What is Bagua Diagram and Tai Chi
Whether it's Feng Shui or divination, anything related to the I Ching is inseparable from one thing: the Bagua (Eight Trigrams). All things in the universe are intricately linked with the Bagua. Today, we won't delve into its origins or development, but instead, we'll thoroughly analyze and reacquaint ourselves with the Bagua.
Step One: Memorize the Incantations
- ☰ Qian (Heaven): Three unbroken lines (乾三连 - Qían sān lián)
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☷ Kun (Earth): Six broken lines (坤六断 - Kūn liù duàn)
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☲ Li (Fire): Broken line in the middle (离中虚 - Lí zhōng xū)
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☵ Kan (Water): Unbroken line in the middle (坎中满 - Kǎn zhōng mǎn)
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☳ Zhen (Thunder): Upward-facing bowl (震仰盂 - Zhèn yǎng yú)
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☶ Gen (Mountain): Inverted bowl (艮覆碗 - Gèn fù wǎn)
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☱ Dui (Lake): Broken line on top (兑上缺 - Duì shàng quē)
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☴ Xun (Wind): Broken line at the bottom (巽下断 - Xùn xià duàn)
This is the Earlier Heaven Bagua diagram , which differs in orientation from the two Later Heaven Bagua diagrams below. Generally, we now use the Later Heaven Bagua, though sometimes, depending on the situation, the two can be used interchangeably.
Here's the English translation of the provided text about the Tai Chi and Bagua diagrams:
The Tai Chi Bagua diagram illustrates the interconnectedness of all things, with two equal Yin and Yang halves separated by a central circle. The Yin fish is black, and the Yang fish is white, representing day and night. The Yang fish has a Yin "eye" in its head, and the Yin fish has a Yang "eye," symbolizing the mutual transformation and interpenetration of all things – Yin within Yang, Yang within Yin. This signifies the mutual generation and overcoming, embodying the modern philosophical concept of the unity of opposites.
The circle's center can be divided into four parts, forming the Four Symbols (四象): Greater Yang (太阳), Greater Yin (太阴), Lesser Yang (少阳), and Lesser Yin (少阴). The Four Symbols describe the directions of east, west, north, and south in space, and the four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter) in time.
Any pair of opposites, when combined with a center, forms the Three Talents (三才). Ancient philosophy regarded Heaven, Earth, and Man as the Three Talents. Building upon the theory of the Four Symbols, a further step was taken by adding two more aspects, Yangming (阳明) and Jueyang (厥阳), which, along with the Four Symbols, constitute the Six Harmonies (六合). If the Four Symbols are combined with the circle's center, they form the Five Elements (五行): South is Fire, North is Water, East is Wood, West is Metal, and the Center is Earth. The Six Harmonies plus the center are referred to as the Seven Stars (七星).
The Four Symbols, through a process of "dividing into two," further constitute the Bagua diagram (八卦图). The Earlier Heaven Bagua's orientations are: Qian in the South, Kun in the North, Li in the East, Kan in the West, Zhen in the Northeast, Dui in the Southeast, Xun in the Southwest, and Gen in the Northwest. The Eight Trigrams plus a central axis are known as the Nine Palaces (九宫). The corresponding Nine Palace numbers are: Qian (9), Kun (1), Xun (2), Dui (4), Gen (6), Zhen (8), Li (3), Kan (7), and the center (5).
Understanding the Trigrams:
☰ Qian (乾) Symbolism: Represents Heaven. The Qian trigram symbolizes the constantly moving universe, the primal force that revitalizes all things and phenomena. It denotes health and vigor. Its Earlier Heaven number is one, and its Later Heaven number is two. In terms of the human body, Qian represents the brain, central nervous system, and thought; it symbolizes the head and bones, serving as the spiritual energy source for the body's master. In terms of the Five Elements, Qian represents Metal, the hardest substance. Seasonally, it represents the transition between autumn and winter. Its colors are bright red and golden yellow. In terms of people, it represents rulers, fathers, elders, leaders, etc. Geographically, its Earlier Heaven direction is South, and its Later Heaven direction is Northwest.
