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Chapter 12 of 14
Meihua Yishu — Plum Blossom Divination
Heaven, Earth, and humanity were initially distinguished, and the Eight Trigrams were established from this🌌. All things are governed by the laws of the Five Elements, and all beings are influenced by the dual forces of Yin and Yang🌗. Fu Xi was the originator of writing, while Cang Jie pioneered the art of seal script. Characters formed from bird tracks were merely pictographic and ideographic; seal scripts derived from cloud and dragon patterns were passed down through bamboo slips. Since the Qin and Han dynasties, seal script and clerical script evolved alternately. After the emergence of Zhong Yao and Wang Xizhi, regular script and cursive script each gained their names. The forms of writing have survived to this day, while the principles embedded within them have been passed down through the ages.
Humans embody the mathematical laws of all things, and everything is interconnected; writing reveals the thoughts of countless individuals, each person unique. To explore the signs of fortune and misfortune, one must first gain true knowledge through observing things. For example, the sky is immensely vast, something to be admired but not approached, ultimately taking emptiness as its essence; the sea is profoundly deep, something to be viewed but not measured, inherently subject to tides and ebbs. Nothing moves mountains and uproots trees like the wind🌪️, yet a single sheet of paper covering a window can block it; nothing changes valleys and relocates hills like water🌊, yet a bottomless bamboo tube cannot be filled. A small pellet and a large plate (metaphor for the sun's size) illustrate the difficulty in discerning the sun’s distance; white garments turning into gray dogs symbolize the ever-changing nature of clouds☁️. Rain inherently nourishes seedlings🌱, but if untimely, it brings sorrow; snow can freeze and suppress plants, but if moderate, it brings joy and heralds a bountiful year❄️. The moon moves swiftly, reflecting in the river—do not try to fish it out from the water; stars cycle through the eight poles—who can shift them across the sky?✨ Dew can be compared to kindness, moistening travelers but often evoking caution; sunlight resembles brocade, yet it is most suitable for hermits in deep mountains🌄. The glaring autumn sun is excessively hot, and its reappearance becomes a disaster☀️; the trickling winter moon’s cold water, when seen again, appears even more desolate❄️. Stubborn metal fears not the blazing furnace🔥, while floodwaters require embankments to contain them🛑. Mist obscures obstacles🌫️, and fleeting lightning metaphors transient life⚡. A beauty appearing under the moon may ultimately prove to be a dream; a guest departing in the snow may yet return midway. White dew can convey longing, while sudden thunder signals change🌩️. Treading on frost marks the beginning of caution, urging care in starting; facing an abyss evokes wariness, ensuring preservation till the end.
Do not point (matters of the inner chamber are not for detailed discussion); continuous rain brings hope to farming families🌧️. The highbrow "Spring Snow" melody❄️ belongs only to the aloof; flowing water and high mountains⛰️ rarely meet their match. As for towering rocks, all beings gaze upon them in awe; gushing springs bring joy to sages. Waterfalls surge uncontrollably💦, while turbulent streams remain restless. Wind and water enable sailing⛵, but raging waves and fierce winds will wreck the boat; rain and dew nurture all things, yet frost and freezing rain harm them❄️. The state has its seekers, but passes and ferries truly hinder travelers🛂. Misty forests may reveal sights, but rivers flowing through gorges never return🌊. The blooming peach season is ideal for marriage🌸 but unfavorable for buying servants or livestock; willow branches are fitting for farewells🌿, especially for those seeking fame in examinations📚. Pines and cypresses signify longevity🌲, and when compared to reputation, they stand fragrant and elegant; silk and vines can bind marriages💍, yet when metaphorizing character, they imply clinging to power. Lotus leaves, just emerging from water, gradually unfold🌷; plums may be used in cooking but retain their tartness🍋. The plum tree suffers by the roadside (easily picked), while the olive leaves a sweet aftertaste. Brushes and ink serve briefly🖋️; bowls and jars hold reunions, but not for long🍶. A short rope cannot draw from deep wells, and a long spear is too heavy for weak arms⚔️. A butcher’s knife cutting meat benefits officials🔪, yet harms kin; slicing melons with a blade halts affairs, but foretells the birth of a son in pregnancy👶. An empty coffin signifies adding a male heir; a sealed letter will eventually be opened📨. The abacus calculates gains at hand🧮, order emerging from chaos; bones in a casket, even if removed, must return⚰️. Tiles risk incompleteness, and cups guard against chips🍵. A mat can be rolled up, destined to remain beneath others; an open umbrella promises rising above others☂️. A hook brings small losses and great gains🎣; firewood carries heavy burdens and long journeys🪵. Beads can be strung together📿; candles burn bright but not long🕯️. Needle and thread reunite when brought together🪡; shovels and hoes, when used, will turn the soil⚒️. Chisels gain utility through wear, also reflecting human fortunes🔨. A tethered monkey will never return home🐒; a caged parrot is trapped by its own long tongue🦜. Swans follow others for food and drink, and even if freed, return to cages🦢; horses, though fearless in galloping, cannot break free from reins and bits🐎. A carp away from rivers cannot transform🐟; a swallow confined indoors loses its way🐦. Pleading innocence meets ill omens from crows (their caws forebode misfortune); seeking longevity aligns with the crane’s enduring age🕊️.
All things are diverse, and principles are inexhaustible; human desires vary, and aspirations differ. Judging others rigidly is like gluing pegs to tune a lute—inflexible; grasping principles through analogies signifies adaptability. The mind, like a mirror held high, discerns beauty and ugliness naturally; wisdom, like the Jade River flowing into the sea, moves with vitality🌊. Guiguzi said: "When others act, I remain still; when others speak, I listen." These words hold profound meaning! How can they be ignored?
This text reflects the ancient Chinese mindset of "observing phenomena to derive principles," linking natural phenomena with human affairs:
This text embodies profound Eastern philosophical wisdom:
Please translate the above content into English, maintaining the original format and structure.