The Shift Theory
易理
In ancient times the teachings of the human system were taught in symbolic representation, drawn with a stick or stone on the ground. The knowledge was a result of observing how the laws of nature govern and being in tune with them.
In the same way that the stars and universe maintain equilibrium, maintaining one’s well-being was a daily practice rather than merely a belief.
The word 易 /yì/ is referring to chameleons (蜥蜴), as these lizards can colour-shift to camouflage itself, and before diving into the actual theory here is a brief explanation on I-Ching or The Book of Changes (周易) for clarification.
It started when King Wen of Zhou (周文王) was imprisoned, he stacked the 8 Trigrams (八卦) to act out the possible 64 Hexagram’s combination based on The Shift Theory. With each individual lines a notion of a situation gradually in change, he might have used it to predict his fate as he was much in despair. His son Duke of Zhou (周公) later edited most of the verses to make it less demoralising.
Additionally, I-Ching or The Book of Changes had an influence on Leibniz’s documentation of binary arithmetic, and on Niels Bohr’s principle of complementarity.
Now The Shift Theory on the other hand existed in a time before any formal languages, it was drawn based on logic to comprehend the Universe of its law of change, as well to depict nature’s phenomenon. The solid and broken lines represent complementary forces of Yin (阴) and Yang (阳). The grouped formations are analogous to atoms and molecules that bind through the electromagnetic force.
The purpose of it is to illustrate possible groupings of energy combinations in a meditative state. These groupings can be formed to facilitate the recuperation of the human body.
As the I-Ching or The Book of Changes concept is adapted from The Shift Theory, so clearly the 64 Hexagrams were not meant for the purpose of divination.
The 64 Hexagrams
The 64 Hexagrams are a combination of two groupings from the 8 Trigrams, this is the formation chart:
The 8 Trigrams Formation Chart
This is a chart representing the manifestation of human energy (气) within a systemic framework, not intended for Feng Shui (风水). Be intrigued by the superstitious belief in hanging the Taiji (太极) symbol on a wall to ward off evil and to bring good fortune.
The 8 Trigrams (八卦) represents the eight earthly phenomena attributes, and Of Origin (无极) is a conditional state.
To develop an intuitive understanding, one may simply observe these lines and their combinations without attempting to verbalize them.
All life forms possess a certain essence of their creator, much like a child inherits its parents’ genes. Humans are created within this sphere we call Earth, so we possess certain attributes of Mother Earth, just as we share a similar elemental composition with the stars.
The River Map & The Stream Scroll
河图 洛书
The River Map can be drawn in a circular manner and The Stream Scroll in a square form. All white dots denote Positive Energy and black dots Negative Energy.
The River Map
The Stream Scroll
In general, The River Map represent a balance and harmonious state of mind with the Heaven/Universe, while The Stream Scroll is a schematic of The Shift Theory.
There is a saying “the sky is round and the earth is flat” (天圆地方), so you probably can guess the relation between these two diagrams.
In the The River Map if you subtract each group of adjoined dots you will end up with 5, 5 being a representation of humans. It represents the human’s five energy points in the predominant system.
In the The Stream Scroll if you add up the number of dots in any vertical, horizontal, or diagonal sequence you will end up with 15. 15 being the total sum of all The Shift Theory branches; Of Origin (0) + Taiji (1) + The Two Appearance (2) + The Four Resemblance (4) + The Eight Trigrams (8) = 15.
The Predominant System
The main 5 adjoined dots in The River Map represent energy points in the human predominant system which is within you. The name of these two diagrams referring to river and stream arises from their connection to the human body’s fluid, which embodies our essence.
These five energy points make you human as a being. Part of the process to regulate it is through cell signal transduction. These points then harden, resonate, and you can direct the flowing force.
As these points feel like a seed, so it will be referred here as Seed Points (丹点). These five energy points can be at its purest or strongest state. If left unattained, it deteriorates along with the physical body as one age.
Dao / Tao
道
We can focus Dao as a way of life and not relating it to the religion Daoism / Taoism (道教).
It was claimed that the first recorded Dao teachings were written by Lao Zi (老子). In general, it is a transcript of nature’s law and how we are supposed to deal and live with it in harmony. Translating true Dao texts into other languages will usually lose its meaning and intention, as kennings similarity were used in riddle form.
To summarise the practical portion; a direct translation of Dao (道) can mean a path, in this context a “breathing path.” To rejuvenate this path one must first learn to open their “floodgate” to release their stagnant Energy (气). This is then to transpose one’s breathing structurally inside the body to interact with their predominant Seed Points.
To Live as Intended with Clarity and Good Health
The purpose is to discover true well-being, and the limitless potential to heal. By fostering this, we create the foundation for a deeper connection to life.
Nature embodies a distinct form of interconnectedness, and developing an understanding of this concept requires individuals to live in harmony with their own bodily systems.
It also provides greater clarity regarding various aspects of life and broader existential concerns.
I have dedicated my remaining time here to teach by providing training lessons with the intention that people understand how Energy (气) works in the body and the methods of regulating it for their own good health. All sessions preferably need to be conducted live in person. My practice is not the conventional cross-legged meditation method; rather, it is something simpler and more natural.
Alternately the knowledge presented here may be solely for your awareness, and I hope it may be helpful in some way.