Source: This article is derived from the internet and serves as a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
The Five Elements
Researching the principles of the Five Elements is essential for nurturing one’s nature and achieving the Dao.The liver belongs to Wood, with Jia (甲) representing Yang Wood and Yi (乙) representing Yin Wood. Individuals with Yang Wood nature are benevolent, upright, decisive, able to endure humiliation, and possess a sense of responsibility. Those with Yin Wood nature tend to be rebellious, unwilling to submit, stubborn, prone to resentment, and often unfilial, facing many difficulties in life. They are prone to anger, which harms the liver, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, numbness in the arms, weakness in the limbs, chest tightness, tinnitus, toothache, and stroke. To recover from illness, one must cultivate Yang from Yin, seek wisdom, and maintain a benevolent heart, loving others and refraining from killing. Virtue can nurture one’s nature, and with consistent practice, one’s original nature can be restored.The heart belongs to Fire, with Bing (丙) representing Yang Fire and Ding (丁) representing Yin Fire. Individuals with Yang Fire nature are reasonable, humble, courteous, and moderate in their actions. Those with Yin Fire nature are impatient, argumentative, prone to exaggeration, vain, and greedy, often starting tasks with enthusiasm but lacking follow-through. A person with even a little Yin Fire will face many obstacles and suffer throughout life. They may harbor hatred, which harms the heart, leading to symptoms such as palpitations, insomnia, and skin issues. To recover from illness, one must seek understanding, cultivate Yang from Yin, and maintain a respectful heart, avoiding lust. Respect can nurture the heart, and with consistent practice, one’s original spirit can be restored.The spleen belongs to Earth, with Wu (戊) representing Yang Earth and Ji (己) representing Yin Earth. Individuals with Yang Earth nature are trustworthy, generous, tolerant, frugal, and virtuous. Those with Yin Earth nature tend to be stubborn, narrow-minded, suspicious, and often face burdens throughout life. They may harbor grievances, which harm the spleen, leading to symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, weakness, and fatigue. To recover from illness, one must cultivate trust, seek Yang from Yin, recognize cause and effect, and avoid falsehoods. Trust can nurture Qi, and with consistent practice, one’s original Qi can be restored.The lungs belong to Metal, with Geng (庚) representing Yang Metal and Xin (辛) representing Yin Metal. Individuals with Yang Metal nature are loyal, sociable, lively, and decisive. Those with Yin Metal nature tend to be cruel, jealous, hypocritical, and argumentative. They often have a fragile constitution and may provoke others. Provoking others harms the lungs, leading to symptoms such as asthma, coughing, and various lung diseases. To recover from illness, one must seek clarity, cultivate Yang from Yin, nurture Qi, and seek benefits for others, avoiding greed. Righteousness can nurture the lungs, and with consistent practice, one’s original emotions can be restored.The kidneys belong to Water, with Ren (壬) representing Yang Water and Gui (癸) representing Yin Water. Individuals with Yang Water nature are wise, gentle, skillful, and artistic. Those with Yin Water nature tend to be dull, indecisive, and overly worried, often suffering throughout life. They may irritate others, which harms the kidneys, leading to symptoms such as lower back pain, nocturnal emissions, and kidney deficiency. To recover from illness, one must seek gentleness, cultivate Yang from Yin, recognize the truth, and avoid alcohol. Wisdom can nurture essence, and with consistent practice, one’s original essence can be restored.Buddhism teaches the precept of non-killing, which is akin to the Confucian principle of benevolence. Benevolence is virtue, and virtue can nurture one’s nature, representing Yang Wood. A true Wood person can stand firm, rooted in virtue, able to endure humiliation and hardship, and remain unperturbed. With consistent practice, one naturally nurtures their original nature.Buddhism teaches the precept of non-adultery, while Confucianism emphasizes propriety, which can nurture the heart and spirit, representing Yang Fire. A true Fire person can illuminate, rooted in spirit, understanding propriety and timing, and excelling in wisdom. With consistent practice, one naturally nurtures their original spirit.Buddhism teaches the