五营运者,木火土金水,五运五行之气也。始则五气横天,而化五运五行,既则天地之大,人物之
众,皆本营运以化生。本经第五篇《阴阳应象大论》,为五营运之大纲,此则原其所始,而反复申明之。
黄帝坐明堂,始正天纲,临观八极,考建五常。
明堂,君臣一堂向明而治也。天纲,天文之大纲也。始正天纲,天道立矣。八极,皇极之八方也。
临观八极,地道立矣。五常,五伦之常理也。考建五常,人道立矣。史臣将述黄帝岐伯论天地阴阳
气运之理,而先记叙之。
请天师而问之曰∶论言天地之动静,神明为之纪,阴阳之升降,
寒暑彰其兆。余闻五运之数于夫子,夫子之所言,正五气之各主岁尔。首甲定运,余因论之。
鬼臾区曰∶土主甲己,金主乙虞,水主丙辛,木主丁壬,火主戊癸。子午之上,少阴主之;丑未
之上,太阴主之;寅申之上,少阳主之;卯酉之上,阳明主之;辰戌之上,
太阳主之;巳亥之上,厥阴主之。不合阴阳,其故何也?
帝引《气交变大论》之言,并《六节脏象大论》之言,及上编鬼臾区之言,而探阴阳相合之原也。《气
交变大论》云∶天地之动静,神明为之纪,阴阳之往复,寒暑彰其兆。帝引以问,盖欲详阴天地
动静之神明,阴阳升降之寒暑也。闻五运之数于夫子,五气各主岁也。六节脏象岐伯云∶五运相袭,而
皆治之,终期之日,周而复始也。首甲定运者,天有十日,日六竟而周甲,甲六复而终岁也。余
因论之者,《天元纪大论》,帝举五运相袭之言,与鬼臾区论五六相合之道,鬼臾区有甲己之岁,土
运主之云云,有子午之岁上见少阴云云。此帝复举鬼臾区之言,而言不合阴阳,谓五六之不相合,其故
何也?盖欲探其相合之原也。
岐伯曰∶是明道也,此天地之阴阳也。夫数之可数者,人中之阴阳也,然所合,
数之可得者也。夫阴阳者,数之可十,推之可百,
数之可于,推之可万。天地阴阳者,不以数推,以象之谓也。
可数及数之可十数之可千,俱上声,余皆如字。
天地之阴阳,不同于人中之阴阳。天地之阴阳,道也。人中之阴阳,数也。五气主岁,首甲定运,
阴阳相合者也。是明道也,此天地之阴阳也。若夫五行之数可数者,此人中之阴阳也。然以人中
阴阳之数,而合于天,则天人一理,所合数之可得者也。夫人中之阴阳者,数之可十,推之可百,数
之可千,推之可万,其数无穷。若天地之阴阳者,不以数推,而澹漠之初,仰观其象,但以象之谓也。
帝曰∶愿闻其所始也。
天地阴阳,不以数而以象,故愿闻其所始。
岐伯曰∶昭乎哉问也!臣览《太始天元册》文,丹天之气经于
牛女戊分。 天之气经于心尾己分,苍天之气经于危室柳鬼,素天
之气经于亢氐昴毕,玄天之气经于张翼娄胃。所谓戊己分者,奎壁
角轸,则天地之门户也。夫候之所始,道之所生,不可不通也。
分俱去声。 音今,余篇同。
阴阳之始,本于太虚,故举《太始天元册》文而言其始也。轻清之气,上凝为天,轻清之中,复有丹
苍素玄之气,气色殊,而应化不同。故丹天之气,经于牛女戊分,牛女,癸度也,戊分,奎
壁之干度也。丹天之气,始经于此,此戊癸所以化火,而少阳相火,应丹天之左右也。 天之气,经于心尾
己分,心尾,甲度也,己分,角轸之巽度也。 天之气,始经于此,此甲己所以化土,而太阴湿
土,应 天之左右也。苍天之气,经于危室柳鬼,危室,壬度也,柳鬼,丁度也。苍天之气,始经于此,此丁
壬所以化木,而厥阴风木应苍天君之左右也。素天之气经于亢氐昴毕,亢氐乙度也,昴毕,庚度也。素天之气
始经于此,此乙庚所以化金,而阳明燥金应素天之左右也。玄天之气经于张翼娄胃,张翼丙度也,娄胃辛度
也。玄天之气始经于此,此丙辛所以化水,而太阳寒水应玄天之左右也。少阴君火,位极其尊,不司气化,故
不应也。所谓丹天戊分, 天己分者,戊为天门,犹干之奎壁,己为地户,犹翼之角轸。故奎壁角
轸,则天地之门户也。夫此气候之所始,而为道之所生,本于澹漠,生化无穷,不可不通也。
帝曰∶善。论言天地者,万物之上下,左右者,阴阳之道路,未知其所谓也?
