In traditional Chinese metaphysics, the Twelve Longsheng (or "Stages of Life") is an important concept that involves the relationship between the Ten Heavenly Stems and the Twelve Earthly Branches. Many people are confused about whether the Twelve Longsheng belong to the Heavenly Stems or the Earthly Branches. This article will explore the principles of the Twelve Longsheng in depth, revealing the underlying yin-yang and Five Elements laws, helping readers better understand and remember this complex system.
The Concept of Twelve Longsheng
The Twelve Longsheng refer to the state of the Ten Heavenly Stems in relation to the Twelve Earthly Branches, which include: Longsheng (Birth), Muyu (Bath), Guanzhai (Crown and Belt), Linquan (Official), Diwang (Imperial Power), Shuai (Decline), Bing (Sickness), Si (Death), Mu (Burial), Jue (Extinction), Tai (Embryo), and Yang (Nourishment). These states describe the vitality of the Heavenly Stems in different Earthly Branches, covering the entire process from growth to decay. The concept of the Twelve Longsheng not only involves the Heavenly Stems but is also closely related to the Earthly Branches, so it is not purely a matter of the Heavenly Stems or the Earthly Branches, but rather the result of their interaction.
The Longsheng Rules for Yin and Yang Stems
In the Twelve Longsheng, the Longsheng of the Yang Stems (Jia, Bing, Wu, Geng, Ren) is the element that gives rise to them. For example, the Longsheng of Jia Wood is Hai Water, because water gives rise to wood. The Longsheng of the Yin Stems (Yi, Ding, Ji, Xin, Gui) is the element they give rise to, such as the Longsheng of Yi Wood being Wu Fire, because wood gives rise to fire. This rule reflects the principle of mutual generation and control among yin, yang, and the Five Elements, and is key to understanding the Twelve Longsheng.
The Special Nature of Wu Earth and Ding Fire
In the Twelve Longsheng, the rules for Wu Earth and Ding Fire differ from those of other Heavenly Stems. This is because fire and earth are in the same palace, so the arrangement of the Twelve Longsheng for Bing Fire and Wu Earth is the same, and that for Ding Fire and Ji Earth is also the same. This point needs special attention, as it relates to the unique relationships between the Heavenly Stems and the Earthly Branches.
Explanation of the Longsheng of Jia Wood and Yi Wood
Taking Jia Wood and Yi Wood as examples, Jia Wood's Longsheng is Hai Water, while Yi Wood's Longsheng is Wu Fire. This is because Jia Wood represents the vital energy, whereas Yi Wood represents the physical form. In the month of Hai, the vital energy of Jia Wood begins to grow, while the physical form of Yi Wood begins to dissipate; in the month of Wu, the opposite occurs. This alternating phenomenon of yin and yang reflects the cycle of growth and decline in nature.
The Order and Reverse Order of the Twelve Longsheng
In the Twelve Longsheng, the Yang Stems follow an ordered sequence, while the Yin Stems follow a reverse sequence. This order and reverse order are closely related to the yin-yang nature of the Heavenly Stems. By understanding this rule, we can more easily remember the corresponding elements of the Ten Heavenly Stems in the Longsheng stages.
Through the analysis of the concept of the Twelve Longsheng, the longsheng rules for Yin and Yang stems, the special nature of Wu Earth and Ding Fire, the explanation of the longsheng of Jia Wood and Yi Wood, and the order and reverse order of the Twelve Longsheng, we can see that the Twelve Longsheng are the result of the interaction between the Heavenly Stems and the Earthly Branches. They reflect the profound connotations of yin-yang and the Five Elements. Understanding these rules not only helps us remember the specific details of the Twelve Longsheng, but also allows us to gain a deeper understanding of the wisdom of traditional Chinese metaphysics.