precept of non-deceit, while Confucianism emphasizes trust, which is the mother of all virtues and nurtures all good roots. Trust can preserve Qi, representing Yang Earth. A true Earth person can be accommodating and transformative, understanding cause and effect, and nurturing all things. With consistent practice, one naturally accumulates original Qi.Buddhism teaches the precept of non-theft, while Mencius emphasizes righteousness, which is vast and profound, representing Yang Metal. A true Metal person is decisive, rooted in the path to immortality. They understand the benefits of others, are loyal, and can resolve matters smoothly. With consistent practice, one naturally accumulates original emotions.Buddhism teaches the precept of non-alcohol consumption, while Confucianism emphasizes wisdom, which can nurture the kidneys, representing Yang Water. A true Water person is gentle, rooted in the path to sanctity. They can discern truth, nurture all things, and with consistent practice, naturally accumulate original essence.To attain Buddhahood, one must strictly observe precepts, maintain a Buddha-like heart, speak Buddha-like words, and engage in Buddha-like actions, achieving true realization. To attain immortality, one must align with the Five Elements, cultivate Yang from Yin, and practice diligently to attain the Dao. Mencius once said: “The nature of a gentleman is rooted in benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom, which manifest in their demeanor and actions, and are evident in their interactions with others.”Those who do not understand the Dao may consider faith to be superstition, but practicing virtue is not superstition. It all requires diligent practice to achieve.
Identification of the Five Elements
A person’s nature can be discerned from their shape, complexion, voice, and demeanor (i.e., form, color, sound, and behavior).
Wood-type individuals are tall and slender with broad shoulders; they have long faces that are wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, thin and bony, with visible veins; they walk with a high-pressure gait; their speech is direct and short, with a sharp tone; when angry, their complexion turns green with a fierce expression.
Fire-type individuals are round and plump, with a full figure and sloping shoulders; they have oval faces that are pointed at the top and wide in the middle, with a reddish complexion, thick horizontal lines, and sparse hair; they move quickly, swaying their upper body as they walk; their speech is sharp and broken, with a lisp; when angry, their face turns red.
Earth-type individuals are short and stout, characterized by three thicknesses—thick back, thick lips, and thick hands. They have square faces, bulbous noses, and a yellowish complexion; they move heavily and steadily; their speech is nasal; when angry, their complexion turns a burnt yellow.
Metal-type individuals are slender and thin; they have rectangular faces with high cheekbones. Their complexion is pale, with clear eyebrows and bright eyes, thin lips, and white teeth; they move lightly; their speech is loud and clear, with a labial sound; when angry, they tend to smirk, and their complexion turns pale.
Water-type individuals are plump; they have round faces that are narrow at the top and wide at the bottom, with a heavy jaw and a pale black complexion. They have thick eyebrows and large eyes, with deep black hair; they move slowly, dragging their feet, and prefer to lean when sitting or standing; their speech is slow and low, with a throaty sound; when angry, they tend to cry, and their complexion turns dark.
To discern a person’s nature, first observe their form, then their color, to understand their tendencies.
The Heart and the Five Elements
The human heart is inherently bright, and one’s nature is also inherently spiritual. When the heart harbors evil thoughts, it confuses one’s true nature, leading to darkness. A righteous heart illuminates, radiating light in all directions.
The Yang Wood of the heart is upright and conscientious; the Yin Wood nature is rebellious and unwilling to submit. The Yang Fire of the heart is humble and reasonable; the Yin Fire is argumentative, greedy for fame, and ambitious. The Yang Earth of the heart is honest, trustworthy, and generous; the Yin Earth is suspicious, narrow-minded, and resentful. The Yang Metal of the heart seeks benefits for others and is sociable; the Yin Metal is critical, jealous, and prone to anger. The Yang Water of the heart is tranquil and peaceful; the Yin Water is anxious and irritable.
