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Chapter 11 of 14
Meihua Yishu — Plum Blossom Divination
Holistic Interpretation
This chapter expounds on the wisdom of deducing principles through observing the forms of objects: grasping the essence of things to understand their laws, and examining their beginnings and ends to judge their trends. Long, thin objects (e.g., a bamboo ruler) use an inch to symbolize a decade, allowing one to deduce lifespan; round or square objects (e.g., coins) use a thousand gold pieces to compare with a single tael, enabling one to measure the rise and fall of fortune. Those who play with silver rings often indulge in pleasures, while those who carry jewels in their bags will ultimately achieve prominence. Stones and clay are useless if not timely, while wooden and metal objects waste effort if they lack vitality.
Those who grind ink to inquire about fame and achievement will find the more they pursue, the more they feel lacking; those who hold a tripod to test their fate will, by their noble temperament, lead extraordinary lives. Those who wear a dagger at their waist often achieve their desires, while those who pick up fruit pits on the road will struggle in all endeavors. Using grass to inquire about one’s career 🌱 signifies flourishing when spring arrives; holding silver to inquire about wealth 💰 suggests that even with capital, it may be depleted. Plain silk without writing symbolizes sparse and distant friendships, while relying on others to deliver ivory tablets will ultimately lead to disrespect. A string of prayer beads symbolizes family harmony, while an inconsistent wooden fish hints at weak familial bonds.
The following sections will analyze the connections between objects and principles category by category:
Books and writings are not commonly used by petty individuals, nor are farming tools and baskets carried by noble individuals. Those who hold a whip aspire to wealth and status, while those who play the zither find joy in freedom. A hanging gourd symbolizes the need to wait for fame and achievement, while breaking a willow branch hints at a frivolous and impulsive nature. A bamboo staff represents integrity and righteousness, while a wooden awl implies relentless ambition. Those who never set aside books cultivate virtue within themselves, while those who delve into skills engage in self-reflection.
Pointing at flowers and observing shadows reveals the passage of time; listening to bamboo and hearing its sound brings clarity to the mind. A noble person playing music will ultimately rely on eloquence, while a woman engaged in needlework will inevitably have her thoughts entangled. Books taken out of a box can distinguish true jade from false, and holding a sword can resolve doubts and disputes. Those with feather fans and silk scarves often embody the spirit of hermits, while rare treasures frequently come from across the seas. Healing with herbs requires understanding their properties, and governing the world with the Six Classics demands deep study and meticulous research. Water in a basin, if left standing for long, will eventually spill, while accumulated metal must be gathered before it can be used.
Achieving success is as challenging as matching lyrics to a melody, and profound knowledge feels like a blessing from three lifetimes. Holding metal to cultivate the Tao uses objects to illustrate principles, while sacrificing personal attachments to honor a teacher values the Tao as treasure. Gaining clarity through learning requires observing the rites of apprenticeship, and sending letters to convey messages must not neglect the duty of respecting teachers. Only actions aligned with the Tao and righteous causes should be pursued; actions contrary to the Tao and objects of little significance should never be taken lightly.
Symbolic Thinking System: Transforming object characteristics into informational symbols, such as:
Dynamic Evaluation Model:
Profession and Object Associations: