Principles of Cosmic Change: Harmony of Mutual Conflict and Mutual Generation
The Relationship between Mutual Conflict and Mutual Generation Mutual conflict (相克) is an essential principle for the creation of all things. Conflict (克) is not mere destruction but a creative process that gives birth to new life. Mutual generation (相生) is a principle that achieves circulation and harmony, but it is interrupted when transitioning from summer to autumn. To overcome this interruption, the role of central earth (土), or the mediation of the Supreme Being, is necessary.
The Principle of Change and Creation in the Five Elements All things form shapes and move to the next stage through the action of mutual conflict. For example, wood (木) forms its shape by receiving the conflict of metal (金), and fire (火) forms its shape by receiving the conflict of water (水). The importance of practice: The way of nurturing the spirit (養神之道), or cultivating divine brightness (神明), is achieved through the process of accepting conflict (克). Through practice, we can advance to a new stage of life.
The Polarization of the Five Elements and Cosmic Harmony Polarization (變極) occurs when the actions of mutual conflict and mutual generation reach their peak. When mutual conflict relationships like earth overcoming water (土克水) and water overcoming fire (水克火) reach their peak, the action of mutual generation begins instead (土極生水, 水極生火). The polarization of the five elements contains the core principles of cosmic change and is a key to understanding the secrets of the Supreme Being’s lineage, such as the birth of Taemo (辰土) and the relationship between the leader and the great leader.
The Meaning of the Five Movements and Movement Movement (運) signifies vitality and the driving force of change. The five movements of heaven (五運) operate centered on earth (土) and possess self-changing autonomy. The five elements start with wood (木), but the five movements start with earth (土). This represents the autonomous and creative principle of change in heaven. Transformation of wood and earth (甲己化土): Wood (甲) meets earth (己) and transforms into earth (土). This symbolizes the axis of the universe and is an important principle for understanding the lineage of the Supreme Being and the meaning of the year of the wooden horse (甲午生).
Practical Implications It is important to deeply understand and feel the principles of yin-yang and the five elements. Beyond mere knowledge acquisition, one must realize the subtlety of cosmic change through emotional experience. Through practice, one should purify essence (精) and spirit (神) and achieve unity with the cosmic spirit. By understanding and practicing the principles of the Supreme Being’s lineage and the great transformation, one can participate in the construction of the post-heavenly paradise. #PrinciplesOfCosmicChange