This is the second part in our series on the I Ching. Read our history on the world's first self-help book here.
Editors Note: Our enterprising That's Beijing editor Oscar Holland let the Pocket I Ching app guide his choices for 24 hours. Here is his account.
14.00: Andingmen, Beijing
I am due to visit Shanghai, a city laden with temptation, vice and places in which I could easily become lost (physically and morally). There can be no better time to seek spiritual guidance.
But cracked turtle shells, coins and yarrow stalks are too antiquated for my purposes. I head over to today’s equivalent of the mystics’ lair (the App Store) and download ‘Pocket I Ching.’ The app is designed in pleasing shades of yellow and is completely randomized, just like the ancient instruments of chance.
15.15: Dongzhimen, Beijing
My train departs in just 45 minutes’ time. Should I take the subway or find a taxi? Focusing my mind on the question, as instructed, I tap the screen six times to form hexagram number 25, Innocence (The Unexpected). Ride the wave to make progress but allow others to benefit also. That sounds distinctly like public transport.
But there is a changing ‘yang’ line that can be corrected to improve my situation: This is not the time to push ahead blindly – wait. Uncertain whether I Ching understands the urgency of the situation, I ignore the latter advice and arrive via subway with 10 minutes to spare.
18.40: On a train outside Nanjing
I feel the nagging call of nature. Unfortunately, the woman next to me is stretched out and fast asleep. My need to urinate is pressing, but maybe I'm being selfish. What if this is her only chance to rest before some gruelling encounter? I am presented with hexagram number 26, Darkening of the Light. Better to suffer than to compromise your principles. Keep fixed on your ultimate goal. This leaves me confused. My principles tell me that I could probably wait, but my ultimate goal lies in the bathroom. I try again. Number 4, Youthful Folly. You have asked the same question too often to deserve further comment. The oracle answers correctly the first time only. I’ll wait.
21.30: The Bund, Shanghai
After enjoying a perfectly pleasant dinner with an old friend from London, it’s time to decide where our night will continue. I can barely contain my shock as hexagram number 6, Conflict, is revealed. You feel you are in the right but face conflict. Avoid confrontation even if you win, enmity will be perpetuated.
We’ve been friends for over 15 years and have never come to blows. There must surely be some alternative interpretation (because frankly, should we descend into street fighting, I would almost certainly lose). It must be a metaphor. To the Boxing Cat Brewery.
02.10: Fumin Lu, Shanghai
The I Ching leads us to Diva. It’s one of those ‘order table service and look like you’re having the worst night of your life’ kind of clubs. Confucius would be horrified. I am becoming drunk and a scantily-clad male dancer is standing on the bar gyrating uncomfortably close to my face. My friend suggests some tequila shots. With the earlier warnings of conflict, I am hesitant.
Number 26, Taming Power of the Great. You are now ready to embark on a major project. Marshall your resources and begin. It’s a haughty way to describe my situation but the message is clear. I marshall the pinks in my wallet. “Fuwuyuan!”
03.30: Exact location unknown
I am accosted by a prostitute in the street. Her aggressive marketing strategy centers around grabbing my crotch and insisting that I want a good time. I don't. Taking refuge in a nearby bar, I peer through the window and see her waiting for me outside.
Somewhat ironically, I Ching presents number 57, The Gentle. A changing fourth line provides guidance: Uncertainty passes. Act decisively now and you will have no regrets. Reassured, I wait for an approaching taxi and run out. Confidently deflecting the young lady’s gropes, I jump into the cab. She attempts to join me but I act decisively and slam the door shut.
10.05: Starbucks Madang Lu, Shanghai
Hungover and disoriented, I am struck by a dilemma that has plagued humankind since the time of Socrates: club sandwich or chicken panini? Number 47, Oppression (Exhaustion). Your energy is weak and your words will be wasted. The first part is certainly true. But what of the second? I am unsure how to proceed. Perhaps the app’s all-seeing ‘info’ tab can reveal more.
If the answer you receive makes no sense, the I Ching may be answering another question in the back of your mind. So maybe ‘wasted words’ refers to the other matter I’d been pondering while choosing my sandwich: is journalism a really, really terrible career choice?
11.00: That's Shanghai towers
Editor-in-Chief of That’s Shanghai, Marianna Cerini, has allowed me to use her office for the day. A USB stick protrudes from a computer below the desk. As I test her chair’s swivel with boyish abandon, I accidentally hit the device with my foot, causing it to snap. Should I risk her characteristically fiery wrath or see if she mistakenly blames herself for the mishap?
Number 59, Dispersion (The Dissolving). Your personal strength and rapport with others will enable you to dissolve conflict quickly. I own up via WeChat. It transpires that important documents and photos are among the lost files. She doesn't respond to my apology and I take this as a sign of silent fury
13.40: Former French Concession, Shanghai
It’s daily existential crisis time. Thus far, I have used I Ching to guide relatively inconsequential choices. But it’s time to 'think big' before the 24 hours are up. What am I doing in China? Should I return home?
Number 24, Return (The Turning Point). The old ways are being discarded; the new is coming into view. You have missed the moment to change direction. Best to wait for the next opportunity.
Then I find the app’s following disclaimer: If you are a novice you may misunderstand some of the answers. Do not rely only on the I Ching when making serious decisions. Too late.
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