George Santayana once commented that, "The concept of Spirit does not interest me, except as a technicality; it is the " life " of Spirit that I'm talking about. . ." And so too with Professor Allan W. Anderson whose " Reflections on the I Ching "is written precisely for the one engaging the life of Spirit. Throughout his career, Professor Anderson tirelessly explored and shared his understanding of the Perennial or Wisdom Tradition whose essential features remain the same in every classical religion regardless of culture. This collection of Professor Anderson's work on the I Ching, the earliest of the Chinese classics, serves as a companion volume to his " Self-Transformation " and the Oracular. The transcription of a short lecture series will assist the student who is meeting the I Ching for the first time. The articles delve deeply into the original text and so provide the philosophical underpinnings for the practice outlined in the extended essay. Every scripture has its particular genius. Arguably the genius of the I Ching is its focus on making adequate passage from birth to and through death through embodying timely action and awakening to the interplay of fate and destiny. The serious student of the Wisdom Tradition will richly benefit from the sagely interpretation Professor Anderson provides with " Reflections on the I Ching. "

This seminal collection of works by Allan Anderson expresses his deep concern with vital matters that are shared by all of humanity. His exploration into questions that profoundly affect people of every race and gender, from every quarter of the globe, are brought into focus in his discerning questions posed to J. Krishnamurti. In 1974 he held 18 one hour conversations with the philosopher, teacher and author Krishnamurti, who was perhaps the most noted iconoclast of his day. One who spoke on a wide range of topics, often focusing on 'what is', as he put it. His teaching pointed again and again to not being hobbled by the influence of others, be they those we look up to such as Gurus, Priests and Masters but, also the culture into which we are born, with its deep impact on our conditioned mindset. Our admiration can also include Rulers, Kings or Dictators whose iron hand can impose a sense of order into the confusion and disorder of our lives. Our beliefs, the rules set out by our conditioned past, can prevent us from direct observation and true insight. As a teacher Krishnamurti did not offer comfort or consolation, but rather asked that we take direct responsibility for our actions and to our relationship with others. As the interviews continued under the challenging exploration of both Anderson and Krishnamurti, the topics plumb depths that could only be achieved by those who are able to interact with direct responsiveness. The universality of the topics, ranging in part from questions regarding Fear, Desire, Death, Religion and Authority and lastly Meditation, to offering the widest scope for those willing to face essential questions. The rapport with which the two men interact, the open minded approach to serious issues, indicate not only the depth and passion of their concern but the ability to really listen. Each responding to the other, not as if from across the ravine of pre-held positions, but each looking afresh at every issue as it arises. Lastly, the awakening of that supreme intelligence which does not depend on any authority and which is beyond all thought can only come about from the well-spring of direct perception. Each man, in his own way, makes clear that such perception is possible. (From the Foreword by Evelyne Blau)

George Santayana once commented that, "The concept of Spirit does not interest me, except as a technicality; it is the " life " of Spirit that I'm talking about. . ." And so too with Professor Allan W. Anderson whose " Reflections on the I Ching "is written precisely for the one engaging the life of Spirit. Throughout his career, Professor Anderson tirelessly explored and shared his understanding of the Perennial or Wisdom Tradition whose essential features remain the same in every classical religion regardless of culture. This collection of Professor Anderson's work on the I Ching, the earliest of the Chinese classics, serves as a companion volume to his " Self-Transformation " and the Oracular. The transcription of a short lecture series will assist the student who is meeting the I Ching for the first time. The articles delve deeply into the original text and so provide the philosophical underpinnings for the practice outlined in the extended essay. Every scripture has its particular genius. Arguably the genius of the I Ching is its focus on making adequate passage from birth to and through death through embodying timely action and awakening to the interplay of fate and destiny. The serious student of the Wisdom Tradition will richly benefit from the sagely interpretation Professor Anderson provides with " Reflections on the I Ching. "