The Theoretical Foundation of Chinese Feng Shui: HeTu, Luo Shu, Pre-Heaven and Post-Heaven Ba Gua
The Post-Heaven Bagua: A Mathematical Model of the Milky Way’s Time-Space Integration
The Post-Heaven Bagua (also known as the Wen Wang Bagua) is a system that was developed by the sage King Wen of the Zhou Dynasty (around the late 12th century BCE), who is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the development of Chinese civilization. It was created by rearranging the Pre-Heaven Bagua and integrating the mathematical principles of the Luo Shu. While the Pre-Heaven Bagua and the He Tu were static models, the Post-Heaven Bagua introduced a dynamic perspective that acknowledged the constant change and motion in the universe.
As the ancient Chinese people studied the world through the guidance of the He Tu and Pre-Heaven Bagua, they realized that the world was in a constant state of motion, and things changed over time. The He Tu and Pre-Heaven Bagua provided static representations, so they sought to introduce the dynamic principles of the Luo Shu to better understand these changes. The Post-Heaven Bagua is therefore more focused on the practical applications of cosmic principles like the operation of Heaven and Earth, seasonal transformations, and the interaction of Yin and Yang, applying them to real-world spaces.
The Post-Heaven Bagua builds upon the Nine-Grid structure of the Luo Shu and combines it with the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), the Four Seasons, and cardinal directions. It is widely used in traditional Chinese cultural practices such as Feng Shui, destiny analysis (BaZi), date selection, and Qi Men Dun Jia (a form of divination). Its impact on Chinese culture and philosophy is profound, as it serves as a practical guide for understanding the natural world.
The application of the Post-Heaven Bagua has led to the development of numerous theorems, corollaries, and laws based on its principles.
The evolution of the Post-Heaven Bagua can be compared to complex scientific theories, such as Einstein’s famous equation E=mc2E = mc^2E=mc2, in the sense that it describes deep, interconnected truths about the universe. However, here we will provide only a brief introduction to the key ideas behind the Post-Heaven Bagua:
Key Features of the Post-Heaven Bagua:
1.The Arrangement of the Post-Heaven Bagua: The trigrams in the Post-Heaven Bagua are arranged based on the mathematical principles of the Luo Shu and the natural laws of the universe. It mainly focuses on concepts like the interaction of the Five Elements (birth and destruction cycles), the changes of the Four Seasons, and the auspicious and inauspicious directions. These principles combine to form the ancient Chinese philosophical views of Number, Image, and Principle (“Shu, Xiang, Li“). The Post-Heaven Bagua can be considered a culmination of the He Tu, Luo Shu, and Pre-Heaven Bagua, and it is often described as the system “used” to guide practical action in daily life.
2.Applications of the Post-Heaven Bagua in Feng Shui and Destiny Analysis:
Residential Feng Shui: Different directions influence various aspects of life. For example, placing symbols of authority (like a dragon turtle) in the Northwest (Qian) position can enhance power and leadership, while placing plants in the Southeast (Xun) position can help boost wealth. These are broad guidelines, and specific adjustments require further analysis.
Personal Destiny Analysis: By analyzing a person’s Five Elements in their BaZi (Eight Characters), one can select the most auspicious directions to enhance their luck. For instance, if a person lacks the Fire element in their chart, they might place red items or lights in the South (Li) to supplement Fire energy.
The ancient sages of the Chinese people also left behind a mysterious diagram and a verse associated with the Post-Heaven Bagua, which future generations are meant to interpret and apply for the benefit of humanity. The verse reads:
Qian 6, Dui 7, Li 9, Zhen 3, Xun 4, Kan 1, Gen 8, Kun 2
The Emperor emerges from Zhen (Thunder), aligns with Xun (Wind), meets with Li (Fire), is served by Kun (Earth), speaks through Dui (Lake), battles with Qian (Heaven), labors with Kan (Water), and stops at Gen (Mountain).
This verse, along with the associated trigrams and numbers, is an essential guide for understanding the dynamic flow of energy in the universe and how to harmonize with it in practical applications such as Feng Shui, personal destiny analysis, and other areas of traditional Chinese metaphysics.