2025-04-08
Sure! Here’s a structured yet conversational introduction to The Art of War: What is The Art of War(《孙子兵法》)? The Art of War (Sun Tzu’s兵法) is an ancient Chinese military […]
Hetu (River Chart)
The Hetu, or River Chart, is a legendary diagram deeply rooted in Chinese mythology and cosmology. It is said to have emerged from the Yellow River on the back of a dragon-horse during the reign of the ancient sage-king Fu Xi. The chart consists of black and white dots arranged in a specific pattern, symbolizing the fundamental order of the universe.
The Hetu is closely associated with the principles of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements (Wu Xing), serving as the foundation for the Eight Trigrams (Bagua) and the I Ching (Book of Changes). It represents the harmony between heaven and earth, offering a framework for understanding natural laws and human destiny.
Together with the Luoshu (Luo Writing), the Hetu forms the cornerstone of Chinese metaphysical thought, influencing fields such as astronomy, divination, and traditional medicine. Its enigmatic design continues to inspire scholars and spiritual seekers, embodying the profound wisdom of ancient China.
Luoshu (Luo Writing)
The Luoshu, or Luo Writing, is a mystical diagram that holds a central place in Chinese cosmology and philosophy. According to legend, it appeared on the shell of a divine turtle emerging from the Luo River during the reign of the ancient sage-king Yu the Great. The Luoshu is depicted as a 3x3 magic square, with numbers arranged in a way that each row, column, and diagonal sums to 15.
The Luoshu is closely linked to the Nine Palaces (Jiugong) and the Five Elements (Wu Xing), providing a model for understanding the dynamic balance of cosmic forces. It is often paired with the Hetu (River Chart) as a dual symbol of universal order and harmony.
The Luoshu's influence extends to various fields, including feng shui, traditional Chinese medicine, and divination. Its intricate numerical pattern continues to captivate scholars and practitioners, reflecting the deep connection between mathematics, nature, and spirituality in Chinese thought.
In chronological order of dynasties
Chinese cultural celebrities
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