The model Follow the Path of Dao distinguishes individual trigrams according to their qualitative dynamics. At the landmark points (Zhen, the thunder, Gen, the mountain, Sun, the wind / tree, Dui, the lake), the movement is dynamic, the direction is clear, and the momentum increases in terms of a positive disturbance.
At the landmark points Dui and Gen, momentum is created by adding a line opposite to the preceding character to its top. Both characters open up to the (respective other) sphere and allow themselves to be touched – by inner (Gen) or outer (Dui) impulses. In Zhen and Sun, on the other hand, the precarious momentum of the previous sign takes now a clear direction: towards inner (Zhen) or outer impulses (Sun) impulses.
Legendary Chinese philosopher who is said to have lived in the 6th century BC. Depending on the transcription, the name is also written Laotse, Lao-Tse, Laudse or Lao-tzu.
Laozi is considered to be the founder of Daoism (Taoism). He is credited with the Daodejing, the main work of Daoism, which was probably written in the 4th century BC.
Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laozi
In no2DO trigram Gen, the mountain, is associated with the functional circuit large intestine (LI). The elimination of waste – not only in the material realm, but also emotions, thoughts, relationships, etc. – is its subject. Everything that has become worthless for us has to be excreted, because only when the unusable parts compost back into earth, they transform into new fertilizer, prequisit for change and new growth.
Read more: Citations regarding the Functional Circuit Large Intestine
Read more: Trigrams, Elements, Functional Circuits
Chinese doctor and naturalist (1518-1593). Li Shizhen wrote numerous medical textbooks, three of which are preserved:
- Běn Cǎo Gāng Mù本草綱目 (“Compendium of Materia Medica”)
- Bīn Hú Mài Xué瀕湖脈學 (“Teachings on Pulse Diagnosis”)
- Qí Jīng Bā Mài Kǎo奇經八脈考 (“An Exposition on the Eight Extraordinary Vessels“)
To the present day Li Shizhen’s teachings on pulse diagnosis serve as a basic textbook. In addition, a fundamental paradigm shift in the tradition of Chinese medicine is attributed to him, as he changed the old concept that the heart houses shen 神 and for the first time and officially made the brain the residence of mind and thinking. In doing so, he integrated alchemical experiences into medical thinking and approached the ideas of Western medicine.
Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li_Shizhen
Modern Interpretation: Clear discernment, purification, separation
Li (the fire) stands for our ability to differentiate facts, influences, emotions – in short: the world’s fullness. Without this ability to separate the “clear from the unclear”, we would be lost in a chaos of diversities. Only by differentiation, thus distinguishing what is important and what is not, we can concentrate on the essentials and are able to act.
Phase Element: Fire
Functional Circuit: Small Intestine (SI)
Read more: I Ching Study Guide: Li, the Fire
In no2DO trigram Sun, the wind / tree, is associated with the functional circuit liver (LIV). Strategic assessment and planning belong to the functional circuit liver, here visions take shape. In this way, ideas become tangible, describable, they become concrete and finally lead to plans and strategies to implement the original visions.
Read more: Citations regarding the Functional Circuit Liver
Read more: Trigrams, Elements, Functional Circuits
In no2DO trigram Dui, the lake, is associated with the functional circuit lung (LU). The lungs is said to be the receiver of heavenly qi and that it distributes its inspiring impulses throughout the body. The lung is also the place of exchange with our environment: We absorb life energy and release our energy in rhythmical exhale back to our environment.
Read more: Citations regarding the Functional Circuit Lung
Read more: Trigrams, Elements, Functional Circuits
