Mai Yi Physiognomy: "Divine Oddities" with Liu Heng's Commentary - Notable White Ears in Court and Field

Currently, there are numerous books available on the I Ching, many of which are fraudulent, leaving I Ching enthusiasts confused and struggling to learn effectively. Liu Heng emphasizes the importance of studying the traditional texts on the I Ching, recommending that the Zhou Yi be studied together with the Neijing. Ancient writings on physiognomy are distinct and offer sincere insights into the principles of face reading. If students study diligently, the truths within these texts will be revealed; learning one principle each day will undoubtedly lead to mastery over time. Below is Liu Heng’s summary of "Shen Yi Fu" on the Ma Yi physiognomy, accompanied by annotations for fellow I Ching scholars to study together.

Original Text of Ma Yi Physiognomy: "Shen Yi Fu"

• White ears surpass the face, known throughout the realm.
• Spirit manifests in form, emotions are relaxed.
• Feet bear black spots, heroes stand above the masses.
• Bones extend to the temples, power and fame spread across the seas.
• Voice emerges from the lower abdomen, blessed with longevity.
• Bones grow horizontally from the back of the head, wealth and longevity increase.
• The lower face is bright and smooth, leading to a peaceful later life.
• The color of the hanging wall is bright, the household is free from worries and full of good fortune.
• Saturn fills the mountains and forests, stagnant energy brings many disasters.
• Good features in front but lacking in the back, empty fame leads to a short life.
• Yin and Yang are full, blessings weigh on the spirit; the front bones are open, while the grains are decayed.

Liu Heng's note: The ears are the external outlet for the kidneys. Small and thin ears indicate a deficiency in kidney energy. The kidneys are associated with the water element, which is linked to the color black. If the ears appear dark and dirty, it indicates a severe depletion of kidney energy, suggesting that the person may be poor and lack wisdom. Conversely, large and fair ears are indicative of wisdom and intelligence, often belonging to someone excelling in academia. The Shennong Classic states: "White ears surpass the face, and one will eventually become a renowned minister." Ouyang Xiu, who was not yet famous, had a monk predict: "Your ears are whiter than your face; you will be known throughout the world." He eventually rose to the position of Prime Minister, with his name remembered for generations.

Liu Heng's note: If facial features are well-combined but lack spirit, the person may still be poor. If the features are somewhat lacking but the spirit is abundant, it can still indicate a good fate. The spirit is the foundation of one's appearance throughout life; it is crucial that the form and spirit match. If they are unbalanced, whether excessive or insufficient, a person with both spirit and form, balanced without bias, will enjoy a harmonious and stable life.

Liu Heng's note: The phrase "feet bear black spots" implies that one can rise above others, but this can be misleading. To truly become a person of distinction, one needs a broad and even forehead, full cheekbones, and a rounded chin, with a straight nose and rounded cheekbones for protection; these are essential features for a significant person.

Liu Heng's note: "Bones extend to the temples" refers to a broad forehead, one of the attributes necessary for being well-regarded and influential in society. A high forehead indicates a high position, while a broad but not elevated forehead suggests local heroism. (This pertains to a person's bravery.) The temples are located between the left and right hairlines; if the forehead aligns with the temples, it indicates nobility. The text "Guang Jian" states: "The post horse connects to the border, military power governs a region."

Liu Heng's note: If facial features are excellent but the voice is flawed, then the appearance is not favorable. A voice should not be shallow and low, dry and hoarse, or sharp and thin; women should avoid a masculine voice. A voice that originates from the lower abdomen, rich and powerful, indicates sufficient lung energy, leading to a disciplined work ethic and a sense of responsibility, culminating in both blessings and longevity. (This refers to the voice originating from the lower abdomen, indicating vitality and longevity.) The lower abdomen is located beneath the ribs; if the voice comes from this area, it will be deep and far-reaching, foretelling longevity. The text "Xi Yi Lun" states: "The breath of the masses reaches the throat, while the voice from the ribs also indicates longevity."

Liu Heng's note: This refers to the back of the head; a slightly bulging back of the head signifies sufficient intelligence and thoughtfulness. The forehead represents fire, while the back of the head represents water, indicating the strength or weakness of a person's kidney energy. A full back of the head does not guarantee wealth, but it does indicate longevity. (This refers to a person's lifespan.) If bones grow horizontally from the back of the head, known as the "Jade Pillow Bone," it is a sign of wealth and longevity. The "Guang Jian" states: "Few know that bones grow from the back of the head; wealth and blessings are abundant."

"The lower face is bright and smooth, leading to a peaceful later life." This line indicates that social status and intelligence are determined by the forehead, while the nose dictates behavior and kindness, and the lower face (cheekbones, chin, jaw) determines material enjoyment and social relationships. The forehead reflects mid-life fortune, the nose reflects early success, and the lower face reflects later life. If the lower face is bright and full, with a healthy complexion, it signals satisfaction and happiness.

"The color of the hanging wall is bright, the household is free from worries and full of good fortune." This line clarifies the condition of future generations. In physiognomy, the lines behind the ears represent the parents, while the lines in front of the ears represent the children. The ears are the external manifestation of the kidneys, representing both one's parents and one's offspring, differing only in the area of observation. If the area in front of the ears is full and has a healthy complexion, it indicates a blessed and safe future generation. The hanging wall is beside the ear; if the complexion is bright and not dark, it indicates much good fortune and no misfortune.

"Saturn fills the mountains and forests, stagnant energy brings many disasters." Liu Heng's note: The "Saturn" in physiognomy refers to the nose. If the face is small but the nose is prominent with a high-arched bridge, it indicates excessive influence from the earth element, suggesting a person who is self-centered and may encounter misfortune. If the nose also has dampness or dark stagnation, it indicates poverty and illness, reflecting an imbalance between wood and earth. A small nose is seen as weak, and if the "mountains and forests" are overshadowed by stagnant energy, it will undoubtedly bring calamity; this is what is implied by many disasters.

"Good features in front but lacking in the back, empty fame leads to a short life." Liu Heng's note: This means that if a person focuses only on superficial appearances while lacking moral integrity behind the scenes, their fame will not be matched by virtue, leading to disaster. Another interpretation is that a broad forehead indicates good reputation and status, but if the lower face is thin and pointed, lacking fullness, it signifies a deficiency in the later years, resulting in a person with empty fame and no substance, whose later life will be short. Another interpretation is that even if the front appearance is good, if the back features are lacking or unbalanced, despite widespread fame, their lifespan will be short, as fate dictates.

"Yin and Yang are full, blessings weigh on the spirit; the front bones are open, while the grains are decayed." Liu Heng's note: Here, "Yin and Yang" refers to the three Yin and three Yang areas, specifically under the eyes, which are related to stomach energy and postnatal nourishment, connected to children. If the area under the eyes is full and bright, it indicates excellent and healthy offspring, thus abundant blessings. The "front bones open" refers to the nasal and cheekbones; a strong nasal bone suggests entrepreneurship, while full cheekbones indicate wealth retention. Therefore, a harmonious combination of nasal and cheekbones signifies a family with abundant resources. Yin and Yang refer to the tear troughs; if they are full and not overflowing, it indicates intelligence and longevity. The front refers to the two cheekbones; if they are open and smooth without tilting, it indicates wealth and prosperity.