The terms used in the study of the I Ching are dynamic, without fixed definitions. Speaking of Heaven (天) and Earth (地) is akin to speaking of Yin (阴) and Yang (阳). Heavenly Qi (天气 - tiān qì) refers to Qi with Yang attributes, while Earthly Qi (地气 - dì qì) refers to Qi with Yin attributes.

When applied to human life and destiny, Heavenly Qi represents the energy related to life’s opportunities, while Earthly Qi represents the energy related to one’s position or standing in life.

• Heaven corresponds to encountering (遇到), Earth to obtaining (得到);
• Heaven to inception (生), Earth to completion (成);
• Heaven to reputation/name (名), Earth to substance/reality (实);
• Heaven to quality (质), Earth to quantity (量)… and so on. The relationship between Heavenly Qi and Earthly Qi can be understood through such analogies.

In reality, a person’s career success and achievements are accomplished through the beneficial influence of both Heavenly and Earthly Qi. Humans are merely a “vessel” or “medium” through which these two Qis manifest. Conversely, humans also utilize Heavenly and Earthly Qi to achieve their goals. But it should be done with caution, as it’s said: “Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it.”

Once, I met an entrepreneur whose business was doing very well, having grown rapidly within a few years. I asked him, “To what factors do you attribute your success?” He replied, “It’s the result of my own ability.” I then asked, “Weren’t factors like Heavenly Chance (天时 - tiānshí) and Earthly Advantage (地利 - dìlì) involved?” (see comment below). He responded, “Heavenly Chance and Earthly Advantage are available to everyone. My success came because my ability is greater than others.”

Since we weren’t on the same wavelength, I didn’t pursue the topic further with him. However, I did assess the Feng Shui (风水) of his business premises. The Feng Shui indicated a location conducive to great wealth, but after 2004, the wealth Qi (财气 - cáiqì) of the place was set to decline significantly. Sure enough, starting in 2004, the company’s performance underwent a major downturn, immediately heading downhill and plummeting.

This case demonstrates that human success is inseparable from the assistance of Heavenly and Earthly Qi. Naturally, personal effort is indispensable. However, if one disregards the factors of Heavenly and Earthly Qi and solely emphasizes personal strength, success will not be achieved!

Throughout one’s life journey, when Heavenly and Earthly Qi are balanced, one experiences peace and happiness. Conversely, an imbalance in Heavenly and Earthly Qi leads to inner unease and suffering. For instance, the opportunities one receives correspond to obtaining Heavenly Qi, while one’s abilities correspond to obtaining Earthly Qi. If someone possesses both the ability and the opportunity to utilize it, this signifies a balance between Heavenly and Earthly Qi. However, having ability without the opportunity to apply it, or having an opportunity but lacking the capability to fulfill it, represents an imbalance. All matters adhere to this principle.

However, in terms of practical life significance, almost no one is entirely without ability, nor is anyone completely devoid of opportunities. The issue often lies in people either overestimating or underestimating their own capabilities, consequently failing to identify the most suitable opportunities for themselves, thus drifting away from success. Indeed, in a sense, success is balance (between enticing external opportunities and your internal abilities). This concept holds practical significance for life, and it is hoped that you will reflect deeply upon it!

(comments of Qimen.Guru in italics)

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Comment: Heavenly Chance (or Heavenly Timing) is opportunities that come at their own time; Earthly Advantage is the favorable environment in which a person lives, giving him an advantage in realizing these opportunities (in particular, feng shui, but not only).