Its roots, however, show it to be a profound philosophical work, which had a great influence on Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism and Zen. Over the centuries, the I Ching evolved as a popular oracle. For they stand in the relationship to cause and effect.” – I Ching
The beginning line is difficult to understand. First, take up the words, Ponder their meaning, Then the fixed rules will reveal themselves. Although you have no teacher, approach them like your parents. Without or within, they teach caution, They also show care, and sorrow and their causes. "They move inward and outward according to fixed rhythms. By observing natural forces active in the world, each portrays an evolutionary principle in a way that will allow you to understand life’s pursuit of excellence in human terms. The I Ching presents a clear outline of a rational and well-ordered universe, offering sixty-four transformative principles as a pathway to empowerment. The variation of eight trigrams generate sixty-four possible hexagrams. The creation of the eight Pa Kua or trigrams at the root of the sixty-four principles, are ascribed to the legendary Fu-hsi, who ruled during the third millennium BC. It is based on the ancient idea of Yin and Yang and is appreciated by the Confucians and Taoists alike. The Book of Changes, called the I Ching, is one of the world's oldest works of literature. They cannot be confined within a rule it is only change that is at work here." Flowing through the six empty places rising and sinking without fixed law, Firm and yielding transform each other. Its tao is forever changing alteration, movement without rest. The I Ching Watch: Introduction to the I Ching "Changes is a book from which one may not hold aloof.