Glossar

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Da Di Du

Dao

Dao is traditionally referred to as “the path”. Within Daoist philosophy it describes the eternal and active principle of creation which encompasses both original unity and duality. Dao thus constitute the basic principle of the world’s creation, it is a principle of immanence (= all-pervading) as well as transcendence (= undifferentiated emptiness, mother of the cosmos) and represents the highest state of being. Dao stands for the potentiality of all forms and also for the power that pervades the whole process of creation and creation itself. “Life in harmony with the Dao” refers to a lifestyle where any action is taken spontaneously and in harmony with the general situation, out of a state of inner stillness.
Read more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tao

Daoism

The world view that underlies the I Ching is rooted in Daoism (Chinese: “Teaching the Way”, Taoism). The basic idea is the primordial unity from which all creation emanates: it gives birth to duality (Yin and Yang, light and shadow) and by their changes, movements and interplay creates our environment (the external world).

The ethical teachings of Daoism advise that people should learn about this basic principle through their own observation and realize the Dao by harmoniously adapting to the continuously changing, phenomenal forms.

Daoism is a philosophy, but it is also seen as China’s sole and authentic religion. Its secured historical origins are in the 4th Century BC, when the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching, Tao te Ching) of Laozi (Lao Tzu, Lao-tzu) was created.

Read more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism

divination

The I Ching oracle is traditionally determined by using coins or yarrow sticks. At no2DO.com we go a different way and use a mixture of human factor and a computer generated random number.

The main difference – besides convenience and speed – are the numerical values that are generated by the different oracle methods:

  • no2DO oracle: 7 or 8.
  • coin or yarrow oracle: 6 or 7 or 8 or 9

6 or 9 are changing lines. This means that the hexagram may transform into another hexagram. Example:

On no2DO we do not consider changing lines (a reason is given here), but of course it is open to everyone to consider the transforming hexagram as well. This is possible on no2DO at any time, just go to the corresponding interpretation page: Overview Hexagrams

Here are some further details how the oracle number is calculated on no2DO: As long as you move the mouse within the playing field, the mouse movement’s x and y coordinates are added up; the longer you move the mouse, the greater the numerical value.
If you finally click the mouse a random number is generated and multiplied twice with the previously calculated sum of x and y coordinates. Subsequently, the respective next integer is determined (through eliminating decimal places) and, depending on whether it is odd or even, a solid (Yang) or a broken (Yin) line is drawn.
Thus, as long as the querist moves the mouse, he actively influences the numeric value. Just like with coins or yarrow sticks the result is determined by the querist – and no a “random number” as with most online oracles.

Dui, the Lake

Modern Interpretation: Openness, touch, acceptance; humility; connectedness, inspiration; individuation; rhythm

Dui crosses the natural boundary of our self in two ways: from the inside outwardly and from the outside inwardly. From the outside inwardly means that we open ourselves to the outside, to our environment, let us be inspired and ultimately accept and integrate what we encounter. From the inside outwardly invites us to express our innermost to the outside and let it come alive within the world. Both movements are tightly interconnected, just like the rhythm of our breathing: inhaling, exhaling. In the classics of Traditional Chinese Medicine we find the following descriptions for the functional circuit lung (see King Wen’s Later Heaven: lung is associated with Dui):

Phase Element: Metal
Functional Circuit: Lung (LU)

Read more: I Ching Study Guide: Dui, the Lake