I Ching to Islam Convent

I Ching (ee-ching)-The ancient Chinese Book of Changes, one of the five books of Chinese CONFUCIAN CANONA that deal with DIVINATION through 64 symbolic TRIGRAMS that help one achieve answers of life choices through yin and yang components. Apparently several sages contributed to this book, and it is said to have had the greatest influence on Chinese thought. The symbolic significance of each HEXAGRAM is written in philosophical passages that are then interpreted for use. Its wisdom and choices have been thoroughly used by many people (including the powerful and elite) for centuries.

Icon-A painted panel containing an image of a SACRED person (Eastern Orthodox Church).

Idealism-The idea that reality is cerebral and is created by the mind rather than material objects or matter. Picturing things in an ideal form and ultimately perfect.

Idolatry-The REVERENCE or worship of a physical object or idols.

Illumination-SPIRITUAL or intellectual ENLIGHTENMENT.

Imagery-A mind's eye image or picture that involves your senses, some of all of what you can taste, smell, hear, feel, or see. This could be thought of as purposeful daydreaming or a body-mind interaction. See GUIDED IMAGERY, VISUALIZATION.

Immanence-The basic belief of PANTHEISM that indicates the presence of a force or universal intelligence and a DIVINE presence that governs the universe and all that is in it; the presence of the celestial influence in all things.

Immortal-Being ETERNAL or having eternal life.

Impersonal-A BUDDHIST term stating that the comprehension of the ultimate (or the final degree of TRANSCENDENCE) does not point to a particular, personal GOD, but instead, should involve seeing beyond conventional thought and its resulting limitations. See TRANSCENDENCE.

Imponderable-Beyond thought or thinking. Unable to undergo exact evaluation.

Imprinting-Strong impressions which are sort of stamped with new patterns, some of which may or may not be desirable. This can be accomplished through various methods and imprinting of various types. One would be the early imprinting that happens in childhood and is usually very deep and thorough. The other would be imprinting that occurs on purpose or aided through the use of drugs or group chanting, MEDITATION, or selected music, etc.

Incarnate-Within a body; in a physical, bodily form.

Incantation-Chants or words used as a verbal spell or believed to have power in magical rites and sorcery RITUALS.

Inculturation-The practice that a particular group of Christians uses in expressing the BIBLE that is governed by the symbols, rites and customs that are used by the culture that they are a part of. Compare with ACCULTURATION.