Secrets Of The I - Ching

This book has much to recommend it. The strongest chapters are the first few, in which Murphy gives the background of the I Ching and talks about synchronicity and the linkage between the subconscious and universal minds. His description of how to consult the oracle (using pennies) is very clear and easy for any novice to understand. As far as his view of the I Ching goes, he sees it as being closely connected in spirit with Western metaphysical thinking. The entire second half of the book comprises the interpretations of the hexagrams, using biblical passages instead of the original Chinese judgements and images. For me this doesn't really work, as most of Murphy's biblically based interpretations are far too general to have much application. Like the newspaper horoscopes, with imagination they could be interpreted any old way.Thus, if you are a purist who wants a translation of the I Ching which most closely follows the Chinese version, I would not recommend this. I would instead go with the Wilhelm/Barnes version published by Bollingen--this is the translation Jung used and it's very good reading in and of itself. However, for learning to use the I Ching, Murphy's book is a fine introduction.

If you're looking to really get into the i ching and try to comprehend it beyond a bunch of philosophical ideas. This isn't the book for you. I like Joseph Murphy a lot so i'm a bit unwilling to bash this book too much but as soon as i read it, i wanted to basically sell it because i wont need it in the future. It's not that kind of book where u can go back and study and i think the I ching is just one of those things that you'll be going back to forever as long as you're casting yarrow stalks or coins.

Having been reading one of Murphy's other books, this one was mentioned several times so I decided to download it and I can't even read it on my older Kindle.This was scanned directly from the physical book so it's impossible to read unless you have a magnifying glass since this was not transcribed to an e-book format. Which might be okay on a PC or laptop but certainly not for Kindle.Be aware of the version you get as the download I got (looks like maybe the original cover of the original book from a 1970 printing) cannot be manipulated for size (older Kindle Paperwhite). But it may not even work well in newer Kindles.

Great book!

This is an interpretation of the ancient Eastern/Taoist philosophy/text using Bible verses and terms familiar to westerners to explain unfamilar concepts. Dr. Murphy teaches very positive, life-enhancing techniques. I have studied and practiced these techniques for years to enhance peace and joy in my own life and deal with difficulties in a positive way.

I have used this version if I Ching since the 80s. While I can't say I totally understand every answer I receive, I can say that I always come away with a positive attitude and I believe that is the real secret of the I Ching.

I just started studying the tradional I Ching teachings, and this book has help me tremendously to have a clear and plain understanding. I practiced some of the exercises Dr. Muphy recommends on the book and they absolutely have worked. This book is a golden nugget for those who are interested on the traditional I Ching teachings.

Love this book, and had to buy it to have for myself. Great 'guide' and it is explains very simply. Joseph Murphy has written some amazing books, and this is one of them.

As one who has read books on the I ching on and off for around 10 years I am glad I came across this version by Joseph Murphy. I was put off from older editions of the I ching because I found the casting of Hexagrams time consuming and confusing. The meanings to earlier editions to the I ching were vague and didn't relate to today's dilemmas, unless you studied Zen beliefs. Joseph Murphy, however takes his interpretation into the 21st Century with easy everyday meanings for all 64 Hexagrams. I don't read the Bible but can understand Murphy's inclusion of Bible passages that relate to specific Hexagram meanings. Another book I would recommend in addition, is the 'Everyday I Ching.' that provides modern translations to any sphere in life. Although the I ching is best described as an oracle and not a tool for fortune telling I would recommend this book as an addition to someone with an interest in Quantum, Social sciences and Esoteric studies. A great read I rate this 5 out of 5.

To early to give a review on this item.

Great book.

great book

I didn't find the writing style of the author very easy to read - but that is purely a personal observation of course.This book should be carefuly chosen by anyone interested in the I-Ching. It has been wriiten for beginners who are interested in the I-Ching, and has a good description on how to pose questions to the I-Ching. To his credit, the author does state that it would be beneficial to use other more in-depth translations for a more complete reading of your situation.What any prospective purchaser of this book should be aware of though, is that the author does not offer a translation of the 5000 year old book of wisdom, but instead presents extracts from the Chritsian Holy Bible that in his mind reprents a similar wisdom.At first I thought this was extremely egocentric to try and replace 5000 years of wisdom and refiniing by some of the gratest minds in Eastern history, but then after using the translations I actually found it of some use. I guess my superconcious is indeed all-knowing, and simply selected what I needed to know from the material I presented to it.This book is a good addition to any I-Ching collection. Especially for the Christians out there. It also offers advice in a simplified and more understandable way, compared to the sometimes confusing literal translations of the I-Ching.