☷ Kun (坤) Symbolism: Represents Earth. The Kun trigram, being purely Yin (two broken lines on top of each other), symbolizes the Earth, which is Yin, static, and submissive to the movement of Heaven, implying compliance. Its Earlier Heaven number is eight, and its Later Heaven number is two. In terms of the human body, Kun represents the abdomen. In terms of the Five Elements, it represents Earth. Seasonally, it represents the transition between summer and autumn. Its color is yellow. In terms of people, it represents mothers, subjects, etc. Geographically, its Earlier Heaven direction is North, and its Later Heaven direction is Southwest.
☳ Zhen (震) Symbolism: Represents Thunder. The Zhen trigram symbolizes thunder, indicating early spring (March) when thunder awakens all things to sprout. Its Earlier Heaven number is four, and its Later Heaven number is three. In the human body, Zhen represents the feet. In terms of the Five Elements, it represents Wood. Seasonally, it represents spring. Its colors are cyan and green. In terms of people, it represents the eldest son, possessing a healthy physique and vibrant spirit, signifying the most flourishing period of life. Geographically, its Earlier Heaven direction is Northeast, and its Later Heaven direction is East.
☴ Xun (巽) Symbolism: Represents Wind. The Xun trigram symbolizes wind, signifying penetration and pervasive influence. Its Earlier Heaven number is five, and its Later Heaven number is four. In terms of the human body, Xun represents the legs. In terms of the Five Elements, it represents Wood. Seasonally, it represents the transition between spring and summer. Its color is blue. In terms of people, it represents the eldest daughter or young married women, possessing virtues of gentleness and compliance. Geographically, its Earlier Heaven direction is Southwest, and its Later Heaven direction is Southeast.
☵ Kan (坎) Symbolism: Represents Water. The Kan trigram symbolizes water, representing external softness with internal strength. However, because water often collects in low-lying areas, it also represents danger. Its Earlier Heaven number is six, and its Later Heaven number is one. In terms of the human body, Kan represents the ears. In terms of the Five Elements, it represents Water. Seasonally, it represents winter. Its color is blackish-purple. In terms of people, it represents the middle son, or poor and hardworking individuals. Geographically, its Earlier Heaven direction is West, and its Later Heaven direction is North.
☲ Li (离) Symbolism: Represents Fire. The Li trigram symbolizes fire. With two Yang lines on the outside and one Yin line in the middle, it signifies brightness and illuminates the characteristics of being outwardly strong but inwardly soft, or outwardly passionate but inwardly cool. Its Earlier Heaven number is thirteen, and its Later Heaven number is nine. In terms of the human body, Li represents the eyes and heart. In terms of the Five Elements, it represents Fire. Seasonally, it represents summer. Its colors symbolize red and colorful patterns. In terms of people, it represents the middle daughter, scholars, and soldiers. Geographically, its Earlier Heaven direction is East, and its Later Heaven direction is South.
☶ Gen (艮) Symbolism: Represents Mountain. The Gen trigram symbolizes a mountain, signifying stability and stillness. It represents an obstacle on one's path, teaching people to cultivate conscience, eliminate greed, and understand the principle of knowing when to stop. Its Earlier Heaven number is seven, and its Later Heaven number is eight. In terms of the human body, Gen represents the hands. In terms of the Five Elements, it represents Earth. Seasonally, it represents the transition between winter and spring. Its colors are brown, coffee, and brownish-yellow. In terms of people, it represents the youngest son and those with promising futures. Geographically, its Earlier Heaven direction is Northwest, and its Later Heaven direction is Northeast.
☱ Dui (兑) Symbolism: Represents Lake/Marsh. The Dui trigram symbolizes a marshland with water. This is a gathering place for various living creatures, capable of nurturing fish and accommodating all forms of life, thus conveying a sense of joy and pleasure. Its Earlier Heaven number is two, and its Later Heaven number is seven. In terms of the human body, Dui symbolizes the mouth, tongue, lungs, and phlegm. In terms of the Five Elements, it represents Metal. Seasonally, it represents autumn. Its color is white. In terms of people, it represents the youngest daughter, singers, servants, possessing a character that is soft yet firm, and decisive in action. Geographically, its Earlier Heaven direction is Southeast, and its Later Heaven direction is West.
These eight trigrams symbolize eight natural phenomena: Heaven, Earth, Thunder, Wind, Water, Fire, Mountain, and Lake/Marsh. They are used to infer changes in nature and society. It is believed that the interaction of Yin and Yang forces is the source of all creation, and among the "Eight Trigrams," the Qian (Heaven) and Kun (Earth) trigrams hold especially important positions.