阴阳之始既明,帝故善之。复举《天元纪大论》鬼臾区之言,而复问也。
岐伯曰∶所谓上下者,岁上下见,阴阳之所在也。
所谓上下者,司天在上,在泉在下。如少阴在上,则阳明在下;阳明在上,则少阴在下;太阴在上,则
太阳在下;太阳在上,则太阴在下;少阳在上,则厥阴在下;厥阴在上,则少阳在下。一岁之
中,上下可见,即阴阳之所在也。天地者,万物之上下,此之谓
也。
左右者,诸上见厥阴,左少阴右太阳;见少阴,左太阴右厥阴;
见太阴,左少阳右少阴;见少阳,左阳明右太阴;见阳明,左太阳
右少阳;见太阳,左厥阴右阳明。所谓面北而命其位,言其见也。
此言在上之左右也。诸,犹凡也。所谓左右者,凡见厥阴在上,则少阴在左,太阳在右;见少阴
在上,则太阴在左,厥阴在右;见太阴在上,则少阳在左,少阴在右;见少阳在上,则阳明在左,太
阴在右;见阳明在上,则太阳在左,少阳在右;见太阳在上,则厥阴在左,阳明在右。天体面南,人见
而定其位,所谓面北而命其左右之位,面北而言其在上之见也。
帝曰∶何谓下?
因上而探其下。
岐伯曰∶厥阴在上,则少阳在下,左阳明右太阴;少阴在上,则阳明在下,左太阳右少
阳;太阴在上,则太阳在下,左厥阴右阳明;少阳在上,则厥阴在下,左少阴右太阳;阳
明在上,则少阴在下,左太阴右厥阴;太阳在上,则太阴在下,左少阳右少阴。所谓
面南而命其位,言其见也。
此言在下之左右也。如厥阴司天在上,则少阳在下,少阳之左,阳明也,少阳之右,太阴也。少阴司
天在上,则阳明在下,阳明之左,太阳也,阳明之右,少阳也。太阴司天在上,则太阳在下,太阳之左,厥
阴也,太阳之右,阳明也。少阳司天在上,则厥阴在下,厥阴之左,少阴也,厥阴之右,太阳也。阳明司
天在上,则少阴在下,少阴之左,太阴也,少阴之右,厥阴也。太阳司天在上,则太阴在下,太阴之左,少
阳也,太阴之右,少阴也。地体面北,人定其位,所谓面南而命其左右之位,面南而言其在下之见也。左右
者,阴阳之道路,此之谓也。
上下相遘,寒暑相临,气相得则和,不相得则病。
上下相遘,天地之气相交也。寒暑相临,阴阳之气相加也。气相得则和,加临之气,与主时之气,
相为生旺则和。不相得则病,
加临之气,与主时之气,相为克贼则病。如子午少阴司天,阳明在泉,此主岁之气也。初之气厥阴风木,
二之气少阴君火,三之气太阴湿土,四之气少阳相火,五之气阳明燥金,终之气太阳寒水,此
主时之气也。如阳明在泉,则阳明之左太阳也。凡加临之客气起于在泉之左气,则太阳寒水加于初之气,
厥阴风木加于二之气,少阴君火加于三之气,以次相加,其中与主时之气生旺而相得,克贼而
不相得,可意会矣。
帝曰∶气相得而病者,何也?
六气加临,亦有相得而病者,故举以问。
岐伯曰∶以下临上,不当位也。
当去声,后同。
六气之中有二火,君火以明而在上,相火以位而在下。如卯酉阳明司天,则少阴在泉,少阴之左太阴
也。太阴湿土加于初之气厥阴风木,则少阳相火加于二气之少阴君火,以火加火,其气相得。
虽曰相得,以在下之火,加临于上,不当位也。《六微旨大论》曰∶君位臣则顺,臣位君则逆,此之谓也。
帝曰∶动静何如?
承上文以下临上之意,而问动静何如,谓天动地静,其加临何如也。
岐伯曰∶上者右行,下者左行,左右周天,余而复会也。
地体常静,承天气而营运。子午少阴司天者,从右行而交于丑未之太阴,则卯酉阳明在下者,从左行
而交于辰戌之太阳,是上者右行,下者左行,始于子而终于巳。六期环会,则左右周天,其后
复始于午而终于亥,则余而复会也。
帝曰∶余闻鬼臾区曰∶应地者静。今夫子乃言下者左行,不知
其所谓也,愿闻何以生之乎?
