Reflection
Principles of Cosmic Change (1) – Basic Understanding of the Five Elements
The Nature and Meaning of the Five Elements The Five Elements are not simply five different elements, but the most fundamental life energy that composes and transforms the universe.
Composition and Characteristics of the Five Elements:
Wood (木): The beginning of life, ascending energy Fire (火): Energy of diffusion and expansion Earth (土): Energy of harmony and integration Metal (金): Energy of convergence and condensation Water (水): The source of life and completion of change
Principles of Five Elements’ Change The Five Elements have a cyclical structure that must begin with Wood (木) and end with Water (水). This means that all changes in the universe occur within certain laws and order.
Stages of Change:
Wood (木) – Stage where life first springs forth Fire (火) – Stage where life expands and grows Earth (土) – Stage of harmony and balance Metal (金) – Stage of convergence and condensation Water (水) – Stage of returning to the source of life
The Special Significance of Earth (土) Earth holds a particularly important position among the Five Elements. Earth symbolizes the principle of harmony (和) and serves to harmoniously integrate opposing energies.
Characteristics of Earth:
In charge of the energy of neutralization (中和) Balance without bias The power of harmony that reconciles all oppositions The original harmonious state of the universe