In traditional Chinese philosophy, it is believed that there are fundamental substances that form the world and govern the cycle of life. These substances are called elements. There are five main elements; wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Similarly, they are known as the ‘Five Phases’ or ‘Five Cardinal Points’. Elements perform two Cycle of Balance in order to stabilize the environment and create harmony altogether.
Firstly, the Generating Cycle. The aim of this cycle is to rejuvenate the old, weary environment and stimulate the flow of Chi, a spiritual energy said to regulate the cycle of life. For instance, wood ‘feeds’ fire, fire creates earth (ashes), earth contains metal, metal collects water, and water nourishes wood. In short, the Generating Cycle is perpetual and infinite, as long as there is life in this world.
Secondly, the Overcoming Cycle. The purpose of this cycle is to control the existence of one element, so that it will not overflow (natural disasters such as typhoons, tsunami, and earthquake are said to be the results of the imbalance). For example, wood parts earth, earth absorbs water, water quenches fire, fire melts metal, and metal chops wood.
Lastly, elements are also believed to determine the temperament of a human born on a specific period. Firstly, children born on the year ended by 4 or 5 (for example 1995) are born with the characteristics of wood. They are scatter-brained, wide range of hobbies, flexible, sociable, and somewhat fragile. Secondly, children born on the year ended by 6 or 7 are born with fiery temperaments; hot-blooded, great leadership capabilities, brave, impatient, and extrovert. Thirdly, children born on the year ended with 8 or 9 inherit the traits of our Mother Earth; stubborn, determined, slow-but-sure, introvert, and materialistic. Fourthly, children born on the year ended with 0 or 1 are the metal descendant. They are rigid, authoritarian, ruler, idealistic, and desperately seek for more power. Lastly, children born on the year ended by 2 or 3 are the water bearers. They are peaceful, sensitive, imaginative, artistic, and creative.
Therefore, it can be concluded that the philosophy of elements is an interesting approach to reveal the mysteries of life. Whether it is truly exist or not is up to personal belief and there is little importance in arguing about that. The more essential issue is to maintain and develop the unique inheritance of a culture, so that it will not demise over centuries.
Firstly, the Generating Cycle. The aim of this cycle is to rejuvenate the old, weary environment and stimulate the flow of Chi, a spiritual energy said to regulate the cycle of life. For instance, wood ‘feeds’ fire, fire creates earth (ashes), earth contains metal, metal collects water, and water nourishes wood. In short, the Generating Cycle is perpetual and infinite, as long as there is life in this world.
Secondly, the Overcoming Cycle. The purpose of this cycle is to control the existence of one element, so that it will not overflow (natural disasters such as typhoons, tsunami, and earthquake are said to be the results of the imbalance). For example, wood parts earth, earth absorbs water, water quenches fire, fire melts metal, and metal chops wood.
Lastly, elements are also believed to determine the temperament of a human born on a specific period. Firstly, children born on the year ended by 4 or 5 (for example 1995) are born with the characteristics of wood. They are scatter-brained, wide range of hobbies, flexible, sociable, and somewhat fragile. Secondly, children born on the year ended by 6 or 7 are born with fiery temperaments; hot-blooded, great leadership capabilities, brave, impatient, and extrovert. Thirdly, children born on the year ended with 8 or 9 inherit the traits of our Mother Earth; stubborn, determined, slow-but-sure, introvert, and materialistic. Fourthly, children born on the year ended with 0 or 1 are the metal descendant. They are rigid, authoritarian, ruler, idealistic, and desperately seek for more power. Lastly, children born on the year ended by 2 or 3 are the water bearers. They are peaceful, sensitive, imaginative, artistic, and creative.
Therefore, it can be concluded that the philosophy of elements is an interesting approach to reveal the mysteries of life. Whether it is truly exist or not is up to personal belief and there is little importance in arguing about that. The more essential issue is to maintain and develop the unique inheritance of a culture, so that it will not demise over centuries.
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