The first thing to consider when studying the Book of Changes is whether you want to learn philosophical theory or mathematical predictions.
Philosophical theory only requires learning about the mutual interplay of yin and yang and the five elements. The science of prediction is to use the horoscope to judge good or bad luck according to a time. The main thing to learn is the horoscope. The first thing that philosophical theory comes into contact with is the source of the theory of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements. You only need to understand the principles of generation and restraint of the Five Elements, and then start to study the sixty-four hexagrams and lines.
The evolution of the sixty-four hexagrams from the beginning to the end contains profound philosophy. By observing the hexagrams, you can further open your mind. To learn the Book of Changes, you must first learn the basic knowledge and theory well. Only after you have a solid foundation can you lay a solid foundation for flexible application in the future. Nature is established and Tao is born. After mastering it, you can also help others and yourself.
Broad and profound
If we encounter a dilemma that we cannot solve, we might as well use the Book of Changes to divination and point out a clear path for ourselves. Before studying the I Ching, you can learn the basic knowledge of the I Ching. There are many introductory books on the Internet. It is recommended to read a few more. Don’t think you understand everything just after reading one book. Read a few more introductory books, outline the areas you don’t understand, and then look for relevant information to study.
Continue reading once you understand it, and gradually enrich your knowledge system. When you read the hexagrams again, you will be able to learn many things without a teacher. As the first of the group of classics, the I Ching contains far more theoretical, ideological and practical value than can be summarized in one or two sentences. The Book of Changes is the origin of human thought and the beginning of our exploration of the world and outlook on life. Hundreds of schools of thought in the pre-Qin period all drew their academic needs from the Book of Changes.