Unlocking the Secrets of the Universe: Insights into Celestial Mysteries
Throughout history, both in the East and the West, people have identified a mysterious and unknown force that influences everything—from the changes in an individual's life to the rise and fall of communities, from planetary or galactic transformations to the growth of a single plant. It appears there is a predetermined order guiding all these phenomena.
Since humans cannot fully explain these occurrences through thought or logic, they have categorized them as coincidences, miracles, or the incredible, among other terms. In an effort to connect with or harness this power, the West developed religions, while the East turned to practices like divination.
Divination involves various methods, including the Six Lines (Liuyou), the Book of Changes (Yijing), the Six Ren (Liuren), and the Great One (Taiyi). Despite the method used, the essence of divination is to predict future events based on universal laws. It is rooted in the blend of astrology and the key systems of the Eight Trigrams (Bagua).
For example, the Six Gods in the Six Lines represent celestial phenomena. While these phenomena cover a wide range, the yin and yang of the lines, coupled with the five elemental attributes of the heavenly stems and earthly branches, reflect changes occurring on Earth within this spectrum. The integration of these three elements embodies the power represented by the line. By analyzing the combined forces of the six lines in a hexagram, one can interpret changes in events.
Can the laws of the universe change? The universe is generated through its own processes; unless this universe is destroyed and a new one comes into being, these operational laws remain unaltered. This is considered a heavenly secret.
Why has there always been a belief that revealing heavenly secrets leads to divine retribution? This belief is actually not about the heavenly secrets themselves but is connected to human actions.
If divination aids someone virtuous, it is deemed beneficial. However, if it assists someone with malicious intent, it could potentially cause harm, and any resulting harm will ultimately impact the diviner.
Some might wonder why we distinguish between good and evil when seeking fortune and avoiding misfortune. This is because anyone can learn these arts, but their application differs. If one learns and practices divination for personal use, there are typically no issues. However, some individuals may attempt to manipulate outcomes through these arts. For instance, offering advice on one's fortune or misfortune should align with the will of heaven and should ultimately be the individual's choice. Forcing an outcome contrary to natural order is likely to invite trouble.