Business and Money Tips

《系辞》(Xici), also known as the "Appended Judgments" or "Ten Wings," is a key commentary on the ancient Chinese classic, the Yijing. Yijing uses hexagrams (combinations of six lines) to provide guidance. The Xici provides philosophical insights into the principles underlying Yijing. Here are a few practical examples to illustrate some concepts from the Xici: ### 1. **The Concept of Change and Transformation (变与化)** The Xici emphasizes that change is a constant in the universe. Everything is in a state of flux and transformation.  **Example: Business Adaptation** In a business context, this can be understood as the need to continually adapt to market trends and customer needs. For instance, a company that originally sold products in physical stores might need to pivot to e-commerce as consumer preferences shift towards online shopping.  ### 2. **The Idea of Yin and Yang (阴阳)** Yin and Yang represent complementary opposites that interact to form ...

Parenting is one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences in life. As parents, we constantly seek guidance to nurture and raise our children in the best possible way. In today's fast-paced world, ancient wisdom often provides timeless principles that can help us navigate the complexities of parenthood. One such source of wisdom is the Yijing, also known as the I Ching or Book of Changes. This ancient Chinese text offers profound insights into human behavior, relationships, and personal growth. Applying the principles of Yijing to parenting can lead to a harmonious and balanced family life. Understanding Yijing Yijing is an ancient Chinese divination text and one of the oldest of the Chinese classics. It is based on a set of 64 hexagrams, each consisting of six lines, either broken (Yin) or unbroken (Yang). These hexagrams represent different states and processes of change in the universe. By interpreting these hexagrams, one can gain insight into the dynamics of any given ...

Grow with Yijing Ba Gua or 8 Trigrams Qian (Universe): This trigram represents leadership, strength, and creativity. In terms of growth wealth, take initiative, be bold, innovate, or just take the lead on projects. Kun (Earth): Symbolizing nourishment, support, and adaptability, Kun advises being open to opportunities and support from others. It also emphasizes the importance of building a strong, stable foundation for future growth. Kan (Water): Represents danger but also wisdom, Kan advises caution and strategic thinking in the face of challenges. It suggests that understanding and navigating risks wisely can lead to growth. Li (Fire) : Li represents clarity, insight, and dependence. It suggests that transparency, ethical practices, and clear communication can attract growth wealth. Xun (Wind) : This trigram symbolizes flexibility, persistence, and gradual progress. Adapt changing circumstances and persistently pursue long-term goals while steadily growing yourself and becoming a ...

The 8 Things To Say in an Election Campaign Speech, they are using Yijing's 8 Trigrams or Ba Gua.  1. Start with Bright Future to excite people.  Just like the Qian (Universe) gua in Yijing, this will open up possibilities and give power to your audience.   2. How to Execute: Listen like the Kun (Earth) gua in Yijing.  Serve people's needs by listening to their concerns and aspirations 3. Overcoming Difficulties.  In Kan gua, difficulties are there but we will work with you and persevere because we have 4. Fire in the Belly.  This is the Li (Fire) gua, where with passion, clarity and enthusiasm, we can overcome obstacles and emerge stronger.  5. Take things step by step.  Like the Xun (Wind) gua, gentle penetration will be able to reach all corners and leave no one behind and leave no stones unturned.  6. Take decisive and fast Action.   We are not afraid to act fast if necessary, be it to leverage opportunities or tackle issue...

Understanding and applying Yijing can be particularly beneficial for delinquent kids in several straightforward ways: 1. Self-reflection : Yijing encourages thinking about one's behavior and choices. For example, a delinquent kid might use Yijing to reflect on why they got into a fight at school, helping them understand their emotions and reactions better. 2. Decision-making : Yijing offers insights into various life situations, teaching kids to think about the consequences before acting. For instance, before skipping class, a kid might consider the long-term effects of missing education as suggested by a Yijing reading. 3. Handling Change : Yijing teaches that change is constant and managing it is part of life. A delinquent kid might learn to adapt better to a new school or home environment, seeing change as a normal and manageable process. 4. Ethical Guidance: Through its hexagrams, Yijing provides advice on right and wrong. This could guide a kid in choosing to return a found w...

  At the peak of my career, with my bank account overflowing and my social calendar bursting at the seams, I found myself staring at the ceiling at 2 a.m., sleep as elusive as a shadow in the night. Despite the luxurious silk sheets that cocooned me and the soft hum of the air conditioner that whispered promises of comfort, peace of mind was a foreign concept. It was then, in the silence of my sprawling mansion, that a disconcerting thought crept into my mind: I was rich in money but bankrupt in life. My days were a whirlwind of meetings, business trips, and lavish social gatherings. I traveled first-class to exotic destinations, collected art and cars with the same enthusiasm a child collects seashells, and dined at the world’s finest restaurants. Yet, there was a hollowness inside me, a void that no amount of money could fill. It dawned on me that true wealth was not just about the financial aspect; it encompassed all 12 areas of life: physical, mental, spiritual, family, time, e...

