"The mysteries of the ancient Chinese text known as the I Ching continue to fascinate scholars and New Age enthusiasts alike. While sinologists rely on historical criticism to explain the meaning of the work, those who use it for divination tend to accept without question the traditional account of its origin and purpose. Whereas modern scholars are generally dismissive of the book's reputed mystical significance, traditionalists may resent academic research into the oracle because it seems irreverent or iconoclastic. The Mandate of Heaven attempts to resolve the antagonism between these two approaches. "--BOOK JACKET.