I Ching Divination using a Mala

By: Acarya Dhammajoti Blakeman

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The term I-Ching is taken from the ancient Chinese "Book of Changes" and it is a form of
divinatory practice involving 64 hexagrams (patterns of 6 broken and unbroken lines), which are
used in a divinatory way by the throwing of yarrow stalks or coins. This manual will be showing
you how to do this form of divination with a mala (Also known as Cyclomancy) .

Begin by sitting quietly. Close your eyes and take nice slow deliberate deep breaths in and out.
Notate the rising and falling of your navel. Let your mind become quiet. Begin one japa (1
round of 108 beads), chanting in your mind. Any mantra is sufficient whether it be OM MANI
PADME HUM, NAMO AMITUO’FO, NAM MYO HO RENGYE KYO, NAMU AMIDA BUTSU,
or even NAMO TASSA BHAGAVATO ARAHANTO SAMMA SAMBUDDHASA.

Let the mala then rest in your lap. You then hold the mala in your lap, and with each hand grasp
a bead at random. If your hands are relatively close when you grasp the mala (figure 1-1), By
fingering the beads moving both hands at once towards the mid-point, counting off in ones
(Symbolizing the Buddha). If your hands end up far apart when grasping the mala, then you
count off in threes (symbolizing the Triple Gem of the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha).
You continue moving the hands toward each other, until one, or two beads remain. You do this a
total of 6 times.

Figure 1-1

The I Ching is made up if Triagrams and Hexagrams. Each set of three lines is called a
„triagram, and 2 triagrams (6 lines) one on top of the other make a hexagram. Thus, a triagram or
a hexagram contains broken or unbroken lines. If you end with only 1 bead left, this is a solid
line for the triagram. If you have 2 beads left, this is a broken line. Let‟s say the first three
times you grasped and counted the mala, you end up with 1 bead, and then 2 beads, and then 1
bead. This is interpreted as a solid line, and then a broken line, and then a solid line. The
triagram is . You would then look at the chart on page 3 and find that triagram on the left
side (going vertical) of the graph.

Repeat the process 3 more times for your second triagram. Let‟s say you ended up with 2 beads,
and then 2 beads, and then 1 bead that translate as 2 broken lines and 1 solid line. The triagram
looks like . You would then find that triagram on the top horizontal line.

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Having those two triagrams will give you your hexagram by placing your finger on the first
triagram you were given, which is found on the vertical line of triagrams. Then, you would
move your finger towards the left until you ended up directly under the top horizontal triagram.

That would give you a Hexagram with a number. In this case the hexagram would be , with
a number of 13. You then find number 13 in the explanations given in this booklet for your
specific I-Ching divination. Your fortune for that hexagram, as stated in the manual, would then
be the following;

“Hexagram 13 T'ung Jen - Companionship

Fellowship with others Heaven over Fire A union with others coming together for a mutual goal.
Make sure that there are no reservations, or a state of chaos might come about”

This is very simple “fortune cookie” type method. One could interpret the first 2 triagrams by
also reading the lines giving you insight into changes, old and new, energy patterns, life patterns,
etc. This is much more detail than I would like to go into at this time. We will save it for
another divination series.

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Down First, Horizontal Second

Ch’ien Chen K'an Ken K'un Sun Li Tui

1 34 5 26 11 9 14 43
Ch'ien

25 51 3 27 24 42 21 17
Chen

6 40 29 4 7 59 64 47
K'an

33 62 39 52 15 53 56 31
Ken

12 16 8 23 2 20 35 45
K'un

44 32 48 18 46 57 50 28
Sun

13 55 63 22 36 37 30 49
Li

10 54 60 41 19 61 38 58
Tui

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Hexagram 1 Ch'ien - The Creative
Heaven over Heaven The creative force of the universe is available to you if you are true to
yourself. Trust that the unknowable workings of fate are only serving to bring you the lessons
you need to grow.