The Yin and Yang of the heart resemble the Yin-Yang fish of Taiji, mutually influencing each other. The thoughts of the heart, whether righteous or evil, are immediately imprinted on the mind. The foolish believe there are secrets, but that is self-deception. When one has a thought, their true nature knows, and heaven knows, and their heart knows, “Sincerity within manifests outwardly.” “When people see themselves, it is as if they see their own lungs and liver!” This means everyone knows. The slightest thought in the heart is known by heaven, earth, and humanity, hence the saying, when a thought arises, it spreads in all directions. Moreover, what one harbors in their heart and what they do determines their nature. Doing good nurtures good nature; doing evil leads to evil nature. One is solely responsible for their actions, and cannot blame others. Understanding this truth reveals that one is responsible for their own ascent to heaven or descent to hell. Thus, the ancients said: “Discuss nature with the wise, and discuss cause and effect with the foolish.” Understanding the Five Elements of the heart leads one to act in accordance with the Yang aspect, naturally allowing Yang to flourish and Yin to diminish, thus cultivating Yang from Yin.
The human heart is the gate of Yin and Yang. The Diamond Sutra states: “One should cultivate the mind of Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi as such, and subdue the mind accordingly.” This is the path to the Buddha realm. If one does not subdue their own evil heart, they are on the path to hell. If we can constantly strive to eliminate selfishness and restore our conscience, we can save ourselves and others. This is how we establish our hearts for heaven and earth.
The Body and the Five Elements
The human body is a product of birth, easily influenced by bad habits. When the heart is righteous, the spirit is enlightened, guiding the body to fulfill its duties, honor its parents, and promote humanity, becoming a gentleman who ascends. When the heart is evil and the spirit is confused, indulging the body in desires destroys humanity and increases bad nature, leading to a petty person who descends. Righteousness and evil are determined by a single thought; overcoming evil thoughts leads to sanctity.
The Yang Wood of the body is upright, capable of establishing and achieving virtue; the Yin Wood is rigid and arrogant. The Yang Fire of the body is gracious and adheres to propriety; the Yin Fire is tense and overly concerned with appearances, acting foolishly. The Yang Earth of the body is steady and practical; the Yin Earth is clumsy and rigid. The Yang Metal of the body is lively and agile; the Yin Metal is reckless. The Yang Water of the body is leisurely and cultured; the Yin Water is lazy, retreating, disheveled, and weak.
To attain the Dao, one’s actions in the body are of utmost importance. If one indulges, they will do anything, leading to destruction. Regardless of how good something is, once it enters the body, it will surely turn bad. Excessive indulgence can burden the heart and lead to hell. If one can refrain from improper actions, they can lead others to heaven. Knowing how to use the body is a tool for attaining the Dao; failing to do so turns it into a machine for creating misfortune. A person without bad habits can master their heart. If one develops bad habits, the heart loses its ability to govern. When one knows something is wrong in their heart but cannot control their body, they cannot save themselves when desires arise. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize that the body is a transient entity, with a lifespan of no more than 36,000 days. It is a pity to let it lead one astray, so it must not be allowed to take charge, but rather to obey and work towards establishing virtue.
By subduing the body, one can avoid wrongdoing. When Shakyamuni Buddha spoke the Diamond Sutra, kings and ministers all showed respect to his disciples. Why did he still go into the city of Shravasti to beg for food? It was to educate future disciples not to let the body indulge and develop bad habits. The greater the habits, the greater the misfortune. A good person sacrifices their body, even freezing to death, rather than making plans for their own comfort; this is how one attains the Dao.
The Generative Cycle of the Five Elements
The Five Elements are represented by Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. In the male principle, the natural order follows: Wood generates Fire, Fire generates Earth, Earth generates Metal, Metal generates Water, and Water generates Wood. In the female principle, the order is reversed: Wood flows to Water, Water flows to Metal, Metal flows to Earth, Earth flows to Fire, and Fire flows to Wood.
