Knowing the Yi

After the continuous study of a decade, one knew nothing much about the Yi. Another decade goes by, reading the Ten Wings allowed one to have some inkling. The continued analysis and pondering of Yi wisdoms and the words of the sages began to go deeper. Still one would not have learned much if not for the prolific divinations and later the discussions in Yi forums with like minded fellows.

If we do not have a hobby, important work to do, a scientific experiment to research, would we spend most of our adult life divining about love and marriage? What if we got married, would we create a crisis with extra marital affairs, just for occasions to ask the Yi? Except for the belligerent and incompetent rulers of today, there are no wars to fight, no major promises to keep! What else can we ask of the Yi?

In this time and age, would it not be better to consult the Yi on something meaningful and useful for self, others, and/or for the world? Putting into good use, the tools and wisdoms left behind by sage kings and the ancients for posterity. Sharing and interpreting Yi answers allow others to learn and teach while helping to promote its profoundness and wisdom. This very action helps us to know more about the Yi.

If the Yi objects to our lines of questioning, it may not speak. At times, we may even get a reprimand or so to speak, a knock on the head. If we fool around with the Classic or our lives, and act with improper conduct like that of a Xiao Ren instead of a Junzi, the Yi could make ‘a monkey out of us’ with the oracles.

But as usual, Yi aficionados still question the correctness of what can be asked of the Yi. Who determines the rights and wrongs on the line of questioning? Who else but the Oracle that is if the Yi speaks!