Hexagram 2 K'un - The Receptive

Earth over Earth Cultivate a yielding, receptive nature that will provide appropriate grounds for
the seeds of wisdom to grow. A time to follow as there is not sufficient experience to lead or
initiate change. Reserve and develop your inner strength for the future.

Hexagram 3 Chun - Initial Difficulty

Water over Thunder A time of potential growth and new beginnings, maybe initial adversity. A
new situation can develop in any direction. Accept any help that is offered and stay steadfast.
Allow the situation to resolve itself.

Hexagram 4 Meng - Innocence

Mountain over Water Beginner's luck will will run out. Seek guidance from an experienced
teacher and learn from your own mistakes.

Hexagram 5 Hsu - Waiting

Heaven over Water A time to wait and have faith in the order of things. Observe yourself and
your situation, correct any inferior feelings that cause imbalance.

Hexagram 6 Sung - Contention Conflict

Heaven over Water By imposing your view instead of accepting what comes, makes you in
conflict with the universe and attracts opposition. Disengage from doubts, fears and impatience
and communicate with others to develop an understanding that will resolve conflict. Accept and
respect the advice of one wiser than you in this situation.

Hexagram 7 Shih - The Army

Earth over Water Be firm in your purpose and exemplary in your actions, be an inspiration to
others hence gaining there support and achieving a worthy goal.

Hexagram 8 Pi - Union Holding Together

Water over Earth Strengthen bonds by reviewing your actions and demeanor. Are you being
truthful?. Be steady in your principles in the face of challenges and temptations. Maintain inner
truth and sincerity and you will achieve much.

Hexagram 9 Hsiao Ch'u - Taming Force

Wind over Heaven Forcing your way will only bring misfortune. Remain focused on your path
and remove obstacles with genital actions. Look at the long term. Plant the correct seeds now to
reap a harvest in the future. Cultivate patience, tolerance, adaptability and detachment. Accept

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that all you can do is change yourself.

Hexagram 10 Lu - Treading Carefully

Conduct Heaven over Lake Be careful not to overstep the mark and cause offense. Do not be
subservient to those above you nor domineering to those below and you will be able to move
with confidence and meet with success.

Hexagram 11 T'ai - Tranquility

Peace Earth over Heaven A time of burgeoning potential. It is possible to grow to great heights
but keep your inner balance that has brought you here. Do not relax into complacency.

Hexagram 12 P'i - Stagnation

Standstill Heaven over Earth A difficult time is coming. Your run of good fortune has waned.
Retreat into yourself and have faith that things will improve sooner if you persevere in the
correct manner.

Hexagram 13 T'ung Jen - Companionship

Fellowship with others Heaven over Fire A union with others coming together for a mutual goal.
Make sure that there are no reservations, or a state of chaos might come about.

Hexagram 14 Ta Yu - Great Possession

Possessing plenty Fire over Heaven By being true and honest you will enter into a period of great
abundance. An opportunity for you to shine. Maintain your humility and integrity. If you abuse
your strength you will lose it.

Hexagram 15 Ch'ien - Humility

Modesty Earth over Mountain Strive to remain modest. You can face any obstacles if you remain
modest and perceive what is good and right.

Hexagram 16: Yu - Happiness

Enthusiasm Thunder over Earth A good time to start a new undertaking, but be sure your
foundations are strong. You have the energy to see plans through. Maintain a strong inner clarity
do not become egotistical.

Hexagram 17 Sui - Following

Lake over Thunder Accept the way things are and maintain steady in response to events. Inner
truth and acceptance will lead to joy which will spread to others.

Hexagram 18 Ku - Disruption
Work on Corruption Mountain over Wind There is disorder. There is a chance to redeem the
situation by correcting the improper attitudes and ideas, so changing the disruption to harmony.
You need strength of character and decisive action, but first find the cause. When found work
quickly.

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Hexagram 19 Lin - Approach
Earth over Lake Good times are coming. Undertakings will be successful. Higher powers
approach you to give assistance. But don't relax what brought you here.

