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Led into peace by ancient book of truths

By Sandra Lee (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-06-17 10:08

With the I Ching we learn to re-think our frustrations, anger, disappointments and other strong emotions, to our benefit. These are also the constant messages of today's psychologists and even business gurus.

Master Oogway in Kung Fu Panda tells Panda Po: "Nothing is static, it is up to us to adjust." The I Ching reminds us that life ebbs and flows and, with acceptance, we must go with it, not against it.

When I find myself caught up in emotions I quickly toss the coins and without fail, receive counsel on how to detach from them and let the world roll on.

The I Ching doesn't label events good or bad. It tells me that whatever happens, I can learn and benefit from it and gives me guidance on how to do that.

In Kung Fu Panda, Oogway tells Shifu: "There is just news. There is no good or bad news." What is not easy is accepting that all the events are chances for positive change.

For years I was living a life filled with the heavy responsibilities of family, profession and trying to achieve The American Dream of prosperity. I was always trying to control this and that. To achieve more and more; to have more and more. All my hard work and good intentions only led to a life of endless acquisitions, exhaustion and a deadened interior.

I stopped trying to conform to the old ideas of what would make me happy. I heeded the wisdom of the Buddha who said "Peace comes from within. Do not seek it outside." I wanted an entirely different approach to life.

Master Yoda said in Star Wars: "Either do it or don't do it. There is no try." So I stopped trying for happiness from external things, moved to live simply in Hawaii, ended up in China, and have been peaceful and happy ever since.

The I Ching neither preaches nor scolds or threatens. It simply points out the consequences of my choices. If I behave this way, this will be the result - if I behave that way, that will be the result. My choice. Regardless of the century or the language, these basic truths prevail.

I never ask the I Ching a direct question. Instead, before I toss the coins I say: "Please tell me what I need to know today." And it always does

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