially constructed self-image, or ego. The "superiors" or "helpers" described by the I Ching are revealed as inherent character-traits, such as natural modesty, natural kindness, and the capacity for patience and perseverance. The "inferiors" are discussed as aspects of the bodily self that speak, as when they say, "I am hungry, I am tired." Also discussed are the many references in the I Ching text to cultivating the true self and that imply self-development to be necessary if we are to learn how to harmonize ourselves with the way the Cosmos works.

Chapters 3 and 4 discuss the anonymous wise Sage who speaks through the I Ching, and the attitudes that are important on the part of the I Ching student if he is to gain the Sage's help.

Chapters 5, 6, and 7 describe the process of self-cultivation undertaken when we accept the Sage as our teacher. It describes how the Sage teaches us mostly in real-life learning situations, so that what is perceived in the head is transmitted to the heart as wisdom. It also describes many important I Ching principles, such as coming-to-meet-halfway, and working through the power of Inner Truth.

Chapters 8 and 9 describe the more technical aspects of the I Ching within the context of its historical development: the development of the lines, trigrams, and hexagrams. It also describes its traditional methods of use, but gives an entirely new method discovered by the author that enables the student to understand its messages very precisely.