Hexagram 20 Kuan - Observing

Contemplation Wind over Earth The creative power of the universe works in unseen ways,
influencing situations and people without conscious intent.

Hexagram 21 Shih Ho - Biting Through

Biting Through Fire over Thunder There is an obstacle here, possibly an incorrect attitude that
needs to be dealt with. Try to see the problem clearly. Forcefulness will bring misfortune. Use
your inner strength to withdraw.

Hexagram 22 Pi - Adornment
Grace Mountain over Fire A person who does not try to be alluring but cultivates devotion to the
simplicity of the inner truth possesses a grace and beauty that shines through.

Hexagram 23: Po - Stripping Away

Splitting apart Mountain over Earth Everything seems to be going wrong. Attempting to
influence the situation will only prolong it. Withdraw from the unfavorable circumstances
engage patient non-action allowing free rein for the forces to settle.

Hexagram 24 Fu - Returning
Earth over Thunder A time of increasing fortune. Watch and wait as things progress at their own
rate and draw in your strength for the time of growth that is approaching.

Hexagram 25 Wu Wang - Correctness

Innocence Heaven over Thunder Do not anticipate the future or hold on to the passed at this
point. Nurture your innocence so intuition can flow and follow the guidance of the wiser adult.

Hexagram 26 Ta Ch'u - Taming Force

Mountain over Heaven Remain calm and detached in the face of hostile provocation's from
others who seek to undermine your resolve. Your character is being tested. Hold on to inner
truth. Use these difficulties as opportunities to increase your understanding. Some people may be
fearful and jealous of your spiritual progress. Pay them no heed and remain focused.

Hexagram 27 I - Nourishment
Mountain over Thunder By feeding on the desires of the ego we promote the growth of inferior
spiritual qualities such as envy, self-pity, distrust. By meditation we cultivate a tranquil,
receptive state that allows wisdom to flow from the universe.

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Hexagram 28 Ta Kuo - Excess
Lake over Wind You are under unbearable pressure, it is likely that you will give way to the
weight. There is an understandable temptation to escape and seek refuge, which will only delay
the inevitable. Keeping running only weakens our resolve and makes problems unbearable. A
time to stand firm, you are equal to the task, rely on your inner truth and integrity and you will
emerge stronger. My require a sacrifice, but benefits will accrue if you face the test.

Hexagram 29 K'an - The Deep

The Abysmal Water over Water Flow with the current of change in life instead of struggling
against it. Open your heart and adopt the receptive, detached state that will allow the universe to
work out the best solution.

Hexagram 30 Li - Fire
The Clinging Fire over Fire Clinging to correct principles gives us the strength to live a joyful
and fulfilling life, able to face difficulties with equanimity and paradoxically to gain
independence.

Hexagram 31 Hsein - Sensitivity

Influence Lake over Mountain Follow the correct procedure to bring about a joyful union that is
mutually beneficial to both parties involved. Be open minded and gentle to receive benefits from
external influences. To have a beneficial influence on others you need to maintain an inner
independence and integrity, acting from a position of quiet inner truth and humility.

Hexagram 32 Heng - Persistence

Duration Thunder over Wind A time of endurance, which requires persistence and stamina. Be
calm and sincere and be careful to stay true to your path and you will succeed. You may be going
through a change or one is coming, whatever hold your equanimity. Do not yearn or hope for
something to be better, and do not fear that things will get worse, but remain constant and
unwavering. Do what needs to be done with calmness, detachment and integrity.

Hexagram 33 Tun - Withdrawal

Retreat Heaven over Mountain Accept the fact that you are faced with unfavorable odds, perform
a strategic withdrawal in order to make preparations for a more favorable time to advance.

Hexagram 34 Ta Chuang - The Power of Greatness

Thunder over Heaven A time of increasing power and strength, but guard against self-
congratulation and complacency. Follow the correct principles of patience, humility, gentleness
and detachment. Wait for the appropriate time to act and stay balanced. Do not use have a
misguided belief in your power to influence things to your own benefit as the resulting
misfortune will be great.

