Interpreting Facial Features: 'Appearance Reflects the Heart'
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After studying physiognomy for a while, I've come to believe that the saying "the appearance is born from the heart" is indeed a universal truth. I used to think "appearance" merely referred to the outlines of one's facial features. However, it actually encompasses facial features, bone structure, spirit, and complexion. While facial features and bone structure are innate and determined by fate, spirit and complexion are constantly influenced by our thoughts. Though they complement each other, the latter has a more significant impact. No matter how favorable the facial features and bone structure might be, they lack meaning without spirit and vitality. Expressions like "if the spirit is clouded, one will not succeed in life" and "if the energy is lacking, nothing will be accomplished" illustrate this point. How can we enhance the impact of spirit and complexion? We must cultivate essence, energy, and spirit. While some aspects rely on kidney function, others can be improved through healthy postnatal practices.
Insights by Liu Heng: In the phrase "the appearance is born from the heart," "appearance" doesn't traditionally signify "facial appearance." Rather, it refers to one's behavior, mannerisms, actions, and intentions. Here, "heart" doesn't mean the physical heart but a person's acquired knowledge; knowledge and experience are expressed through the function of the "heart." Hence, "the appearance is born from the heart" signifies that the "heart" forms the foundation of "appearance," which is just a reflection of consciousness. Essentially, human society is a reflection and manifestation of wisdom and knowledge.
Additionally, Teacher Liu Heng highlights the importance of nurturing the heart and developing virtue. The Earth possesses a magnetic field, and feng shui is also a type of magnetic field; a person's magnetic field is influenced by the heart. According to the I Ching, fortune and misfortune are linked to emotions. "Fortune and misfortune have no gate; they are summoned by oneself." When the heart is good, it creates a positive magnetic field, attracting good people and favorable events. Generating positive thoughts, engaging in good deeds, accumulating hidden virtues, and practicing filial piety are all ways to cultivate the heart. The highest level of cultivation, in my opinion, is to fully integrate the heart with the natural world, allowing it to move in harmony with the stars and celestial bodies, in accordance with nature's laws, reaching a state of selflessness; perhaps this is the path to transcendence. Achieving this is incredibly challenging, and those who succeed are exceptionally rare.
Insights by Liu Heng: There's a saying, "Blessed lands are inhabited by blessed people; those who are blessed do not dwell in unblessed places." "Blessed people" refer to those who adhere to correct life principles, who are upright and just, and who practice righteous views. Such individuals, even without deliberately seeking favorable feng shui, naturally reside in positive environments because a good heart leads to a good destiny; the heart and environment are interconnected. As the saying goes, "A family that accumulates good deeds will surely receive blessings," while "a family that performs bad deeds will inevitably face misfortune." A kind heart may not immediately attract blessings, but it will keep misfortune at bay; an evil heart might not immediately bring misfortune, but it will distance blessings.