The internal organs correspond to the Five Elements: the liver belongs to Wood, the heart to Fire, the spleen to Earth, the lungs to Metal, and the kidneys to Water. The generative cycle of the internal Five Elements begins with Fire; the heart, which belongs to Fire, radiates warmth and clarity, like the sun illuminating all things, while the earth’s energy rises to meet the heavens, which is Fire generating Earth. The Yang energy of Earth rises as fluids, nourishing the Metal of the lungs, which is Earth generating Metal; the clear energy of the lungs transforms into Yang Water, which is the Water of the kidneys, representing Metal generating Water; when the kidneys are full, the original essence accumulates, and the liver’s energy is smooth, which is Water generating Wood; when Wood is nourished by Water, the liver’s energy is balanced, naturally allowing the heart’s Fire to descend, which is Wood generating Fire. The cycle of the Five Elements turns naturally, preventing all diseases.
In familial relationships, honoring parents is Wood generating Fire; establishing oneself and upholding the family name is Fire generating Earth; nurturing virtue in descendants is Earth generating Metal; obeying the mother and working diligently is Metal generating Water; a mother’s love for her eldest son is Water generating Wood. When the Five Elements turn harmoniously, the family will prosper. In society, fulfilling one’s duties and responsibilities is Wood generating Fire; respecting elders and following guidance is Fire generating Earth; maintaining trust and smooth operations is Earth generating Metal; establishing oneself and nurturing talent is Metal generating Water; increasing wisdom and performing well is Water generating Wood. When the Five Elements are in harmony, the heart is calm, and the Five Elements naturally flow in order. A calm heart, unshaken by external matters, is a person who stands tall and acts in accordance with heaven’s will.
If a man is of Wood nature, possessing true principles, loving others and things, and acting with composure, without haste or anger, this is benevolent Wood, generating enlightened Fire, the first step in the right direction; if he can understand principles and be humble, reflecting on his own faults without blaming others, this is enlightened Fire generating trustworthy Earth, the second step in the right direction; a Yang Earth person who is generous and accommodating, finding benefits for others, will naturally have good relationships, which is trustworthy Earth generating resonant Metal, the third step in the right direction; a Metal person who is loyal and sociable, recognizing their mistakes and nurturing wisdom, is resonant Metal generating wise Water, the fourth step in the right direction; a Water person who is wise, gentle, and compassionate towards others, nurturing all, is wise Water generating benevolent Wood, the fifth step in the right direction.
When a person walks two steps in the right direction, they will become wealthy; three steps lead to nobility; four steps lead to virtue; and five steps lead to sanctity.
Women follow the reverse path of men. Water is the mother of Wood, so a Water-type woman with true principles, loving others and things, being gentle and not argumentative, recognizing her own faults, is the first step in the right direction; a true Water person, gentle in nature, able to recognize their faults, wise, and finding benefits for others, is the second step in the right direction; a Metal-type person who is sociable and loyal, accommodating and generous, is the third step in the right direction; an Earth-type person who is generous and does not blame others, is the fourth step in the right direction; a person who is content and adheres to propriety, naturally not swayed by external influences, is the fifth step in the right direction. When the Five Elements turn harmoniously, one does not harm oneself or others, embodying true benevolence.
The Overcoming Cycle of the Five Elements
Human nature is originally without conflict. However, when influenced by emotions and desires, one may fall into the cycle of overcoming and reverse flow. Now we will explore the overcoming cycle of the Five Elements.
Wood overcomes Earth, Earth overcomes Water, Water overcomes Fire, Fire overcomes Metal, and Metal overcomes Wood. Generating leads to flourishing, while overcoming leads to injury.
