CHING(6)            UNIX Programmer's Manual             CHING(6)

NAME
     ching, fortune - the book of changes and other cookies

SYNOPSIS
     /usr/games/ching [ hexagram ]

DESCRIPTION
     The _I _C_h_i_n_g or _B_o_o_k _o_f _C_h_a_n_g_e_s is an ancient Chinese oracle
     that has been in use for centuries as a source of wisdom and
     advice.

     The text of the _o_r_a_c_l_e (as it is sometimes known) consists
     of sixty-four _h_e_x_a_g_r_a_m_s, each symbolized by a particular
     arrangement of six straight (---) and broken (- -) lines.
     These lines have values ranging from six through nine, with
     the even values indicating the broken lines.

     Each hexagram consists of two major sections.  The Judgement
     relates specifically to the matter at hand (E.g., "It furth-
     ers one to have somewhere to go.") while the Image describes
     the general attributes of the hexagram and how they apply to
     one's own life ("Thus the superior man makes himself strong
     and untiring.").

     When any of the lines have the values six or nine, they are
     moving lines; for each there is an appended judgement which
     becomes significant.  Furthermore, the moving lines are
     inherently unstable and change into their opposites; a
     second hexagram (and thus an additional judgement) is
     formed.

     Normally, one consults the oracle by fixing the desired
     question firmly in mind and then casting a set of changes
     (lines) using yarrow-stalks or tossed coins.  The resulting
     hexagram will be the answer to the question.

     Using an algorithm suggested by S. C. Johnson, the Unix _o_r_a_-
     _c_l_e simply reads a question from the standard input (up to
     an EOF) and hashes the individual characters in combination
     with the time of day, process id and any other magic numbers
     which happen to be lying around the system.  The resulting
     value is used as the seed of a random number generator which
     drives a simulated coin-toss divination.  The answer is then
     piped through nroff for formatting and will appear on the
     standard output.

     For those who wish to remain steadfast in the old tradi-
     tions, the oracle will also accept the results of a personal
     divination using, for example, coins.  To do this, cast the
     change and then type the resulting line values as an argu-
     ment.

Printed 8/2/83                                                  1

CHING(6)            UNIX Programmer's Manual             CHING(6)

     The impatient modern may prefer to settle for Chinese cook-
     ies; try _f_o_r_t_u_n_e(6).

SEE ALSO
     It furthers one to see the great man.

DIAGNOSTICS
     The great prince issues commands,
     Founds states, vests families with fiefs.
     Inferior people should not be employed.

BUGS
     Waiting in the mud
     Brings about the arrival of the enemy.

     If one is not extremely careful,
     Somebody may come up from behind and strike him.
     Misfortune.

Printed 8/2/83                                                  2