Taiji, Liangyi, Sixiang, and Bagua are important concepts in ancient Chinese philosophy and Taoist thought. They are interconnected and together form a complete philosophical system. Most people have heard of these terms, but not many can accurately describe the eight trigrams and their characteristics. Here, we will introduce them and strive to help everyone remember them as quickly as possible.
Objectives#
- Bagua - Trigrams (the minimum goal is to be able to draw them)
- Bagua - Trigram sequence (basic understanding)
Taiji#
Taiji is the core concept in Taoist philosophy, representing the fundamental cause of the generation and transformation of all things in the universe. Taiji is the state of ultimate emptiness, and from emptiness arises Taiji, and from Taiji arise Liangyi (Yin and Yang). It encompasses everything in the universe and is the origin of the universe. The Taiji symbol is often represented by a circular pattern of black and white, symbolizing the harmonious unity of Yin and Yang.
Liangyi#
Liangyi refers to Yin and Yang, representing the negative and positive forces in the universe, respectively. Yin and Yang are interdependent and mutually opposing, together giving rise to the generation and transformation of the universe. Liangyi gives rise to Sixiang, which represents the further evolution of Yin and Yang into four states.
Sixiang#
Sixiang refers to Taiyin, Shaoyin, Taiyang, and Shaoyang. They represent the further evolution and dialectical process of Yin and Yang in the universe. Taiyin and Shaoyang form one pair, and Taiyang and Shaoyin form another pair. The Four Symbols give rise to Bagua, which are the eight states derived from the evolution of Yin and Yang.
Bagua#
Bagua is an ancient Chinese divination and prediction system, consisting of eight basic symbols: Qian, Dui, Li, Zhen, Xun, Kan, Gen, and Kun. Each trigram is composed of three lines, which can be either solid (representing Yang) or broken (representing Yin). The combination and transformation of the eight trigrams represent the laws of motion and change in the universe.
Bagua can be used for prediction because it reflects the changing laws of Yin and Yang in the universe. Based on the changes in Yin and Yang, one can speculate on the future development of things. This predictive philosophy embodies the ancient Chinese people's exploration and understanding of the laws of the universe.
There are two arrangements of Bagua: Pre-Heaven Bagua and Post-Heaven Bagua.
Pre-Heaven Bagua: Also known as Fu Xi's Bagua, it is the sequence of trigrams attributed to the legendary figure Fu Xi. The arrangement of Pre-Heaven Bagua is: Qian, Dui, Li, Zhen, Xun, Kan, Gen, Kun. Pre-Heaven Bagua emphasizes the generation sequence of the eight trigrams, reflecting the process of the universe's generation and the development of things.
Post-Heaven Bagua: Also known as King Wen's Bagua or the Bagua of the Book of Changes (Yijing), it is the sequence of trigrams attributed to the legendary figure King Wen. The arrangement of Post-Heaven Bagua is: Qian, Kan, Gen, Zhen, Xun, Li, Dui, Kun. Post-Heaven Bagua emphasizes the interrelationships between the eight trigrams, reflecting the laws of the development of things and the Yin-Yang philosophy of Taoism.
In conclusion, Taiji, Liangyi, Sixiang, and Bagua are important components of ancient Chinese philosophy and Taoist thought, revealing the mysteries of the generation and transformation of all things in the universe. Pre-Heaven Bagua and Post-Heaven Bagua represent two different arrangements of the eight trigrams, emphasizing the generation sequence and interrelationships of the trigrams, respectively, reflecting the ancient Chinese people's exploration and understanding of the laws of the universe.