生,犹动也。《天元纪大论》鬼臾区曰,应地之气,静而守位。
帝引之以证岐伯下者左行之语,而愿闻地之所以动也。
岐伯曰∶天地动静,五行迁复,虽鬼臾区其上候而已,犹不能
遍明。
天地动静,犹言天动地静也。地虽静,而地之五行亦迁移环转,余而复会,故曰五行迁复。前篇
鬼臾区曰,臣斯十世。虽鬼臾区其十世以上,止占候其气而已,犹不能遍明其变化流行之理。
夫变化之用,天垂象,地成形,七曜纬虚,五行丽地。地者,
所以载生成之形类也。虚者,所以列应天之精气也。形精之动,犹
根本之与枝叶也,仰观其象,虽远可知也。
《易》曰∶干道变化,变者化之渐,化者变之成。《易系》曰∶在天成象,在地成形。象者,日月星
辰之属;形者,山川动植之属。故夫变化之用,天垂象,地成形。天垂象,此七曜所以纬虚,言日月五
星,经纬于太虚也。地成行,此五行所以丽地,言天布五行,下丽于地,而生长化收藏也。五行丽地,故
地者所以载生成之形类也。七曜纬虚,故虚者所以列应天之精气也。形类精气之动,而形本乎
精,是精为根,而形为叶,犹根本之与枝叶也。但仰观其天象,天虽高远,理可知也,知天则知地矣。
帝曰∶地之为下否乎?
否,批,上声。
否,闭塞也。地气不升,天气不降,则闭塞不通,故问地之为下否乎?
岐伯曰∶地为人之下,太虚之中者也。
人戴天履地,故地为人之下,天覆于上,环绕地下,地在太虚之中者也。
帝曰∶冯乎?
冯,作凭。
凭,根据也。地为太虚之中,其有根据乎?
岐伯曰∶大气举之也。
天清于上,地宣于下,大气举之,则所凭者气也。
燥以干之,暑以蒸之,风以动之,湿以润之,寒以坚之,火以
温之。故风寒在下,燥热在上,湿气在中,火游行其间。寒暑六入,
故令虚而化生也。
统言之,则曰大气。析言之,则有燥暑风湿寒火六气,游行出入于地中,而化生万物也。燥暑风湿寒火,
在天无形之气也。干蒸动润坚温,在地有形之征也。故风寒之气,在于地下;燥热之气,
在于地上,湿土之气,在于地中;火热之气,游行其间。一岁之中,日月营运,一寒一暑。今风湿类乎寒,
燥火类乎暑,是寒暑六气入于地中,故令地在太虚之中,而化生万物也。由此而推之于人,肝肾
在下,即风寒在下也。肺心在上,即燥热在上也。脾位中央,即湿气在中也。三焦之气游行于上中下,即火
游行其间也。人居天地之中,而与天地相参也。
故燥胜则地干,暑胜则地热,风胜则地动,湿胜则地泥,寒胜则地裂,火胜则地固矣。
此承上文之义而复言之。上文云,燥以干之,故燥胜则地干。暑以蒸之,故暑胜则地热,惟蒸也,故热。
风以动之,故风胜则地动。湿以润之,故湿胜则地泥,惟润也,故泥。寒以坚之,故寒胜则地
裂。裂,坚之极也。火以温之,故火胜则地固。固,牢实也。润则泥,温则固,理当然也。
帝曰∶天地之气,何以候之?
天地之气,何以候之于人。
岐伯曰∶天地之气,胜复之作,不形于诊也。《脉法》曰∶天
地之变,无以脉诊,此之谓也。
天地之气,五运六气也。胜复之作,淫胜郁复也。运气之变,发为民病,非诊候之可知也。故诊脉
之法曰∶天地之变,无以脉诊。即此天地之气,胜复之作,不形于诊之谓也。
帝曰∶间气何如?
间,去声。
岐伯曰∶随气所在,期于左右。
司天左右之气,在泉左右之气,谓之间气。如少阴司天,则左太阴右厥阴,谓之间气,而居乎上。
阳明在泉,则左太阳右少阳,
谓之间气,而居乎下。是随司天在泉之气,而期于左右也。
帝曰∶期之奈何?
期于左右,何以验之∶故问期之奈何。
岐伯曰∶从其气则和,违其气则病。
从,同也。违,逆也。从其气者,岁中主时之气,与加临之间气相同,如初之气厥阴风木,而丑
未之岁,厥阴风木加于初气,是从其气也。从则阴阳相合,故和。违其气者,主时之气,与加临之气
相逆,如初之气,厥阴风木,而卯酉之岁,太阴湿土加于初气,木刑其土,是违其气也。违则加临受制,故病。
不当其位者病。
不当其位,即上文云,以下临上,不当位也。如卯酉之岁,太阴湿土加于初气之厥阴风木,则少阳
相火加于二气之少阴君火,以下临上,不当其位,故病。
迭移其位者病。
迭,代也。间气加临其主时正位之气,代为移易,间气乘主,非其时而有其气,故病。
失守其位者危。
The Five Movements (Wu Yun) refer to the Qi of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Initially, these five Qi permeate the sky, thereby transforming into the Five Movements and the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water). Subsequently, given the vastness of heaven and earth and the multitude of beings, all are generated and transformed based on the Five Movements. Chapter 5 of this classic, "Da Lun on Yin and Yang Corresponding to Phenomena" (Yin Yang Ying Xiang Da Lun), serves as the general outline for the Five Movements; this chapter traces their origin and repeatedly elucidates this principle.
Yellow Emperor sat in the Ming Tang (an ancient hall where rulers proclaimed policies and observed astronomy), began to rectify the Great Norm of Heaven (Tian Gang), personally observed the eight extreme directions, and examined and established the Five Constants (Wu Chang, referring to the ethical constants of Benevolence, Righteousness, Propriety, Wisdom, and Faithfulness).
