Facial Features and Fate: Liu Heng's Belief that Resentment Brings Misfortune
Image source: QianKu Network
The concept of physiognomy is folk wisdom passed down through generations, succinctly capturing ideas that encourage deep reflection. For instance, folk physiognomists assess a person's character by studying their eyes, actions, and the fortunes they attract. Teacher Liu Heng explains that the mind represents a person's spiritual essence, while the eyes reflect the heart's state. A person's thoughts influence their actions, and the mind is the source of both good and evil. The morality of one’s actions serves as the foundation for the fortunes they draw. How people respond to fortune or misfortune reveals their character.
1. Long legs and a slim body suggest a life of hard work
Individuals with long legs, a slim physique, and a short upper body often experience a life filled with toil. Liu Heng notes that while such individuals may be ambitious, their lack of a well-rounded personality can harm relationships and detract from the substance of their actions. They may appear to be wandering aimlessly, lacking stability and deep family ties, giving off an impression of success without tangible achievements.
2. A broad face and long nose suggest cunning
A popular saying goes, "A donkey's face has no offspring, a horse's face has no descendants." Liu Heng notes: A long face and nose indicate a person who is calculating and insightful about others' thoughts but tends toward selfishness. These individuals often rise to high positions within a group due to their cunning nature. However, their excessive scheming may ultimately lead to a lack of successors. Liu Heng advises: Use intelligence wisely, reserving some for future generations.
3. Men with broad foreheads are like gold, women with broad foreheads are like silver; broad-headed women are particularly rare
In women's physiognomy, nine virtues are identified, with the foremost being a broad and rounded forehead. Liu Heng explains: "Broad" denotes a forehead that is flat and wide. The forehead is considered the seat of wisdom, and since intelligence is often inherited from the mother, women with broad, clear foreheads are poised to have intelligent children, making them rare. For men, a straight nose with a strong bridge and a broad forehead are key traits for greatness, hence the saying that men with broad foreheads are like gold.
4. Physiognomy mirrors the heart; harboring grievances invites disaster
Liu Heng discusses the idea that "physiognomy arises from the heart." This "physiognomy" comprises both behavioral and facial aspects. The "heart" represents one's thoughts, forming the basis of knowledge. The knowledge one acquires informs their behavior, and their thoughts manifest in their physiognomy, indicating that physiognomy arises from the heart.
Regarding "harboring grievances," Liu Heng states: "To harbor" means to accumulate; building up resentment can lead to disaster. He emphasizes that one must first possess knowledge and foresight, alongside integrity and justice. Knowledge involves understanding the principles of heaven and humanity; foresight involves distinguishing right from wrong; integrity pertains to committing to actions for the greater good; and justice involves self-discipline and moral integrity.
5. Thick eyebrows overshadowing the eyes leave the spirit powerless; bowing to the authority of the wife
A face featuring thick eyebrows is indicative of strong liver energy, suggesting boldness and decisiveness. Liu Heng explains: "The eyes are the rulers, the eyebrows are the ministers." The ruler sets the strategic direction, while the ministers execute tasks. Within a family, the husband serves as the ruler, establishing the family's hierarchy and etiquette, while the wife functions as the minister, tending to familial care. If a man's eyebrows overshadow his eyes, it implies the minister is overpowering the ruler, potentially leading to a situation where the wife usurps the husband's authority, resulting in discord.