  Oneness: Seeing the Big Financial Picture: Virtues   Oneness in the context of financial wealth means understanding that all financial decisions, no matter how small, are interconnected and affect the overall health of one's or a business's financial status.  This includes how investments (assets) can generate income (cash flow) while managing debts (liabilities) to increase overall financial value. For example, a personal decision to invest in higher education impacts future earning potential, just as a business's choice to prioritize sustainable practices might initially cost more but can lead to greater customer loyalty and long-term profitability. Oneness in Yijing can also refer to virtues.  This famous phrase in Yijing 厚的载物 means those with thick virtues can hold the most, including financial wealth.   This concept underscores the idea that individuals with profound moral integrity and virtue have the capacity to bear great responsibilities, influen...

We know that Yijing reflects nature, and knowing Yijing allows us to be Time Rich, one of the 12 Riches of Life.  There are 6 concepts in Yijing, today let's look at Onenss and how it makes us Time Rich Oneness: Embracing the Wholeness of Time There is no time, there are only moments . This is because time is just a human invention and in the universe, all the creatures do not observe time but follow nature, which is made up of moments. The principle of oneness suggests that every moment is part of a greater whole of our life’s journey. When we view time from this holistic perspective, we recognize that each moment spent working or in leisure contributes to the tapestry of our existence. Recognizing the importance of moments and treasure each and every moment as though it is the last. That’s why the equivalent of NewsFeed in WeChat is called ‘Moments’, because it is the moments that make up our life.  Understanding this helps us allocate time judiciously, ensuring that each as...

John C. Maxwell, a renowned leadership expert and author, emphasizes the importance of buy-in in leadership across his extensive body of work. He believes that for leaders to be effective, they must first secure the buy-in of their followers. Without this buy-in, even the best strategies and plans can falter because leadership is less about the leader and more about the led . Here are some key insights and proven ways Maxwell suggests to gain buy-in from your team: The Importance of Buy-In in Leadership Leadership is Influence: Maxwell often states, "Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less." The essence of leadership is about influencing others to follow, and this cannot be achieved without their buy-in. Buy-in turns the leader’s vision into a collective mission. Builds Trust and Loyalty : Buy-in is crucial for building trust and loyalty, which are foundational for any effective team. When team members buy into the leader's vision and leadership, they are mor...

The connection between artificial intelligence (AI) and Yijing (I Ching) lies in their shared interest in pattern recognition, decision-making, and understanding complex systems. 1. Pattern Recognition : AI systems often rely on pattern recognition to make sense of large datasets and make predictions or decisions. Similarly, Yijing is a Chinese text that has been used for centuries as a divination tool based on the interpretation of patterns formed by hexagrams (six-line diagrams). 2. Decision-Making : AI algorithms are designed to make decisions based on input data and predefined rules. Yijing provides a framework for decision-making through the interpretation of hexagrams and their changing lines, offering insights into various situations and potential outcomes. 3. Understanding Complex Systems : Both AI and Yijing seek to understand complex systems and phenomena. AI algorithms aim to model and understand complex systems such as human behavior, weather patterns, financial markets, e...

How can knowing Yijing 64 hexagrams helps you become a high value employee? Knowing and understanding the 64 hexagrams of Yijing, can potentially contribute to your personal and professional development, which in turn could make you a more valuable employee in several ways: Decision Making : Yijing is centered on understanding the dynamics of change and making decisions in the context of this ever-changing world. By studying its hexagrams, you can develop a more nuanced approach to decision-making, considering multiple perspectives and potential outcomes. Adaptability: The central theme of Yijing is change , and its wisdom can help you become more adaptable and flexible. In a professional setting, the ability to adjust to new situations and challenges is highly valued. Strategic Thinking : The hexagrams and their interpretations often involve strategic thinking and the consideration of various factors that can influence an outcome. This can enhance your ability to think strategicall...

The inclusion of the dragon in the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, despite being a mythical creature, can be explored from various cultural and philosophical perspectives, including the Yijing (or I Ching), an ancient Chinese divination text and one of the oldest of the Chinese classics. The Yijing, or "Book of Changes," is rooted in the concept of Yin and Yang, and the idea that everything in the universe is in a state of constant change. This philosophy is reflected in the Yijing through 64 hexagrams, which are symbols used to interpret the universe's workings and provide guidance. From the Yijing's perspective, the dragon can be seen as a symbol of transformation, power, and auspiciousness . In Chinese culture, the dragon is often associated with strength, good luck, and imperial authority. Its inclusion in the zodiac can be interpreted as representing these qualities and the dynamic, ever-changing nature of the universe as understood in the Yijing. The dragon's my...

Seeking Good Fortune and Avoiding Disaster 趋吉避凶 Understanding 趋吉避凶 in the Context of Yijing Divination Seeking Harmony: Yijing teaches the importance of aligning oneself with the natural flow of the universe. By understanding and adhering to this flow, one aims to attract positive outcomes (吉, jí) and avoid negative ones (凶, xiōng). Responsive Action : Yijing encourages responsiveness to changing circumstances. By interpreting the hexagrams, one seeks to understand the best course of action that will lead to auspicious results and steer clear of misfortune. Yijing Divination Example Imagine a business owner facing a critical decision about expanding their company. They turn to Yijing for guidance. After casting the yarrow sticks or coins, they derive a hexagram that suggests caution and the need for careful planning. The lines of the hexagram might imply that rapid expansion could lead to overextension and potential failure (凶), while a more measured approach, perhaps focusing on conso...