The Ming Tang is a place where ruler and ministers govern together facing the light. The Great Norm of Heaven refers to the general principles of astronomy. By rectifying the Great Norm of Heaven, the Way of Heaven was established. The Eight Extremes refer to the eight directions of the Imperial Norm. By observing the Eight Extremes, the Way of Earth was established. The Five Constants refer to the enduring principles of human relations. By examining and establishing the Five Constants, the Way of Humanity was established. Before narrating the discussion between Yellow Emperor and Qibo on the principles of Yin-Yang and Qi-Movement of heaven and earth, the historian first records the setting.
Yellow Emperor asked the Heavenly Master: "The classics state that the movement and stillness of heaven and earth are governed by the Divine Spirit (Shen Ming); the ascent and descent of Yin and Yang are manifested by cold and heat. I have heard from my teacher about the numerical calculations of the Five Movements. What he said was merely that each of the Five Qi presides over a year. Starting with Jia to determine the Movement, I therefore discuss it."
Gui Yūqū replied: "Earth Movement presides over years ending in Jia and Ji; Metal Movement presides over years ending in Yi and Geng; Water Movement presides over years ending in Bing and Xin; Wood Movement presides over years ending in Ding and Ren; Fire Movement presides over years ending in Wu and Gui. Above the years of Zi and Wu, Shaoyin (Lesser Yin) presides; above the years of Chou and Wei, Taiyin (Greater Yin) presides; above the years of Yin and Shen, Shaoyang (Lesser Yang) presides; above the years of Mao and You, Yangming (Bright Yang) presides; above the years of Chen and Xu, Taiyang (Greater Yang) presides; above the years of Si and Hai, Jueyin (Terminal Yin) presides. This does not conform to the principle of Yin-Yang harmony. What is the reason?"
Yellow Emperor cited statements from "Da Lun on the Great Change of Qi Intersection" (Qi Jiao Bian Da Lun) and "Da Lun on the Six Sections and Viscera Manifestations" (Liu Jie Zang Xiang Da Lun), as well as the words of Gui Yūqū mentioned earlier, to explore the origin of Yin-Yang interconnection. "Da Lun on the Great Change of Qi Intersection" states: "The movement and stillness of heaven and earth are governed by the Divine Spirit; the recurrence of Yin and Yang is manifested by cold and heat." Yellow Emperor cited this to inquire, wishing to detail the Divine Spirit behind the movement and stillness of heaven and earth, and the cold and heat corresponding to the ascent and descent of Yin and Yang. Hearing about the numbers of the Five Movements from the teacher refers to each of the Five Qi presiding over a year. In "Da Lun on the Six Sections," Qibo stated: "The Five Movements succeed one another and govern accordingly; at the end of the cycle, they start again." "Starting with Jia to determine the Movement" means that there are ten Heavenly Stems; after six cycles of days, a Jia-Zi cycle is completed, and when Jia repeats, a year ends. "I therefore discuss it" refers to "Da Lun on the Great Origin of Heaven and Numbers" (Tian Yuan Ji Da Lun), where Yellow Emperor listed the succession of the Five Movements and discussed with Gui Yūqū the way of combining five and six. Gui Yūqū had said that in years of Jia and Ji, Earth Movement presides, etc., and that in years of Zi and Wu, Shaoyin appears above, etc. Here, Yellow Emperor reiterates Gui Yūqū's words, stating that this seems inconsistent with Yin-Yang, meaning that five and six do not combine. He asks for the reason, intending to explore the origin of their combination.
Qibo replied: "This is a clear principle, referring to the Yin and Yang of heaven and earth. Things that can be counted belong to the Yin and Yang within humanity; however, their point of convergence can be calculated through numbers. As for Yin and Yang, they can be multiplied by ten, then by a hundred, by a thousand, and by ten thousand. The Yin and Yang of heaven and earth cannot be deduced by numbers alone but must be understood through their phenomena (Xiang)."
"The term 'countable' and 'numbers can reach ten' and 'numbers can reach a thousand' are pronounced with the rising tone; others are read as written."
The Yin and Yang of heaven and earth differ from those within humanity. The Yin and Yang of heaven and earth belong to the Dao (Way/Principle); the Yin and Yang within humanity belong to Shu (Numbers/Calculation). When the Five Qi preside over the annual movements, starting with Jia to determine the Movement, it represents the harmony of Yin and Yang. This is a clear principle, which is the Yin and Yang of heaven and earth. As for the numbers of the Five Elements that can be counted, these are the Yin and Yang within humanity. However, by aligning the numbers of human Yin and Yang with Heaven, Heaven and Man share the same principle, and the converging numbers can be derived. The Yin and Yang within humanity: their numbers can extend to ten, deduce to a hundred, to a thousand, and to ten thousand, infinite in number. But the Yin and Yang of heaven and earth are not deduced by numbers; rather, in the beginning of chaos, by looking up at their phenomena, we understand them simply through their images.