How does Wood overcome Earth? Yin Wood individuals are self-righteous and unwilling to submit, often clashing with others, which is a violation of filial piety. Thus, it is said: “Wood overcomes Earth, unfilial to ancestors, first abandoning the mother.” In terms of personal conduct, Yin Wood individuals are prone to anger, while Earth types are rigid and stubborn, leading to digestive issues. Thus, it is said: “Wood overcomes Earth, causing stomach blockage.” In terms of familial relationships, this can lead to illness or even death of parents. Children with Wood overcomes Earth tendencies often do not listen to their parents, refusing to budge even when punished. Such children often lack parental guidance and may suffer from stomach issues. This is all a manifestation of Wood overcoming Earth. To transform overcoming into generating, it is easy. By nurturing filial piety and maintaining a sense of propriety, one can naturally cultivate understanding and avoid anger, thus allowing Wood to generate Fire.
How does Earth overcome Water? Yin Earth individuals are stubborn and narrow-minded, often brooding over grievances. When Earth and Water mix, it becomes muddy, obscuring right and wrong. This leads to anxiety and a yellowish complexion, harming the kidneys and depleting essence. In terms of familial relationships, this can lead to conflicts with mothers, wives, and children. To avoid overcoming, one must consider the benefits of family, remain calm, and remember past kindnesses, allowing for forgiveness. With time, this will generate Metal, leading to a harmonious path. Women should strive towards Fire, cultivating understanding to avoid anxiety, just as Yin Earth, when exposed to sunlight, becomes warm and loose.
How does Water overcome Fire? Yin Water individuals are dull and indecisive, often retreating in the face of challenges, appearing gentle on the outside but anxious within, leading to heart issues. In familial relationships, this can lead to conflicts with fathers and husbands. To avoid overcoming, one must recognize their faults, and over time, this will generate wise Water, leading to clarity. Water generating Wood allows for harmony. Women should seek benefits for others, allowing Water to flow towards Metal, becoming lively and resonant.
How does Fire overcome Metal? Yin Fire individuals are impatient and argumentative, often seeking attention and causing issues, leading to lung problems and frequent colds. This can lead to financial loss and conflicts with children. To avoid overcoming, one must learn to be generous and trust others, allowing Fire to generate Earth, thus avoiding conflict. Women should have their own principles, avoiding greed and cultivating love for others, allowing Fire to flow towards Wood, thus avoiding conflict.
How does Metal overcome Wood? Yin Metal individuals are critical and prone to gossip, often causing harm to others. This leads to internal conflict and can result in liver issues. In familial relationships, this can lead to conflicts with siblings. Recognizing one’s faults allows Metal to generate Water, thus avoiding conflict. Women should strive towards Earth, learning to be accommodating and forgiving, allowing Metal to flow towards Earth.
If one can respond appropriately to overcoming and reverse flow, they will maintain health internally and transform misfortune externally, which is the subtle art of human determination over fate.
The Reverse Flow of the Five Elements
When the Five Elements flow in order, it is auspicious; when they flow in reverse, it is inauspicious. If a man follows a woman’s path or a woman follows a man’s path, it is reverse flow. A person’s nature determines their fate, and this is unequivocal. To transform misfortune into fortune, one must act according to their nature. Thus, responding appropriately to overcoming is divine, while responding to reverse flow is immortal. First, we must study how the Five Elements flow in reverse.
If a man is of Yin Wood nature, lacking decisiveness, retreating in the face of challenges, and feeling troubled, this is Wood flowing in reverse to Water, the first step in reverse flow. Such individuals often appear gloomy and indecisive, failing to act, causing frustration for others, leading to conflicts with wives. Lacking the ability to act, they also fail to speak seriously, leading to disputes over trivial matters, which is Water flowing in reverse to Metal, the second step in reverse flow. Yin Metal individuals are argumentative and suspicious, often blaming others for their mistakes, which is Metal flowing in reverse to Earth, the third step in reverse flow. Yin Earth individuals are stubborn and distrustful, often blaming others, which leads to reverse flow to Fire, the fourth step in reverse flow. Yin Fire individuals are arrogant and greedy, often disregarding others, leading to anger and violence, which is Yin Fire flowing in reverse to Yin Wood, the fifth step in reverse flow. One step in reverse flow leads to poverty, two steps lead to disgrace, three steps lead to ghostly states, four steps lead to demonic states, and five steps lead to a chaotic existence.
