The theory of the Five Elements is a significant component of ancient Chinese philosophy, explaining various phenomena in nature and human society through the interrelation of the five basic elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Many sections of "Three Life Meetings," such as "Ten Heavenly Stems Allocated to Astronomy" and "Discussing Earthly Branches," involve the concept of the Five Elements. Let's delve into this ancient wisdom together.

Generating Cycle of the Five Elements: Cycle of Natural Order

The generating cycle of the Five Elements refers to the generative relationships among the five elements, whose natural cyclicity is widely applied in fields like traditional Chinese medicine and feng shui. According to descriptions in "Three Life Meetings," we understand that the generative relationships among the Five Elements are as follows: wood generates fire, fire generates earth, earth generates metal, metal generates water, and water generates wood. This is akin to a cycle in nature, where elements complement each other. For example:

Wood generates Fire: Wood can generate fire, reflecting its role as fuel.
Fire generates Earth: Fire can smelt metals, forming earth-like substances.
Earth generates Metal: Soil contains metal ores, symbolizing the nurturing of metal.
Metal generates Water: Metal, when processed, can condense back into liquid water form.
Water generates Wood: Water is vital for nourishing plants, aiding their growth.

Citation and Background

As mentioned in "On the Prosperity, Decline, Dormancy, Death, and Birth of the Twelve Palaces," the prosperity of the Five Elements has unique vitality and change. For instance, wood thrives in spring, corresponding with the rise of fire, explaining seasonal changes and revealing the dynamic growth of the Five Elements. This concept reminds us to respect nature's operations in life and achieve harmony between humans and nature.

Overcoming Cycle of the Five Elements: Balance of Restrictive Relationships

The overcoming cycle of the Five Elements refers to the restrictive relationships among the five elements, which are equally important. The depiction in "Three Life Meetings" shows the overcoming relationships as follows: wood overcomes earth, earth overcomes water, water overcomes fire, fire overcomes metal, and metal overcomes wood. This indicates a balancing relationship:

Wood overcomes Earth: Roots can disrupt soil structure.
Earth overcomes Water: Earth can absorb or block water.
Water overcomes Fire: Water can extinguish flames.
Fire overcomes Metal: Fire can melt metals.
Metal overcomes Wood: Metal tools can cut wood.

Analysis Based on "Three Life Meetings"

"On Heavenly Stems Yin and Yang Life and Death" points out that the reconciliation of Yin and Yang is closely related to the generating and overcoming relationships of the Five Elements. This cycle emphasizes the transformation and change of things, such as the natural process of a mother giving birth to a child, and a child growing up as the mother ages, showcasing the profound influence of the Five Element system on life.

Modern Applications and Cultural Integration

In modern times, the Five Element theory finds parallels in ecology and psychology and is applied in business management and urban planning. The growth of a business is like a tree, needing sunlight (fire), soil, and appropriate restraint (metal), embodying the practice of the generating and overcoming cycles in contemporary society.

It's worth noting that the rich texts in "Three Life Meetings" provide insights into a religious and philosophical perspective of the Five Elements, which had multiple applications in ancient medicine, agriculture, and architecture. Although modern technology has advanced, the Five Elements as a treasure of Chinese culture continue to have a profound impact.

Citation: "Three Life Meetings" provides us with profound insights through detailed interpretations of the Five Elements, revealing the natural view and life wisdom in ancient culture.

It is hoped that this article will give readers a deeper understanding of the generating and overcoming theories of the Five Elements and enable them to use this wisdom in everyday life to achieve a high degree of harmony between humans and nature.

In-depth Analysis of the Five Elements' Intergeneration and Interrestriction: Fusion of Tradition and Modernity