The Channeled Method - Receiving the Hexagram from Within

In stark contrast to the calculative and observational techniques of the Plum Blossom (Mei Hua Yi) school, the Channeled Method offers a profoundly intuitive and internal pathway to receiving an I Ching hexagram. This approach relies less on external data or mathematical formulas and more on the diviner's capacity to enter an altered state of consciousness and directly perceive or "channel" the lines of the hexagram.

The Principle: Accessing Deeper Levels of Consciousness

The core idea behind the Channeled Method is that the wisdom of the I Ching and the answers to our inquiries can be accessed directly from deeper levels of consciousness, or even from what might be perceived as a divine or universal source. This requires the diviner to bypass the analytical mind and cultivate a state of profound stillness and receptivity.

The Process: Journeying Inward

The Channeled Method typically involves the following stages:

Preparation: Meditation and Prayer

• Stillness and Centering: The process begins with dedicated time for meditation to quiet the mind, release distractions, and achieve a state of inner calm and focus.
• Prayer or Invocation: Many practitioners will engage in prayer or a specific invocation, setting their intention to connect with a higher source of wisdom (be it the Tao, a deity, ancestral spirits, or their own higher self) and asking for clear guidance.

Entering a Natural Trancelike State:

• Through sustained meditation and focused intention, the diviner aims to enter a natural, light trancelike state. This is not about losing consciousness but rather shifting awareness from the everyday, analytical mind to a more receptive, intuitive mode.
• The "stillness and tranquility of the heart-mind" are paramount here. The calmer and more centered the diviner, the clearer the channel for receiving information is believed to be.

"Channeling" the Six Lines:

• Once in this receptive state, the diviner focuses on their question and allows the six lines of the hexagram to emerge from within or be "received."
• Bottom-Up Formation: The lines are typically perceived or "transcribed" one by one, starting from the bottom (line 1) and moving upwards to the top (line 6).
• Involuntary Rendering: A key aspect of this method is the emphasis on the involuntary nature of how the lines appear. The diviner is not consciously constructing the lines but rather acting as a scribe or conduit for information that seems to flow through them. This might manifest as:
  • A clear visual image of each line (solid or broken).
  • A strong intuitive sense or feeling of each line's quality.
  • An internal "knowing" of what each line should be.

Recording the Hexagram:

• As each line is perceived, it is immediately recorded. This creates the primary hexagram.
• Some practitioners might also perceive whether a line is changing or stable during this process, while others might use a secondary intuitive method (or even a quick numerical check based on the overall feeling of the hexagram) to determine changing lines if they are not immediately apparent.

Preparatory Techniques for Deepening the State

To facilitate entry into the necessary extraordinary state of consciousness, some practitioners may employ specific advanced meditative or spiritual techniques:

• "Guarding of the One" (守一 Shǒu Yī) Meditation: A Taoist meditative practice focused on concentrating the mind and qi to achieve unity and stillness, often by focusing on a single point or concept.
• "Ascent to Heaven" Spirit Body Journeying: Shamanistic or esoteric practices involving guided visualization or out-of-body experiences to access higher realms or spiritual guidance.

These advanced techniques underscore the depth of practice and mental discipline often associated with the more profound applications of the Channeled Method.

The Importance of Stillness and Purity of Heart-Mind

The accuracy, clarity, and power of a hexagram received through the Channeled Method are believed to be directly proportional to the diviner's inner state. A calm, clear, and tranquil "heart-mind" (心 xin), free from excessive ego, desire, or mental agitation, is considered essential for a pure and undistorted transmission.

This method highlights the most mystical end of the Plum Blossom spectrum, emphasizing direct spiritual experience and the potential for the human mind to connect with profound sources of wisdom. It requires trust, patience, and dedicated inner cultivation.

In our next article, we will touch upon "Article 9: The Rice Grain Method (and Other Observational Techniques)."