I Ching: The Book of Change (Shambhala Pocket Classics) Paperback – March 10, 1992

Lovely cute little I Ching Book. It's really small... perfect for a stocking stuffer or I Ching student traveler. I Ching divinations on the go you say? Why yes... of course. (Try on, I bet you make a new friend in 5 minutes.). This little guy is packed with info, and remember, you can NEVER have enough different books on the I Ching. ;-)

What can I say? It's the I Ching. IYKYKOpen to a page and read daily. A small book with big wisdom.

The “I Ching” is the most ancient Chinese classic.The “I Ching” inspired Lao Tzu’s “Tao Te Ching” and Sun Tzu’s “Art of War.”Confucius, Albert Einstein, and Steve Jobs studied the “I Ching.”The “I Ching” is worth reading and re-reading.NOTE: This review is for “I Ching - The Book of Change,” translated by Thomas Cleary, ISBN 978-1-59030-403-7.

As others here note, this is a handy reference for the experienced user. Beginners would do better with Hilary Barrett, or perhaps R. L Wing or Carol Anthony (among others).Shambhala shows a publication date of 1992; I suspect this is a much earlier work by Cleary, who's reputation rests on clear and accurate translation rather than poetic indulgence. The text here -- the source of which is never stated -- is rather clunky and obtuse, recounting the Confucian epigrammatic description, judgment, and image for each of the 64 hexagrams along with commentaries on the changing lines. Those generally familiar with the I Ching will soon be at home with this bare-bones political manual stripped of Victorian-era sentimentality (via to Legge and Wilhelm) and pop-psychological/new age fluffiness (thanks to latter-day Jungians), and might gain some useful insights. New users will be less than edified by commentaries such as "If you fasten something with the hide of a yellow ox, nothing can unloosen it."The introductory text, though insightful, seems to be written for academics; the book ends with a "List of Hexagrams with their Primal Correlates and Structural Complements." What this means and why the reader should care is not explained.In sum: It is indeed a handy pocket guide for those who (like me) cogitate on hexagrams and do an occasional cast throughout the day, and like to have a concise source-book on hand. Beginners would do well to build their libraries on more accessible texts before acquiring this one.

Shambhala Pocket Classics capture the essence of this version of the I Ching. I have a few other Shambhala Classics and am impressed with their ability to focus on the important ideas. I have the Wilhelm/Baynes edition of the I Ching which is great of deep study and research. But this little book is great for a quick look up of the meanings. The book fits easily in the palm of your hand. Is it available for the Kindle, or a smart phone?

been consulting the I Ching over the years and find the insights thoughtful and helpful .... can be a positive tool for life and enjoyment. Makes one a little less compulsive.

It is very much pocket sized, and I love that. It is interesting in itself once you figure out how to use it, and once again, it is awesomely little.

I have studied/practiced I-Ching for more than 30 years. Now, I’m pretty easy going with translations, but this is by far the least helpful that I have reviewed. Not for a beginner. And as a seasoned veteran of I Ching, I’m less than impressed. Nice little book, but it’s less vague than its esoteric counterparts. Avoid.