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Hexagram 35: Chin - Advancement
Progress Fire over Earth A time of great progress. Your judgment can become clouded if you do
not keep yourself and your actions pure and simple. Work for progress for its own sake rather
than in the pursuit of selfish goals. Hexagram

Hexagram 36 Ming I - Darkening of the Light

Earth over Fire When engulfed by difficult circumstances, it is necessary to keep your inner light
bright to help guide you through difficulties. Giving in to weakness or feelings of despair at
making no progress dims the brightness within. Now is a time for detachment and perseverance
at maintaining an inner truth. Things progress slowly but progress they do, so have faith in the
creative power of the universe.

Hexagram 37 Chia Jen - Family

Wind over Fire Cultivate the correct principles of acceptance, humility, modesty and gentleness
to attract and develop healthy relationships.

Hexagram 38 K'uei - Opposition

Fire over Lake Resisting the flow of creative energy increases the power of inferior attitudes that
we harbor, which in turn increases resistance in an ever intensifying spiral. Everything that
comes to us is appropriate for our learning and growth. There is a need to look beneath the
exterior to learn the lesson.

Hexagram 39 Chien - Halting

Obstruction Water over Mountain It is best to retreat from the problem and examine the self for
attitudes that need correcting and to seek advice from a wise friend or counselor.

Hexagram 40 Hsieh - Liberation

Deliverance Thunder over Water Look within when faced with obstacles and seek to correct
improper attitudes, this will bring relief. The work you have done on yourself will bring release
and the way is clear for steady progress. Now is a time to step forward with confidence and
balance. Don't brood on what has gone but forgive and forget. They were lessons you needed to
reach this point.

Hexagram 41 Sun - Decrease

Mountain over Lake A period is coming which requires a return to simplicity. It is a time for
restricting the demands of the ego to strive for success or attainment of goals. Power is limited
but by drawing in and exercising firm discipline it is possible to rely on inner strength to get
through this lean period.

Hexagram 42 I - Increase
Wind over Thunder Great progress can be made at this time. Beware of complacency and
remember the source of your good fortune. Be generous and share with others in a humble and
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sincere way.

Hexagram 43 Kuai - Breakthrough

Lake over Heaven Resist inferior influences of the ego in order to gain a breakthrough. By
resisting emotional responses to other people it is possible to defuse the situation before it
becomes too great. Keep emotionally disengaged.

Hexagram 44 Kou - Meeting

Heaven over Wind There is a warning here, that by ignoring danger signs it is possible to meet
inferior elements halfway and allow them to develop. A time for self-examination. If your
suspicions are aroused, listen to them because they come from your higher self.

Hexagram 45 Ts'ui - Gathering Together

Lake over Earth When a group act together in a spirit of peace and harmony its strength is
magnified making the whole a sum greater than its parts. This needs a strong leader and a need to
deal with the outside world in a calm manner.

Hexagram 46 Sheng - Ascending

Pushing upwards Earth over Wind Great progress can be made at this time by persisting in what
is right. Ask help from those willing to give it.. Nothing can stand in your way if you push
steadily towards the light.

Hexagram 47 K'un - Repression

Oppression Lake over Water These are testing times with difficult situations and little progress..
Face this adverse time with calmness and equanimity. A time for self-assessment.

Hexagram 48 Ching - The Well

Water over Wind Spiritual nourishment, counsel, guidance, wisdom. This Hexagram refers to the
I Ching as a source of spiritual sustenance that is freely available to anyone who wishes to draw
from it. But is also a reminder to treat that deep wisdom with respect and not to muddy its waters
with frivolous queries or indifference.

Hexagram 49 Ko - Change
Revolution Lake over Fire Change, Advance, Devotion. Changes are afoot. A time to analyze
your motives and instill the necessary change of heart that will set things in motion. Success is
assured if you act from a position of selflessness.

