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Chapter 110 of 131
Zeng Shan Bu Yi — Revised I Ching Divination
When divining for construction or groundbreaking, it is most auspicious 🌟 if the Self Line (representing the person involved) is in the position of the Offspring Line (symbolizing blessing and virtue). However, if the Officer Line (symbolizing obstacles or misfortune) repeats or changes frequently, it may sow the seeds of disaster 🔥. If the Self Line is strong and receives support, it can turn misfortune into blessing; conversely, if the Self Line is weak and restrained, the project should be paused 🛑.
When selecting the direction for groundbreaking, priority should be given to the direction represented by the Offspring Line, while avoiding the direction of the Officer Line. For example, if the Offspring Line belongs to the Water element (corresponding to the North), it is suitable to start the project in the North 🌊; if the Officer Line belongs to the Fire element (corresponding to the South), groundbreaking should not be conducted in the South 🔥. If the Officer Line falls in the Earth directions of Chen, Xu, Chou, or Wei (Southeast, Northwest, Northeast, Southwest), these directions must also be strictly avoided for groundbreaking ⛰.
When demolishing old structures, there is no taboo against the activation of the Wealth Line (symbolizing resources), as it may bring financial gains 💰. However, for new construction projects, it is particularly important to avoid a weak Parent Line (symbolizing foundations or structure), as this could lead to instability or vulnerability of the building after completion. Only a strong and robust Parent Line can ensure the long-term stability and durability of the building 🏠.
This chapter focuses on using Hexagram Symbols of the Six Relatives (such as the Self Line, Offspring Line, and Officer Line) and the Five Elements Directions to determine the auspiciousness or inauspiciousness of construction and groundbreaking. It emphasizes selecting auspicious directions (e.g., the Offspring direction) to attract blessings and avoiding dangerous directions (e.g., the Officer direction) to avert disasters, while also paying attention to the strength or weakness of the lines to make decisions about project progress. This reflects the ancient concept of "harmony between heaven and humanity," seeking balance between people and their environment.
In a modern context, this can be understood as a risk assessment and decision-making tool. For example:
This chapter deeply reflects the dialectical thinking of the Yi Jing: auspiciousness and inauspiciousness are interdependent, and dynamic balance (e.g., the interactions between lines) is needed to respond to changes. It reminds us that any action (such as groundbreaking) should respect natural laws (e.g., directions and the Five Elements), emphasizing the philosophy of "preparation leads to success." In modern times, this translates into an ecological wisdom: human activities need to harmonize with the environment rather than强行 transforming it, thereby reducing conflicts and risks.
Related Concepts:
Further Reading:
Modern Research:
Contemporary Yi Jing scholars, such as Liu Dajun, have explored the combination of divination and environmental science, suggesting the application of ancient wisdom as a "symbolic system" rather than superstition. In practice, there are cases where the directions and Five Elements are used for psychological暗示 or decision-making frameworks, but scientific validation is emphasized as a priority.
Please translate the above content into English, maintaining the original format and structure.