Women, by nature, must be gentle to nurture all things. If a Wood-type woman is strong-willed, looks down on others, and seeks attention, she may drive men away or even cause their demise. This is the first step in reverse flow. Yin Fire women who speak recklessly and are argumentative, often blaming others, are the second step in reverse flow. Yin Earth women who are distrustful and insincere, often engaging in frivolous behavior, are the third step in reverse flow. Yin Metal women who are lazy and engage in wrongdoing are the fourth step in reverse flow. If they become reckless and fearless, resembling a fierce tiger, this is Water flowing in reverse to Wood, the fifth step in reverse flow.
The saying goes: “Plant melons and you will harvest melons; plant beans and you will harvest beans.” What one harbors in their heart, they will manifest in their actions, and their nature will reflect their character. Demons and saints alike are determined by one’s choices; what one is in life, they will become in death. It is unfortunate that people often focus on the faults of others, neglecting to reflect on their own nature. They fail to realize that what they harbor in their heart and what they do shapes their nature. By maintaining a righteous heart, one naturally walks the path of light.
The Circular Flow of the Five Elements
The Five Elements, when applied correctly, can transcend fate. This is the subtlety of returning to the original nature. It relies on oneself to maintain a pure heart, controlling the senses and avoiding bad habits, guarding against the inner thief. If one does not start from within, once bad habits take root, they will distort one’s thoughts. Each indulgence in the body adds to the burdens of the heart, obscuring one’s conscience and diminishing one’s abilities. Planting the seeds of worry leads to irritability. This harms the body and damages relationships, causing endless suffering. To eradicate such faults, one must prioritize their true nature and skillfully apply the Five Elements.
The essence of the Five Elements is Wood, which represents original nature and benevolence. Loving others and things, respecting others, and understanding principles is Yang Fire. This is Wood generating Fire. A person who respects others must be sincere, and sincerity is Yang Earth. Fire generates Earth. Earth represents trustworthiness, and a virtuous person is accommodating, which is Yang Metal. Earth generates Metal. Benevolence, propriety, trust, and righteousness, when practiced to perfection, lead to inner wisdom, which is Metal generating Water. Benevolence encompasses all virtues. When benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trust are genuinely practiced, the Five Elements will naturally flow in harmony. The inability to flow harmoniously is due to the influence of one’s nature. Yin Wood individuals are unyielding; Yin Fire individuals are arrogant; Yin Earth individuals are self-centered; Yin Metal individuals are critical; and Yin Water individuals are resentful of others.
When the Five Elements flow in the Yin direction, anger, hatred, resentment, irritation, and worry dominate, leading to self-centeredness and disregard for others. Once in power, they neglect their parents, abandon their spouses for new loves, manipulate siblings, and scheme against friends. Regardless of familial ties, if things do not go their way, they harbor hatred and seek revenge, resorting to violence and even murder. Therefore, to change one’s disposition, one must first eliminate bad habits. Every person has desires. Thus, it is said: “Food and sex are inherent to nature.” However, one must not go to extremes. Work first, then enjoy the fruits of labor, maintaining a heart of loyalty and forgiveness, treating others as one would wish to be treated, thus avoiding excessive indulgence. A gentleman loves wealth but acquires it through righteous means. Money earned through hard work brings peace of mind. For example, a wealthy person may wish to dine out but remembers their parents have not eaten, so they buy food to share, honoring their parents while enjoying with the family. Those who can honor their parents can also love others. Practicing benevolence prevents anger, transforming Yin Wood nature. When tempted by others’ partners, one should reflect: if others desired their partner, they would not be pleased, thus avoiding wrongful thoughts and cultivating understanding.