Hexagram 50 Ting - The Cauldron

Fire over Wind Growth, Sacrifice, Nourishment. Develop what is good within yourself for the
benefit of society at large.

Hexagram 51 Chen - Thunder

The arousing Thunder over Thunder Shock, Movement, Stimulation, Excitement. Do not be

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shocked by external influences, if you are it indicates that there are areas or attitudes that need
looking at. The truly powerful person is unmoved by such occurrences, being n complete
harmony with the universal laws.

Hexagram 52 Ken - Mountain

Keeping still Mountain over Mountain Stillness, Observing, Quietness, Clarity, Readiness. What
is needed is a calm observation. It is not possible to be still with strong emotions. Be still when
stillness is required and act when action is required.

Hexagram 53 Chien - Growth

Development Wind over Mountain Gradual progress, Patience, steady growth. The goal may
seem a long way off but with patience and diligence it will be arrived at.

Hexagram 54 Kuei Mei - Marrying Maiden

Thunder over Lake To act on desires is to fail to follow the correct principles . There will always
be desires and problems in relationships but by following proper conduct there effect will be
minimal.

Hexagram 55 Feng - Abundance

Thunder over Fire Fullness, Power, Wise actions, Plenty. Live for the present moment, make the
most of this period of abundance and influence to achieve great gains.

Hexagram 56 Lu - Travel
The Wanderer Fire over Mountain Moving, Restless, Temporary, Transient. The best way to
proceed is to stay alert, be cautious, reserved and respectful of others that you meet, follow your
instincts and have no attachments.

Hexagram 57 Sun - Gentle

Wind over Wind Gentle, Penetrating, Wind, Persistence. Try to dispel any blockages that may
stand in your way gently. Be consistent and have well defined goals to focus on. One that can be
aimed at with persistent effort. This way changes will have a long-term and far-reaching effects.

Hexagram 58 Tui - The Joyous

Lake over Lake Inner strength, Fulfillment, Harmony, Joy To make life better we must have this
or must do that, but the material gains do not bring lasting joy as there will always be something
else to have or do. I Ching says that to be fulfilled we need to devote ourselves to the principles
of humility, detachment, modesty and acceptance.

Hexagram 59 Huan - Dispersal

Wind over Water Division, Dissolution, Rigidity, Stubbornness. Be like a warm spring wind
which blows gently but with great persistence over the winder ice, dissolving it gradually and
allowing the river to flow freely once more.

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Hexagram 60 Chieh - Restraint-Limitation
Water over Lake Moderation, Guidelines, Boundaries. If you know and respect your personal
boundaries you will have a greater freedom of expression within them. It is wise to restrain the
desires and fears that are the cause of troubled thinking.

Hexagram 61 Chung Fu - Inmost Sincerity

Inner Truth Wind over Lake Prejudice, Understanding, acceptance. It is not possible to reach any
kind of understanding if we indulge in such feelings as pride, anger or self-pity. I Ching counsels
us to leave emotional responses behind and to try to understand the truth of a situation.

Hexagram 62 Hsiao Kua - Great Smallness

Thunder over Mountain Non-action, Caution, Patience. When faced with difficult circumstances
it is tempting to be assertive . but to act in this way will only make things worse. The best course
to take is one of patient non-action, relying on principles of humility, modesty and acceptance.
Difficult times will always reappear.

Hexagram 63 Chi Chi - Completion

Water over Fire Order, Balance, Awareness, Culmination. Out of chaos comes order. This can
quickly change. A warning here not to relax the discipline that has got you this far. It is
necessary to be on guard against falling into chaos again.

Hexagram 64 Wei Chi - Before Completion

Fire over Water Caution, regeneration, Potential, Clarity. During regenerative times such as these
there is intense pressure to succeed but, to get anywhere worthwhile, you need to proceed
cautiously and with firm dedication to higher principles.

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