Yellow Emperor said: "I wish to hear about their origin."
Since the Yin and Yang of heaven and earth are understood through phenomena rather than numbers, he wished to know their beginning.
Qibo replied: "Your question is profound! I have reviewed the text of the 'Tai Shi Tian Yuan Ce' (Record of the Great Beginning and Heavenly Origin). The Red Qi (Dan Tian Zhi Qi) passes through Niu and Nu constellations and the Wu sector. The Green/Cyan Qi (Cang Tian Zhi Qi) passes through Xin and Wei constellations and the Ji sector. The Azure Qi (Cang Tian Zhi Qi - note: context implies distinct celestial qi) passes through Wei, Shi, Liu, and Gui constellations. The White Qi (Su Tian Zhi Qi) passes through Kang, Di, Mao, and Bi constellations. The Black Qi (Xuan Tian Zhi Qi) passes through Zhang, Yi, Lou, and Wei constellations. The so-called Wu and Ji sectors refer to Kui/Bi and Jiao/Zhen constellations, which are the gates of heaven and earth. The beginning of observation is the birth of the Dao; one must thoroughly understand this."
"The character 'Fen' is pronounced with the departing tone. 'Jin' sounds like 'Jin'; same for other chapters."
The beginning of Yin and Yang stems from the Great Void (Tai Xu). Thus, citing the 'Tai Shi Tian Yuan Ce', we explain its origin. Light and pure Qi rises to form Heaven. Within this light purity, there are Red, Cyan, White, and Black Qi. Their colors differ, and their transformative responses vary. Therefore, the Red Qi passes through Niu and Nu (Gui degree) and Kui/Bi (Wu sector). The Red Qi begins passing here; thus, in Wu and Gui years, Fire is transformed, and Shaoyang Ministerial Fire corresponds to the left and right of Red Qi. The Green Qi passes through Xin and Wei (Jia degree) and Jiao/Zhen (Ji sector). The Green Qi begins passing here; thus, in Jia and Ji years, Earth is transformed, and Taiyin Damp Earth corresponds to the left and right of Green Qi. The Azure Qi passes through Wei and Shi (Ren degree) and Liu and Gui (Ding degree). The Azure Qi begins passing here; thus, in Ding and Ren years, Wood is transformed, and Jueyin Wind Wood corresponds to the left and right of Azure Qi Lord Fire. The White Qi passes through Kang and Di (Yi degree) and Mao and Bi (Geng degree). The White Qi begins passing here; thus, in Yi and Geng years, Metal is transformed, and Yangming Dry Metal corresponds to the left and right of White Qi. The Black Qi passes through Zhang and Yi (Bing degree) and Lou and Wei (Xin degree). The Black Qi begins passing here; thus, in Bing and Xin years, Water is transformed, and Taiyang Cold Water corresponds to the left and right of Black Qi. Shaoyin Lord Fire holds a position of supreme honor and does not govern Qi transformation; therefore, it does not correspond to a specific direction. The so-called Red Qi corresponds to the Wu sector, and Green Qi corresponds to the Ji sector. Wu is the Gate of Heaven, akin to Kui and Bi of Qian; Ji is the Door of Earth, akin to Jiao and Zhen of Yi. Thus, Kui, Bi, Jiao, and Zhen are the gates of heaven and earth. The beginning of these climatic conditions is the birth of the Dao, originating from the void, with endless generation and transformation; this must be thoroughly understood.
Yellow Emperor said: "Excellent. The classics state that Heaven and Earth are the upper and lower of all things, and Left and Right are the pathways of Yin and Yang. I do not understand what this means."
Having clarified the origin of Yin and Yang, Yellow Emperor praised this and reiterated the words of Gui Yūqū from "Da Lun on the Great Origin of Heaven and Numbers" to ask further.
Qibo replied: "By 'upper and lower,' it refers to the Sui Shang (Annual Upper) and Sui Xia (Annual Lower) appearing, which are the locations of Yin and Yang."
By "upper and lower," Sitian (Presiding Heaven) is above, and Zaiquan (In-spring) is below. For example, if Shaoyin is above, then Yangming is below; if Yangming is above, then Shaoyin is below; if Taiyin is above, then Taiyang is below; if Taiyang is above, then Taiyin is below; if Shaoyang is above, then Jueyin is below; if Jueyin is above, then Shaoyang is below. Throughout the year, the upper and lower are visible, representing the location of Yin and Yang. "Heaven and Earth are the upper and lower of all things" refers to this.
By "left and right," whenever Jueyin is seen above, Shaoyin is on the left and Taiyang is on the right; whenever Shaoyin is seen above, Taiyin is on the left and Jueyin is on the right; whenever Taiyin is seen above, Shaoyang is on the left and Shaoyin is on the right; whenever Shaoyang is seen above, Yangming is on the left and Taiyin is on the right; whenever Yangming is seen above, Taiyang is on the left and Shaoyang is on the right; whenever Taiyang is seen above, Jueyin is on the left and Yangming is on the right. The phrase "facing north to assign positions" means determining the position while facing north, describing the appearance of the upper (Sitian).