Understanding principles allows one to maintain their role; harmony in marriage, honoring elders, and nurturing virtuous children leads to family happiness. Propriety nurtures the heart, preventing anger and transforming Yin Fire nature. When others err, one should consider that everyone has reasons for their actions, allowing for forgiveness and nurturing trustworthy Earth. Trust nurtures Qi, preventing resentment and transforming Yin Earth nature. When friends or relatives wrong oneself, one should approach them with understanding, recognizing that no one is perfect, and that one has obligations, thus fostering righteousness and preventing anger, transforming Yin Metal nature. When one dislikes others, they should reflect that it is likely due to their own faults; one cannot expect everything to go their way. Recognizing one’s faults generates wise Water, nurturing essence and dispelling worries, transforming Yin Water nature. Therefore, maintaining the principles of familial relationships is the supreme method for transforming one’s nature. One can hold their aspirations without unleashing their anger.
When discussing the Five Elements, one must engage in self-reflection.
Wood-type individuals should ask themselves if they possess benevolence. Do they have a sense of self-righteousness? Are they unwilling to submit? Do they focus on others’ faults? If they are unyielding and only see others’ shortcomings, they are prone to anger, which harms the liver. Fire-type individuals should ask themselves if they are reasonable. Do they harbor greed or a competitive spirit? Are they impatient or easily angered? If they become anxious for vanity or face, they will harbor hatred, which harms the heart. Earth-type individuals should ask themselves if they are trustworthy. Do they have suspicions? Are they broad-minded? If they are narrow-minded, they are prone to resentment, which harms the spleen. Metal-type individuals should ask themselves if they are loyal. Are they overly critical and calculating? Do they speak insincerely? If they are critical and hypocritical, harboring resentment, they will harm the lungs. Water-type individuals should ask themselves if they are wise. Can they recognize their faults? Are they prone to irritability? If they are irritable, they will harm the kidneys.
Constant self-reflection allows one to identify and eliminate faults.
Recognizing one’s faults generates wise Water, seeking benefits generates resonant Metal, refraining from grievances nurtures enlightened Fire, avoiding regrets nurtures benevolent Wood, and not resenting others nurtures trustworthy Earth. If one can consistently recognize their own faults, seek the good in others, refrain from grievances, avoid regrets, and not resent others, Yang will flourish and Yin will diminish, naturally transforming one’s nature. Thus, the virtuous say: “Finding benefits opens the path to heaven, while recognizing faults closes the door to hell.” It is also said: “The ancients cultivated the Dao, while modern people need only eliminate the Five Poisons of their nature—anger, hatred, resentment, irritation, and worry—to succeed. You may think I speak grandly, but great matters are accomplished through small actions. Humanity is the root of the world; everyone can achieve this transformation, and the world will naturally become peaceful and harmonious.”
Inquiring into one’s nature generates Yang Qi, dispelling Yin toxins, focusing on the lower dantian, gathering Qi, and treating illnesses effectively.
This table centers on the Five Organs, the Five Virtues, and the Five Poisons, using the virtues of the Five Virtues to nurture the harmonious Qi of the Five Organs and eliminate the roots of the Five Poisons. Inquiring into one’s nature to cultivate Yang from Yin can heal illnesses, while observing the Five Precepts to nurture the Five Elements can lead to the Dao.
Familial Positioning of the Five Elements
In a family, grandparents occupy the central position, representing Earth. Earth is the source of vitality. One should often highlight the virtues of family members to uplift spirits; if one is overly critical of family members, it will drain energy. The father occupies the southern position of Fire, managing family affairs with fairness and propriety. If family members lack understanding, the father should recognize his own shortcomings, blaming himself for not teaching them properly, rather than blaming others. He should shine like the sun, illuminating the family. When faced with adverse circumstances, he should acknowledge his own inadequacies and apologize to the family. If the head of the family cannot maintain their position and reacts to setbacks by scolding children or wives, this is Fire overcoming Metal, leading to emotional distress and illness.
