Final Lap
Life, a journey of learning and assumptions of choice for most. Death, the uncertain transition point for many.
易理 ( The Yi Theory )
In ancient times the teachings of the human system were taught in symbolic representation, drawn with a stick or stone on the ground. The knowledge was a result of observing how the laws of nature govern and being in tune with them.
In the same way that the stars and universe maintain equilibrium, maintaining one’s well-being was a daily practice rather than merely a belief.
On 周易 (I-Ching / The Book of Change).
The word 易 (Yi) is referring to 蜥蜴 (chameleons), as these lizards can colour-shift to camouflage itself.
When 周文王 (King Wen of Zhou) was imprisoned, he stacked the 八卦 (8 Trigrams) to act out the possible 六十四卦 (64 Hexagrams). With each individual lines a notion of a situation gradually in change, he might have used it to predict his fate as he was much in despair. His son 周公 (Duke of Zhou) later edited some of the verses to make it less demoralising.
There is also 64 human genome sequencing, might be out of context but just wanted to point out that numbers are indicators of things. 6 + 4 = 10; 1s and 0s, and as recorded 周易 (I-Ching / The Book of Change) did influence Leibniz on his binary arithmetic documenting. You can also see these symbols on the South Korean flag.
Now 易理 (The Yi Theory) on the other hand existed in a time before any formal languages, it was drawn based on logic to comprehend the Universe of its law of change, as well to depict nature’s phenomenon. The even and broken lines represent 阴 (Yin) and 阳 (Yang), of the base positive and oppose energies. The grouped formations are much like atoms and molecules binding in electromagnetic force.
太极生两仪,
Taiji arouses The Two Appearance,
两仪生四象,
The Two Appearance branches into The Four Resemblance,
四象生八卦.
The Four Resemblance roots The Eight Trigrams.
八卦 (The Eight Trigrams) represents the 8 earthly phenomena attributes, and 无极 (Of Origin) is a conditional state.
To have a feel and sense of it, you can just stare at these lines and its combination without trying to find words for it.
All life forms possess a certain essence of their creator, much like a child inherits its parents’ genes. Humans are created within this sphere we call earth, so we do possess certain of Mother Earth’s abilities; as we do with the similar elemental composition with the stars. 在天成象, 在地成形 (what is seen from the Heaven, forms on Earth).
As above, so below.
河图 洛书
The River Map and The Stream Scroll
河图 (The River Map) can be drawn in a circular manner and 洛书 (The Stream Scroll) in a square form. All white dots denote 阳气 (Positive Energy) and black dots 阴气 (Negative Energy).
The River Map
The Stream Scroll
In general, 河图 (The River Map) represent a balance and harmonious state of mind with the Heaven/Universe, while 洛书 (The Stream Scroll) is a schematic of the 易理 (The Yi Theory).
There is a saying 天圆地方 (the sky is round and the earth is flat), so you probably can guess the relation between these two diagrams.
In the 河图 (The River Map) if you subtract each group of adjoined dots you will end up with 5, 5 being a representation of humans. It represents the human’s five energy points in the predominant system.
In the 洛书 (The Stream Scroll) if you add up the number of dots in any vertical, horizontal, or diagonal sequence you will end up with 15. 15 being the total sum of all 易理 (The Yi Theory) branches; 无极Of Origin (0) + 太极Taiji (1) + 两仪The Two Appearance (2) + 四象The Four Resemblance (4) + 八卦The Eight Trigrams (8) = 15.
The 5 adjoined dots in 河图 (The River Map) represent energy points in the human predominant system which is within you.
The name of these two diagrams referring to river and stream arises from their connection to the human body’s fluid, which embodies our essence.
The Predominant System
This is a human system consisting of five energy points, these points make you human as a being. By regulating it with your breath it becomes conscious through transduction. These points then hardens, resonates, and you can direct the flowing force.
These five points feel like a seed, so it will be referred here as 丹点 (Seed Points).
In your 丹点 (Seed Points) resides your 元精 (Core Essence), 元气 (Prime Energy), 元神 (Origin God), 元性 (Character Spirit), and 元情 (Emotion Soul). These five “conscious energies” can be at its purest or strongest state. If left unattained, it deteriorates along with the physical human body.
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元精 (Core Essence)
We were conceived in a liquid form, and our life essence lies within it.
Water sustains life. This is our core fluid point.
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元气 (Prime Energy)
This point contains the energy that got you here.
You will also need it to depart from this life when it ends.
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元神 (Origin God)
This is the “original” you, before your current human state.
You developed human consciousness from it, while your untainted consciousness remains.
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元性 (character-spirit)
Your true character is one of humanitarian virtue.
It is fond of fun and joy, and loves life if you pamper it.
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元情 (emotion-soul)
Your true emotion is of justice value.
It triggers thoughts and memories for responses.
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道 ( Dao / Tao )
We can focus 道 (Dao) as a way of life and not relating it to the religion 道教 (Daoism / Taoism).
It was claimed that the first recorded 道 (Dao) teachings were written by 老子 (Lao Zi). In general, it is a transcript of nature’s law and how we are supposed to deal and live with it in harmony. Translating true 道 (Dao) texts into other languages will usually lose its meaning and intention, as kennings similarity were used in riddle form.
Allow me to summarise the practical portion; a direct translation of 道 can mean a path, in this context a “breathing path.” To rejuvenate this path one must first learn to open their “floodgate” to release their stagnant 气 (Energy). This is then to transpose one’s breathing structurally inside the body to interact with their 丹点 (Seed Points).
天人合一 ( To Be One With Heaven )
The purpose; (maybe not having to worry about healthcare insurance), is to have the oneness with Heaven. Heaven here means Universe but try to think of it as Mother Earth for a start. Nature has a different sort of love and affection, you need to be living in harmony with your own bodily universe for that understanding.
It will also give you clarity about many things in life and beyond.
I have dedicated my remaining time here to providing therapy sessions and training lessons with the intention that people understand how 气 (Energy) works in the body and the methods of regulating it for their own well-being. All sessions need to be conducted live, in person. My practice is not the conventional cross-legged meditation method; rather, it is something simpler and more natural.
The knowledge presented here may be solely for your awareness.