This describes the left and right positions above. "Zhu" means "all" or "generally." Regarding "left and right": generally, if Jueyin is above, Shaoyin is on the left and Taiyang is on the right; if Shaoyin is above, Taiyin is on the left and Jueyin is on the right; if Taiyin is above, Shaoyang is on the left and Shaoyin is on the right; if Shaoyang is above, Yangming is on the left and Taiyin is on the right; if Yangming is above, Taiyang is on the left and Shaoyang is on the right; if Taiyang is above, Jueyin is on the left and Yangming is on the right. The celestial sphere faces south, and humans determine positions based on this. "Facing north to assign left and right positions" means facing north to describe the appearance of the upper.
Yellow Emperor said: "What is 'lower'?"
Proceeding from the upper to explore the lower.
Qibo replied: "If Jueyin is above, then Shaoyang is below, with Yangming on the left and Taiyin on the right; if Shaoyin is above, then Yangming is below, with Taiyang on the left and Shaoyang on the right; if Taiyin is above, then Taiyang is below, with Jueyin on the left and Yangming on the right; if Shaoyang is above, then Jueyin is below, with Shaoyin on the left and Taiyang on the right; if Yangming is above, then Shaoyin is below, with Taiyin on the left and Jueyin on the right; if Taiyang is above, then Taiyin is below, with Shaoyang on the left and Shaoyin on the right. The phrase 'facing south to assign positions' means determining the position while facing south, describing the appearance of the lower."
This describes the left and right positions below. For instance, if Jueyin presides over Heaven above, then Shaoyang is below; to the left of Shaoyang is Yangming, and to the right is Taiyin. If Shaoyin presides over Heaven above, then Yangming is below; to the left of Yangming is Taiyang, and to the right is Shaoyang. If Taiyin presides over Heaven above, then Taiyang is below; to the left of Taiyang is Jueyin, and to the right is Yangming. If Shaoyang presides over Heaven above, then Jueyin is below; to the left of Jueyin is Shaoyin, and to the right is Taiyang. If Yangming presides over Heaven above, then Shaoyin is below; to the left of Shaoyin is Taiyin, and to the right is Jueyin. If Taiyang presides over Heaven above, then Taiyin is below; to the left of Taiyin is Shaoyang, and to the right is Shaoyin. The terrestrial body faces north, and humans determine its position. "Facing south to assign left and right positions" means facing south to describe the appearance of the lower. "Left and Right are the pathways of Yin and Yang" refers to this.
When upper and lower meet, and cold and heat overlap, if the Qi are harmonious (Xiang De), there is peace; if not, disease occurs.
"Upper and lower meeting" refers to the intersection of Heaven and Earth Qi. "Cold and heat overlapping" refers to the addition of Yin and Yang Qi. "Qi are harmonious" means the added Qi and the ruling seasonal Qi generate and prosper each other, resulting in harmony. "Not harmonious leads to disease" means the added Qi and the ruling seasonal Qi clash and harm each other, leading to disease. For example, in Zi and Wu years, Shaoyin presides over Heaven and Yangming resides in Spring; this is the ruling annual Qi. The First Qi is Jueyin Wind Wood, Second Qi is Shaoyin Lord Fire, Third Qi is Taiyin Damp Earth, Fourth Qi is Shaoyang Ministerial Fire, Fifth Qi is Yangming Dry Metal, and Final Qi is Taiyang Cold Water; this is the ruling seasonal Qi. If Yangming resides in Spring, then Taiyang is to the left of Yangming. All added Guest Qi (Ke Qi) originates from the left of the Residing Spring Qi. Thus, Taiyang Cold Water adds to the First Qi, Jueyin Wind Wood adds to the Second Qi, Shaoyin Lord Fire adds to the Third Qi, and so on. Among these, some generate and prosper the ruling seasonal Qi (harmonious), while others clash and harm (not harmonious); this can be inferred.
Yellow Emperor said: "Why does disease occur when the Qi are harmonious?"
Even with the addition of the Six Qi, there are cases where they are harmonious yet disease occurs; hence, this question is raised.
Qibo replied: "Because the lower Qi adds upon the upper Qi, occupying an improper position."
"Dang" is pronounced with the departing tone, same as later instances.
Among the Six Qi, there are two Fires: Lord Fire (Jun Huo) governs by brightness and is above; Ministerial Fire (Xiang Huo) governs by position and is below. For example, in Mao and You years, Yangming presides over Heaven, so Shaoyin resides in Spring. To the left of Shaoyin is Taiyin. Taiyin Damp Earth adds to the First Qi of Jueyin Wind Wood, and Shaoyang Ministerial Fire adds to the Second Qi of Shaoyin Lord Fire. Fire adding to fire seems harmonious. Although called harmonious, because the lower Fire adds upon the upper, the position is improper. "Da Lun on the Six Micro Principles" states: "When the minister occupies the lord's position, it is compliant; when the lord occupies the minister's position, it is rebellious." This refers to such cases.