The mother occupies the northern position of Water, bearing the responsibility for family harmony to prevent conflicts and mishaps.
The eldest son occupies the eastern position of Wood, responsible for establishing himself, working diligently to support the family, and setting an example. If family members struggle with tasks, he should reflect on his own shortcomings rather than harbor grievances, as grievances harm the heart.
Other children occupy the western position of Metal, which represents emotions. They should focus on the well-being of the family, speaking kindly to resolve conflicts. If they gossip, it will harm relationships and lead to family ruin.
The parents govern the family’s fate. If they cannot maintain their position and face difficulties by scolding children or wives, this is Fire overcoming Metal, leading to resentment among Metal individuals who dare not speak out, causing them to blame the eldest son, saying: “Your incompetence has caused us to suffer; we cannot continue living like this!” This is Metal overcoming Wood. Wood individuals refuse to acknowledge their inability to establish themselves, blaming the elders for not leaving behind wealth, leading to their own exhaustion, and complaining about the grandparents. This is Earth overcoming Water. The matriarch, feeling powerless, may turn to the head of the family, saying: “Look at your deceased father, who is unreasonable and always looks down on our family.” This is Water overcoming Fire, leading to family ruin.
To ensure the family’s prosperity through the Five Elements, how can this be achieved?
Those in parental roles (Fire position) should frequently speak of the virtues of ancestors and the goodness of the elders (Earth position), which is Fire generating Earth. Grandparents should not interfere too much; if they wish to help, they can play with grandchildren (Metal position), telling stories and teaching them to honor their parents, highlighting the virtues of their parents, which is Earth generating Metal. When children play happily, the mother’s heart is at ease, which is Metal generating Water. The matriarch, feeling joyful, will diligently manage household affairs, ensuring the well-being of those working (Water position), which is Water generating Wood. Those working (laborers) will feel comforted and will work diligently without burdening the parents, which is Wood generating Fire. When the family is harmonious, the household will naturally prosper.
The Five Elements extend into every aspect of life. Parents in their old age (over sixty) represent the winter season in the Earth position. Before winter, the father occupies the Fire position, and the mother occupies the Water position, while living grandparents or deceased ancestors occupy the Earth position. The elder brother occupies the Wood position, while younger siblings, sisters, and daughters-in-law occupy the Metal position. Those in the Earth position should remain steady, while those in the Metal position should be accommodating. For example, if the elder brother instructs a task while the father gives a different instruction, both should agree immediately and then determine which task should be prioritized. If the father’s task should be prioritized, the elder brother should explain the reasoning before proceeding, thus maintaining harmony. Those in the Water position should be attentive to household matters, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. If mistakes occur, those in the Water position should take responsibility, saying it is their fault. Those in the Wood position should be capable of establishing themselves; if there are tasks that others cannot handle, they should acknowledge their own shortcomings. Those in the Fire position should be reasonable, visiting friends and relatives not for personal gain but to seek understanding, discussing matters with friends and returning to share insights with the family. If family members lack understanding, those in the Fire position should acknowledge their own shortcomings. This is the familial Five Elements that everyone should uphold.
Fathers, sons, and brothers have different roles according to the Five Elements. The father occupies the Fire position, representing reason; regardless of how the children behave, he should guide them without scolding, demonstrating understanding. If the children continue to misbehave, he should only reflect on his own shortcomings. The elder brother represents benevolence, while the younger brother represents righteousness. Regardless of what the elder brother instructs, there should be no complaints, which demonstrates loyalty. If the younger brother misbehaves, the elder brother should show compassion, treating them as a father would treat their children, which embodies benevolence. The elder generation occupies the Earth position, representing tranquility, and should not meddle unnecessarily. If this is achieved, it can be said that one is following the natural order of the Five Elements, which can be described as “acting in accordance with one’s nature is the path to the Dao.”
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