The Secret Golden Formula of Physiognomy: Liu Heng's Translation and Commentary, Part 1

"The Ma Yi Physiognomy" is a tradition originating from the Ma Yi School. Yuan Liuzhuang's "Liu Zhuang Physiognomy" from the Ming Dynasty also traces its roots to this school. During the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, a member of the Ma Yi School passed down the core principles of the Dao to a favored disciple, Chen Tuan, also known as Chen Xiyi. Ma Yi Physiognomy captures the essence of physiognomy, establishing a profound theoretical foundation for future generations' study of physiognomy. Teacher Liu Heng has compiled and annotated the "Heart Mirror of Physiognomy," to clarify its origins and ensure its continuation for future generations.

Yang is born from Yin; Heaven is exalted while Earth is humble.

Liu Heng's note: The ancient concept of Yin and Yang embodies the true nature of the universe, with Yang representing time and Yin representing matter. The balance between Yin and Yang nurtures emotions; Heaven embodies the principle of all things, while Earth serves as the foundation of all creation.

The poem transcends the profound, passed down from the great ancestors to the heart's mirror.

Liu Heng's note: This poem aligns with the Dao. The term "mysterious" signifies the idea that water is shaped by the earth, reflecting the relationship between the primordial and the acquired. "Mirror" symbolizes discernment and adherence to standards. Yang is formless and thus great; Yin is formed and thus small.

High skills are divine; Ma Yi points to the essence of Xiyi.

Liu Heng's note: The Dao is the root of all things, with skills representing the application of the acquired. The Dao and skills are unified. High skills connect with the divine; practitioners of the Ma Yi School passed down their teachings to Chen Tuan, who honored his teacher’s legacy, achieving great mastery without doubt.

Transmission through speech and heart, all is understood through intention.

Liu Heng's note: Physiognomy is taught both orally and intuitively; techniques are communicated through words, and principles through understanding. The goal is to grasp the essence through intuition, fostering both Dao and skills.

Countless beings, following the Five Elements to derive images.

Liu Heng's note: All beings are often unaware of the Dao and remain ignorant, which is why sages classified myriad phenomena using the Five Elements. These elements are derived from the body and the external world. The body pertains to organs and emotions, while the external world relates to the laws of the universe and nature.

Diverse classifications, arranging the Eight Trigrams to enlighten the mind.

Liu Heng's note: Sages categorize and summarize the great Dao, utilizing the Eight Trigrams to represent the eight directions, thus enlightening collective wisdom.

Assessing the richness of the land, discerning the wisdom or folly of individuals.

Liu Heng's note: Through examination, one can discern the character of individuals, distinguishing between the virtuous and the foolish among all beings.