Yellow Emperor said: "What about movement and stillness?"
Continuing the meaning of "lower adding upon upper," he asked about movement and stillness, inquiring how Heaven moves and Earth remains still regarding the additions.
Qibo replied: "The upper moves to the right, the lower moves to the left. Circling the heavens left and right, the remainder meets again."
The Earth is usually still, carrying out operations under the influence of Heaven's Qi. In Zi and Wu years, when Shaoyin presides over Heaven, it moves from the right to intersect with Taiyin in Chou and Wei years. Then, in Mao and You years, when Yangming is below, it moves from the left to intersect with Taiyang in Chen and Xu years. This is "the upper moves right, the lower moves left," starting from Zi and ending at Si. After six cycles of convergence, circling left and right around the heavens, it subsequently starts from Wu and ends at Hai, so the remainder meets again.
Yellow Emperor said: "I heard Gui Yūqū say: 'That which corresponds to Earth is still.' Now you say the lower moves to the left. I do not understand what this means. I wish to hear how it arises."
"Sheng" here implies "movement." In "Da Lun on the Great Origin of Heaven and Numbers," Gui Yūqū said: "Qi corresponding to Earth is still and maintains its position."
Yellow Emperor cites this to verify Qibo's statement about the lower moving left and wishes to understand why Earth moves.
Qibo replied: "Regarding the movement and stillness of Heaven and Earth, and the migration and recurrence of the Five Elements, even Gui Yūqū, who only observed the upper phenomena, could not fully elucidate them."
"Movement and stillness of Heaven and Earth" means Heaven moves and Earth is still. Although Earth is still, the Five Elements on Earth also migrate and rotate, with the remainder meeting again; hence, "Five Elements migrate and recur." In the previous chapter, Gui Yūqū said his family served for ten generations. Even Gui Yūqū, beyond ten generations, only observed climatic phenomena and could not fully explain the principles of change and flow.
The function of change: Heaven manifests phenomena (Xiang), Earth forms shapes (Xing). The Seven Luminaries (Sun, Moon, and Five Planets) weave through the void, and the Five Elements adhere to the Earth. Earth is that which carries the forms of generated things. The Void is that which displays the refined Qi corresponding to Heaven. The movement of form and essence is like roots and branches. By looking up at the phenomena, although distant, they can be known.
The *I Ching* says: "The Way of Heaven changes; 'Bian' (Change) is the gradual process, 'Hua' (Transformation) is the completion." The *Xi Ci* says: "In Heaven, Forms (Xiang) are created; on Earth, Shapes (Xing) are formed." Xiang refers to Sun, Moon, stars, etc.; Xing refers to mountains, rivers, animals, plants, etc. Thus, the function of change: Heaven manifests phenomena, Earth forms shapes. Heaven manifests phenomena, so the Seven Luminaries weave through the void, meaning the Sun, Moon, and Five Planets move through the Great Void. Earth forms shapes, so the Five Elements adhere to Earth, meaning Heaven distributes the Five Elements, which attach to Earth below, producing growth, transformation, harvest, and storage. Since the Five Elements adhere to Earth, Earth carries the forms of generated things. Since the Seven Luminaries weave through the void, the Void displays the refined Qi corresponding to Heaven. The movement of forms and essences: Form is based on Essence; thus, Essence is the root, and Form is the branch, like roots and branches. By merely looking up at the heavenly phenomena, although Heaven is high and far, its principles can be known. Knowing Heaven is knowing Earth.
Yellow Emperor said: "Is Earth, as the lower, blocked/sealed?"
"Pǐ" sounds like "Pī," pronounced with the rising tone.
Pi means blocked. If Earth Qi does not ascend and Heaven Qi does not descend, it becomes blocked and uncommunicative. Hence, the question: Is Earth, as the lower, blocked?
Qibo replied: "Earth is beneath humans, within the Great Void."
Humans wear Heaven on their heads and tread on Earth. Thus, Earth is beneath humans, Heaven covers above, surrounding the Earth below. Earth is within the Great Void.
Yellow Emperor said: "Upon what does it rely?"
"Féng" is used for "Píng."
Ping means reliance. Being within the Great Void, does Earth have a basis?
Qibo replied: "The Great Atmosphere supports it."
Heaven is clear above, Earth is ventilated below. The Great Atmosphere supports it; thus, what it relies upon is Qi.
Dryness dries it, Heat steams it, Wind agitates it, Moisture moistens it, Cold hardens it, Fire warms it. Thus, Cold and Wind are below, Dryness and Heat are above, Moisture is in the middle, and Fire travels between them. Cold and Heat (Six Qi) enter, thus causing the Void to transform and generate things.