  Yijing 2nd Hexagram: Kun (The Receptive) 1. Only hexagram that has all 6 lines as Yin (2 broken lines).  The broken lines represent the dark, yielding, receptive primal power of Yin.   2. The attribute of Kun is Devotion , its image is earth.  It complements Qian and is the other half of duality in life: man and woman, hard and solft.  3. Considered the 2nd most important hexagram of all 64 hexagrams, for it teaches us to be humble, patient and supportive.  5. Meaning of each line (read from bottom to top) Line 1 - Receptive Beginning: This line represents the very essence of receptiveness at its beginning. It's akin to fertile soil, ready to receive seeds. In human terms, it's about being open and ready to accept new ideas or guidance. Think of it as an attitude of humility and willingness to learn, like a student eager to absorb knowledge. Line 2 - Perfect Receptivity: Line 2 symbolizes optimal receptivity and supportiveness. It's at the core of Ku...

Hexagram 1: Qian 1. Only hexagram that has all lines as yang.  2. This hexagram is considered one of the most important hexagrams of all 64, for it provides us with a good basis for how we read each hexagram, using the concept of oneness and respect for nature and all things in nature.  3. Meanings of each line (read from bottom to top) Line 1: Hidden Dragon   It means potential and caution, for things are not yet visible or active.  It also means also don't use or do something when you are not sure of it yourself, or when you are not sure of yourself.  For example, don't show off when you are not there yet, don't criticize for the sake of criticizing, and never take flattery as compliments.  Line 2: Emerging dragon Emerging strengths or capabilities that are starting to become visible or influential.  It also means as events slowly emerge, certain things are visible.  Like a doctor is seeing improvements in the patient's health after treatment....

1. The sages never die, they are still alive, we still benefit from their teaching, like Fuxi who created Yijing 7,000 years ago.  This is not religion, this is Yijing.  2. The book with no words: Bagua diagram. Because it has no words, you can attach whatever meaning to it.  It has no words because the universe is without words, only phenomena.  3. The universe is reflected in us, Zhouyi, the zhou means 'all'.  4. Whatever theories we have are from nature, and Yijing reflects nature.  5. Three reasons to learn Yijing: A. To get things right.  Many things are not right, but we think that they are right, like self-confidence.  In Yijing, there is no self confidence, only self reflection, self discipline, self control and self discuss.  B. Morals C. Seeking sameness in differences .  6. One grows into two, two combine to become one, this is Yin Yang from Taiji. One is two, and two is one. One grows into 2, not one divides into 2.  7....

5 Ways how Knowing Yijing can Help You Avoid Being Scammed or Cheated by Andy Ng, author of Yijing Explained book, details at http://asiatrainers.org/yjbook Knowing Yijing (I Ching) can provide individuals with valuable insights and wisdom to help them avoid being scammed or cheated in various aspects of life. Here are five ways in which this ancient Chinese text can offer protection against deceit: 1. Enhanced Decision-Making Skills: Yijing emphasizes the importance of thoughtful and informed decision-making. By learning to analyze situations deeply and considering all facets before making decisions, individuals are less likely to be impulsive or naive, traits that scammers often exploit. 2. Developing Intuition and Awareness: The practice of consulting the Yijing can sharpen one's intuition and situational awareness. This heightened sense of awareness can help individuals detect when something seems off or too good to be true, allowing them to recognize potential scams before fal...

Kindness as a Way of Life by Andy Ng Kindness is a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries, enriches human connections, and has the power to transform lives. It goes beyond mere acts of charity or random good deeds. To me, kindness, when practiced as a way of life, becomes a profound philosophy that can shape our interactions with others, the world around us, and even our own well-being. In this article, we will explore the multifaceted aspects of kindness as a way of life, touching on non-violent communication, the limitations of traditional charity, the potential harms of helping, the deliberate cultivation of kindness, and the incredible rewards it brings. 1.       Non-Violent Communication Non-violent communication (NVC) is a key component of practicing kindness as a way of life. Developed by Marshall B. Rosenberg, NVC emphasizes empathetic communication that seeks to understand and connect with others on a deeper level. It encourages ...

People often said, Andy, you work too hard.  Actually I don't work hard, I work heart.  The Power of Heart-Centered Work by Andy Ng 1. Work Heart, not just Work Hard Work, for many, is an integral part of life. It's where we spend a significant portion of our time, striving to achieve our goals, make a living, and contribute to society. However, the way we approach our work can greatly impact our experience and the outcomes we achieve. The old adage "Work Hard" has been a mantra for generations, emphasizing the value of diligence and effort. Yet, it's important to recognize that working hard is not just about physical exertion and long hours; it's about the way we engage with our work and the level of passion we bring into it. In this essay, we will delve into the concept of "Work Heart, not just Work Hard," exploring how the heart-centered approach to work can transform hard work from being burdensome into something fulfilling and meaningful. 2. It...