(98) Eastern understanding of relationships
By Janet Shin
The philosophy of saju, which comes from Asia, is different from Western philosophies even in approach. For example, examining yin and yang from the ancient, Eastern perspective, the two were not considered separate and opposite concepts. Yin comes from yang, and yin generates yang in turn. One emerges only when the other is wholly fulfilled. This idea is explained by the Taiji, the traditional visual representation of yin and yang. The curve within the circle, which represents the universe, symbolizes the opposing, yet interdependent nature of yin and yang. While black and white denote yin and yang, respectively, the smaller, contrasting circles in each stand for the fluctuating transformations that balance the two.
Taiji - Yin and yang
Now, to look at the five elements: Though each element is separate, they are not contained by concrete boundaries ― instead, they interact with one another.
For example, wood is not just 'wood.' On the contrary, we have to understand that wood is generated by water, and that it generates fire. It restricts the earth, but is restricted by metal (as demonstrated in the diagram). Elements can be understood in their relationships with the other elements. If the fire energy is strong, the wood energy would be exhausted (having been absorbed), the earth energy would be revitalized by the strong fire, but the metal could be damaged by the heat.
When our ancestors studied the universe of humankind, they tried to view everything from within the concept of these ``relationships.''
Now, to understand how this idea was applied to saju.
First of all, it is understood within the philosophy that the day stem works as the owner or ``master'' of the saju. The month branch, which indicates the season of the year, rules the entire environment of the person's life. According to ancient books, these two major positions were called the vassal and the king, respectively. So, what does it mean that the day stem is a vassal and the month branch the king?
I have always faced difficulties explaining this concept to my foreign students and clients who ask me to read their saju; let's try it with an example.
When comparing paintings, it can be observed that in Asian pieces humans are often portrayed as small figures within the works, with nature playing the main protagonist, while it is the opposite in Western works. Westerners are more self-oriented while Asians focus heavily on relationships with others ― saju follows the latter concept.
So, as in the Asian paintings where nature is the ruling figure, the environment or month branch plays the role of the ``king.'' The environment is what rules a person's fate, whereas the ``vassal'' is the leading character (day branch), and must learn to be compatible with the environment.
Continuing the metaphor of human relationships, the elements in saju must find a balance within the elements ― a balance of energies is more highly valued than how much of each element one has.
For example, a person might find in their saju that there is an abundance of energy in their ``money star,'' but does great wealth imply a satisfied life? The answer, of course, is no.
Because there are only four pillars in saju that must contend with a balance of the five elements, there will always be some level of imbalance in one's life. Each element brings its own fortune and influence to a person. For example, great energy in the position of the ``friend star'' gives a person strength, the ``knowledge star'' provides wisdom, the ``expression star'' talent, the ``career star'' social recognition and power, and so on. Having too much energy in the money star means you are lacking in other areas, while also suggesting that your energy is being exhausted in order to make that money.
This ancient Eastern philosophy teaches us to look at the whole picture and understand the mechanisms of relationships. While there is no single answer that is a straightforward right or wrong combination of elements, being able to grasp the concepts could help you to achieve a deeper insight of yourself and the people around you.
The writer is the president of the Heavenly Garden, a saju research center in Korea, and the author of "Learning Four Pillars" For more, visit her website at www.fourpillarskorea.com