Light and dark forces

Although the ancients were aware of their existence they seldom elaborate about light (shen) and dark (kuei) forces, as the workings of these spiritual forces cannot be easily comprehended by the multitude. From a limited reading of ancient books, classics and texts, only the Shurangama Sutra (Leng Yen Ching) explicitly described what are considered light and dark forces. From the Leng Yen, the Yi and various Daoist texts, one understands that Buddhas, Daoist deities and immortals represent light (shen or yang) forces while demons, evil spirits and ghosts represent dark (kuei or yin) forces. This basic understanding of light and dark forces, similar with (Neo and current) Daoist thoughts and Chinese beliefs, is important to advanced Yi students and diviners lest they miss this layer of answer, if any, from the Yi.

The following true story that occurred in 1996 is an example of light and dark forces. Here, I wish to emphasize that not all similar answers from the Yi relate to these forces. According to the ancients, a skilled diviner needs to ponder Yi’s answers carefully and thoroughly to come up with a sound interpretation of the prognostications.

In relation to a question about my young son’s disturbed state of mind, the Yi answered with Hexagram 33 Retreat, and a moving third line which resulted in a change to Hexagram 12 Standstill. The answer confirmed my awareness that this eight years old boy was disturbed by many dark forces. (The word ‘many’ is indicated by the men- and maidservants in line three.) For security, the Yi advised a retreat to the Light. And Hexagram 12 signifies a withdrawal by Heaven (Light) from the Earth (Dark). According to my calculations he may not cross the 16th.

Consequently I took him to the Buddhist temple (the same one described in the Buddhas rest under trees entry on April 21) for help. The medium on duty, although in a trance, was unable to find anything wrong with my son. However on my insistence, the master took a look and noticed something amiss. The master went into a trance and a Buddha through her proceeded to heal my son. After the healing session, Buddha told me that because of his karma, there were many evil spirits (or ghosts) from my son’s previous lives coming to seek revenge and did not want to let him go. Then I asked whether he can cross the 16th. Buddha was surprised and asked how I knew. After my explanation that the answer came from the Yi, Buddha was satisfied and reassured me that my son will cross his 16th birthday! (In a way, Buddha subtly corrected my calculations as I had the 16th day in mind.) Despite a life threatening hit and run accident five years later, my son is fine today. Thanks to Buddha!

The above real life example also proves that the ancients truly know what they are on to when they say:

“The Changes illumine the past and interpret the future. They disclose that which is hidden and open that which is dark. They distinguish things by means of suitable names. Then, when the right words and decisive judgments are added, everything is complete.” (Ta Chuan) [W/B]