In traditional Chinese cosmology, the Twelve Longsheng (十二长生) is an important concept that describes the state of the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) in different terrestrial branches. This article will provide a detailed analysis of how the Twelve Longsheng are calculated through the use of finger-counting techniques, helping readers gain a deeper understanding of this complex cosmological system.
The Basic Composition of the Twelve Longsheng
The Twelve Longsheng is an essential concept in traditional Chinese cosmology, consisting of twelve stages: Longsheng (Birth), Muyu (Bathing), Guandai (Crowning), Linquan (Official Position), Diwang (Imperial Prosperity), Shuai (Decline), Bing (Illness), Si (Death), Mu (Burial), Jue (Extinction), Tai (Fetus), and Yang (Nourishment). These stages represent the state of the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) in different terrestrial branches. For example, the Longsheng position of Fire is in the branch of Yin (寅), the Longsheng position of Metal is in the branch of Si (巳), the Longsheng position of Water is in the branch of Shen (申), and the Longsheng position of Wood is in the branch of Hai (亥). These positions reflect the natural laws of mutual generation and control among the Five Elements.
The Principle of Finger-Counting Calculation
In the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches system, the importance of the Twelve Longsheng is self-evident, as it is referred to as the "Camp Strategy." Through the use of finger-counting techniques, one can quickly determine the state of the Ten Heavenly Stems in the terrestrial branches. The core of the finger-counting calculation lies in memorizing the yin-yang attributes of the Ten Heavenly Stems and their corresponding Longsheng positions, then applying the principle of "yin reverse, yang forward" for calculation. For instance, the Longsheng position of the yang stem Jia (甲) is in the branch of Hai (亥), and following the forward direction of yang stems, one can calculate all the Longsheng stages of Jia.
Specific Calculation Methods
The specific calculation method is as follows: first, determine the Longsheng position of the heavenly stem, then calculate the Twelve Longsheng states of that stem based on the principle of "yin reverse, yang forward." For example, if Jia's Longsheng is in the branch of Hai (亥), then its Muyu (Bathing) is in the branch of Zi (子), its Guandai (Crowning) is in the branch of Chou (丑), and so on. For yin stems, such as Yi (乙), whose Longsheng is in the branch of Wu (午), the calculation process is reversed. Using this method, one can quickly determine the positions of the Twelve Longsheng of the heavenly stems on the fingers.
Application of the Finger-Counting Technique
The finger-counting technique is not only a quick method to determine the state of the Twelve Longsheng but also holds significant practical value. It enables cosmologists to perform rapid astrological analysis and prediction without consulting charts. Mastery of this technique is indispensable for deep learning and application of the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches system.
Through a detailed explanation of the composition of the Twelve Longsheng, the principle of finger-counting calculation, specific calculation methods, and applications, we can see that the calculation of the Twelve Longsheng is a process that combines the laws of mutual generation and control among the Five Elements with the skill of finger-counting. Mastering this technique is crucial for understanding and applying the concept of the Twelve Longsheng in traditional Chinese cosmology.