Generally speaking, it is called the Great Atmosphere. Specifically, there are Six Qi—Dryness, Heat, Wind, Moisture, Cold, and Fire—traveling in and out within the Earth, thereby generating all things. Dryness, Heat, Wind, Moisture, Cold, and Fire are formless Qi in Heaven. Drying, steaming, agitating, moistening, hardening, and warming are tangible signs on Earth. Thus, Cold and Wind Qi are below the Earth; Dryness and Heat Qi are above the Earth; Moist Earth Qi is within the Earth; Fire and Heat Qi travel between them. Throughout the year, Sun and Moon operate, alternating Cold and Heat. Now, Wind and Moisture resemble Cold, and Dryness and Fire resemble Heat. Thus, the Six Qi of Cold and Heat enter the Earth, causing the Earth to reside in the Great Void and generate all things. Deducting this from humans: Liver and Kidney are below, corresponding to Cold and Wind below; Lung and Heart are above, corresponding to Dryness and Heat above; Spleen is in the center, corresponding to Moisture in the middle; Sanjiao Qi travels through upper, middle, and lower, corresponding to Fire traveling between. Humans reside in the midst of Heaven and Earth, participating in their correspondence.
Therefore, if Dryness prevails, the Earth dries; if Heat prevails, the Earth becomes hot; if Wind prevails, the Earth shakes; if Moisture prevails, the Earth becomes muddy; if Cold prevails, the Earth cracks; if Fire prevails, the Earth becomes solid.
This reiterates the previous meaning. Previously stated: Dryness causes drying, so if Dryness prevails, the Earth dries. Heat causes steaming, so if Heat prevails, the Earth becomes hot; because it steams, it is hot. Wind causes agitation, so if Wind prevails, the Earth shakes. Moisture causes moistening, so if Moisture prevails, the Earth becomes muddy; because it moistens, it is muddy. Cold causes hardening, so if Cold prevails, the Earth cracks. Cracking is the extreme of hardening. Fire causes warming, so if Fire prevails, the Earth becomes solid. Solid means firm and substantial. Moistening leads to mud, warming leads to solidity; this is natural law.
Yellow Emperor said: "How can the Qi of Heaven and Earth be observed?"
How can the Qi of Heaven and Earth be observed in humans?
Qibo replied: "The victory and retaliation (Sheng Fu) of the Qi of Heaven and Earth do not manifest in pulse diagnosis. The *Pulse Methods* state: 'Changes of Heaven and Earth cannot be diagnosed by pulses.' This is what is meant."
The Qi of Heaven and Earth refer to the Five Movements and Six Qi. Victory and retaliation refer to excessive victory and depressed retaliation. Changes in Qi-Movement manifest as folk diseases and cannot be known merely through diagnostic observation. Therefore, the method of pulse diagnosis states: "Changes of Heaven and Earth cannot be diagnosed by pulses." This refers to the fact that the Qi of Heaven and Earth, and their victory and retaliation, do not manifest in pulse diagnosis.
Yellow Emperor said: "What about the Intermittent Qi (Jian Qi)?"
"Jian" is pronounced with the departing tone.
Qibo replied: "Following the location of the Qi, expecting [their manifestation] in the left and right."
The left and right Qi of Sitian (Presiding Heaven) and the left and right Qi of Zaiquan (Residing Spring) are called Intermittent Qi. For example, if Shaoyin presides over Heaven, then Taiyin is on the left and Jueyin is on the right; this is called Intermittent Qi, residing above. If Yangming resides in Spring, then Taiyang is on the left and Shaoyang is on the right; this is called Intermittent Qi, residing below. This follows the Qi of Sitian and Zaiquan, expecting them in the left and right.
Yellow Emperor said: "How is this expectation made?"
Expecting in the left and right, how is it verified? Hence, the question: How is this expectation made?
Qibo replied: "Following the Qi brings harmony; violating the Qi brings disease."
Cong (Follow) means same. Wei (Violate) means contrary. Following the Qi means the ruling seasonal Qi of the year is identical to the added Intermittent Qi. For example, the First Qi is Jueyin Wind Wood, and in Chou and Wei years, Jueyin Wind Wood adds to the First Qi; this is following the Qi. Following leads to Yin-Yang harmony, hence peace. Violating the Qi means the ruling seasonal Qi is contrary to the added Qi. For example, the First Qi is Jueyin Wind Wood, but in Mao and You years, Taiyin Damp Earth adds to the First Qi; Wood controls Earth, which is violating the Qi. Violation leads to the added Qi being subdued, hence disease.
"If the position is improper, disease occurs."
Improper position refers to the earlier statement: "Lower Qi adding upon Upper Qi, occupying an improper position." For example, in Mao and You years, Taiyin Damp Earth adds to the First Qi of Jueyin Wind Wood, and Shaoyang Ministerial Fire adds to the Second Qi of Shaoyin Lord Fire. Lower adding upon upper, the position is improper, hence disease.
"If positions alternate and shift, disease occurs."
Die (Alternate) means substitute. Intermittent Qi adds to the ruling seasonal proper position, substituting and shifting. Intermittent Qi usurps the Ruling Qi; having the Qi of a different time constitutes disease.
"If the position is lost, danger ensues."