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+.TH CHING 6 sola
+.CT 1 games
+.SH NAME
+ching \- the book of changes
+.SH SYNOPSIS
+.B /usr/games/ching
+[
+.I hexagram
+]
+.SH DESCRIPTION
+The
+.I "I Ching"
+or
+.I "Book of Changes"
+is an ancient Chinese oracle
+that has been in use for
+centuries
+as a source of wisdom
+and advice.
+.PP
+The text of the
+.I oracle
+(as it is sometimes known)
+consists of sixty-four
+.I hexagrams,
+each symbolized
+by a particular
+arrangement of
+six straight
+.B ---
+and broken
+.B -\ -
+lines.
+These lines
+have values ranging
+from six through nine,
+with the even
+values indicating
+the broken lines.
+.PP
+Each hexagram
+consists of two major sections.
+The `Judgement' relates specifically
+to the matter at hand
+(E.g.,
+`It furthers 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.').
+.PP
+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.
+.PP
+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.
+.PP
+Using an algorithm
+suggested by S. C. Johnson,
+the Unix
+oracle simply reads a question
+from the standard input
+(up to an EOF)
+and hashes the individual characters
+in combination with other indicia
+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 appears on the
+standard output.
+.PP
+For those who wish
+to remain steadfast
+in the old traditions,
+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 argument.
+.PP
+The impatient modern may prefer to settle for
+Chinese cookies; try
+.IR fortune (1).
+.SH "SEE ALSO"
+It furthers one to see the great man.
+.SH DIAGNOSTICS
+The great prince issues commands,
+.br
+Founds states, vests families with fiefs.
+.br
+Inferior people should not be employed.
+.SH BUGS
+Waiting in the mud
+.br
+Brings about the arrival of the enemy.
+.PP
+If one is not extremely careful,
+.br
+Somebody may come up from behind and strike him.
+.br
+Misfortune.