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By Janet Shin
Once we start studying something, at certain point, we ask fundamental questions of where the theories came from, who founded those and how it was developed. Saju, four pillars of destiny, is known as a fortune telling practice within the realm of Chinese Astrology, which adopted the logic of yin and yang and five elements.
Except for some books written by Chinese scholars, it is hard to pinpoint its exact historical background. It was deleted or distorted by the political beliefs or ideology of each dynasty. In Korea, there were just some fragmentary descriptions about saju-reading the fate ``Myeong'' from the Joseon Kingdom from which we are able to find out the historical introduction of Korean saju.
It is hard to separate Korean saju from others because there are many shared historical facts among Korea, China and Japan (as well as south Asian countries). While some are owned by one country, past historical events make it impossible to distinguish specific traits of each saju.
If you take the ``I Ching'' ― the ``Book of Changes'' ―, traditionally it was believed that its principles originated from the mythical Fu Xi, or Bok Hui in Korean. In this respect he is seen as one of the earliest legendary rulers of China (traditional dates 2800 BCE-2737 BCE), reputed to have had the 8 trigrams revealed to him supernaturally, which is the established theory about I Ching.
However, from Korean history's perspective, Bok Hui was the last son of the fifth King in the Guri Dynasty, which is before the Gojoseon era. The cultural roots are often translated differently by each country's political interests so it is meaningless to argue whose culture it is without the correct basis of ancient history. Moreover, it is not appropriate to discuss issues of historical contention in this article.
Owing to the fact that Asian culture inherited the great philosophy of yin and yang and five elements, ancient people have developed profound studies about human being and nature. In ancient times, saju was read based on the stem of the year pillar, then later on it was developed to read people's fate by the stem of the day pillar, which became the basis of modern saju theory.
After the Korean War, Korean saju analysts tried to develop their own theory through arduous efforts and solitary tribulations. Although their achievements should well be recognized, it is also true that saju practice may have led some innocent lives down the wrong path by deceiving people with occult theories.
When Korean people talk about saju, they also associate it with shaman (``mudang'' and ``gut''), face and palm readings (``gwan sang'' and ``su sang''), divination (``jeom'') and names (``seong myeong''). Consequently, without having accumulated scientific background, many people go to saju analysts for fun or curiosity, while some people consider saju with academic questions or with simple distrust.
However, considering the fact that saju has profound philosophical history from ancient times, it needs to be seriously investigated and questioned openly instead of just denying or blindly following. Yin-yang and five elements are the facts that give saju a metaphysical and yet a scientific background. So saju and saju analysts need to disclose their theories in an open forum so people can freely discuss and criticize, for further development.
People have always had questions about themselves and the future. In the ancient times, they tried to get answers by shaman or supernatural power, which still exist in modern days. As people tried to figure the principles of the truth, they came to develop the four pillars, I Ching, or Astrology, or whatever else it can be called in different cultures. Ironically, it seems that people try to seek the answers for a better life by consulting economists or financial specialists.
Saju has been included in Korean language and people's everyday life as culture and tradition. ``Palja'' (Bazi) is regarded as ``fate'' for Korean people. Five elements are also incorporated in food, clothes and arts. The five major gates in Seoul are meant to protect the capital city of Korea: ``Heung-n mun" (East gate), ``Doneui mun" (West gate), ``Sungnyemun" (South gate), ``Suk-jeong mun (North gate) and ``Bosin gak (Center of city).
While there is rather skeptical atmosphere, the saju analyst sincerely needs to seek the truth from tradition and ancient philosophy for the development of saju theory.
Saju is looking for the universal truth that needs to be verified, a tradition that we breathe and live with. We may not only enjoy saju but also take advantage of it.
The writer is the president of the Heavenly Garden, a saju research center in Korea. She is the author of Learning Four Pillars. She offers saju courses to all who are interested. For more information, visit her Web site (http://blog.naver.com/janet_shin) or email janetshin@hotmail.com.
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