Three Treasures
The “Three Treasures” (三才, San Cai) — this is the triad of Heaven, Earth, and Man. In Chinese metaphysics and the I-Ching, this concept holds deep esoteric meaning and has broad practical application.
In Qimen Dunjia, the method of the Three Treasures can be considered a practical development of the concepts relating to the Host and Guest relationship. Here, Heaven, Earth, and Man are not merely nouns but represent a rich expression of the interconnections among all things in the world, endowed with attributes such as space, time, and more. For example, such relationships within the Triad include: top-middle-bottom; front-middle-rear; arrival-staying-departure; superficial-intermediate-deep, and so forth.
According to the standard method for identifying the Acting Spirit, the Heavenly Stem of the Day (日干, Ri Gan) represents the person for whom the forecast is being made (the querent). On the Heavenly Plate, it represents the person in a relatively active (dynamic) state, while on the Earthly Plate, it represents them in a relatively passive (static) state. However, this Stem on both the Heavenly and Earthly Plates actually represents the very same person; it is one entity, but divided between two Palaces, each representing different aspects of it.
So, the essence of the Heaven-Earth-Man Triad method is:
- The Earthly Plate Stem beneath the Day Stem (when viewed on the Heavenly Plate) represents the environment of Earthly Advantage (地利, Di Li), where the person steps (circumstances of place).
- The Heavenly Plate Stem above the Day Stem (when viewed on the Earthly Plate) is the Heavenly Timing/Opportunity (天时, Tian Shi), which the person encounters (circumstances of time, possibilities).
Let’s look at the example.
Date: September 26, 2005, hour of Dog.
Bazi: year 乙酉, month 乙酉, day 癸丑, hour 壬戌.
Open in calculator
- The Day Stem 癸 (Gui) — is the Man (Person).
- Earth — is the Earthly Plate Stem under the Day Stem on the Heavenly Plate, which is 壬 (Ren).
- Heaven — is the Heavenly Plate Stem above the Day Stem on the Earthly Plate, which is 丁 (Ding).
Stem Associations in this Triad:
| Heaven | Person | Earth |
|---|---|---|
| 丁 (Ding) | 癸 (Gui) | 壬 (Ren) |
| Heavenly Chance | Human Harmony | Earthly Advantage |
| Top | Middle | Bottom |
| Arrival | Staying | Departure |
| Front | Middle | Rear |
| Left | Middle | Right |
| Superior | Person | Subordinate |
| Ancestors | Person | Descendants |
| Incoming Opportunities | Own Abilities | Available Resources |
| Head | Body | Legs |
| Husband | Woman | Household |
| Career | Man | Wife |
| Luck | Own Effort | Feng Shui |
| Benefactor | Person | Villain |
Based on the scheme presented above, I believe everyone now has a clear understanding of the positioning of the Minor Triad (as referred to in the text) in time, space, and human affairs. Next, for an abstract person, let’s make a forecast using this chart so you can better understand the Minor Triad method.
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The person has nearsightedness. (The severity could potentially be determined by the palace number).
In the context of the human body, the “Heaven” part of the Triad symbolizes the upper body. Ding (丁) is Fire, thus representing the eyes. It is under strong control/suppression from the two Waters (癸 Gui and the 休門 Rest Door) below, leading to the conclusion of nearsightedness.
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This person is currently experiencing a series of upheavals/instability.
In the context of the human body, the Earth element in this Triad is Ren (壬), which is Water. Water symbolizes movement, wandering, and lack of settlement.
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The person has a rebellious nature and disrespects superiors (doesn’t hold them in high regard).
In the Triad, Ding (丁) is “Heaven,” representing superiors. The Person (癸 - Gui, Water) controls/attacks Heaven (丁 - Ding, Fire). Consequently, the person exhibits a rebellious character and a tendency to challenge authorities (apparently because he considers himself an authority, see below).
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His work is easy and irregular; possibly, he is a teacher or a spiritual guru.
- Work is analyzed using the “Arrival at Officership” (临官) position of the Acting Spirit. In this case, the Acting Spirit is the Day Stem 癸 (Gui) itself. Its “Arrival at Officership” position is in Palace 1.
- Palace 1 (Water element) generates Palace 3 (Wood element), where the querent’s Heavenly Stem 癸 (Gui) is located. This generative relationship leads to the conclusion that the work is easy.
- In Palace 3, where 癸 (Gui) resides, is the Death Door (死门, Sǐ Mén), which can signify various teachers, masters, or spiritual mentors. Additionally, the Delusion Door (杜门, Dù Mén) and the Heavenly Assistant Star (天輔, Tiān Fǔ) located in Palace 1 (the work palace) also point towards work involving guidance, possibly in fields like psychology, esotericism, etc.
- However, Palace 1 is currently in Hour Emptiness (旬空, Xún Kōng). Therefore, the conclusion is drawn that there is little work, or it comes irregularly. “Arrival at Officership” being in Void, in this instance, signifies not a complete lack of work, but rather a low workload. This is because the current season is autumn, during which Palace 1 (Water) is in a favorable phase of ‘Seasonal Assistance’, indicating underlying strength despite the Emptiness.
(comments from Qimen.Guru in italics)