The Cycles of Life according to Yi Jing

 

The Cycles of Life according to Yi Jing 

Some years ago I have read a Chinese text from the qigong classics, which describes the changes of qi during the different periods in life. It's quite interesting, so here is the translation:

Age 0 - 3  Pure Yin  - hexagram 2 KUN (Earth)






Age 3 - 5  One Yang is generated  – hexagram 24 FU (Returning).
The original qi (yuan qi) increases with 64 grains.

Age 5 - 8   Two yang appear – hexagram 19 LIN (Approach)
The original qi increases with 64 more grains.

Age 8 - 10  Three Yang appear – hexagram 11 TAI (Peace)
The original qi increases with 64 more grains.

 

Age 10 - 13  Four Yang appear - hexagram 34 Da Zhuang (Great Vigour)
The original qi increases with 64 more grains.

Age 13 - 16  Five Yang appear – hexagram 43 GUAI (Resoluteness)
The original qi increases with 64 more grains.

Age 16 - 24  Six Yang appear - hexagram 1 QIAN (Heaven)
The original qi increases with 64 more grains.

At 24-years of age we have gained 360 grains genuine energy from Heaven and Earth. In addition, we have 24 grains ancestral (genetic) energy from mother and father.
  So, in total we gain 384 grains of qi in our life.
At the time of 24, pure Yang is complete, the essence (jing) and the energy (qi) are sufficient. If at this time of life one starts practicing qigong meditation, one can progress very fast and achieve great results.
  From age 24 onwards the original energy starts to decrease.

Age 24 -  32 One Yin is generated - hexagram 44 GOU (Coupling)
The original qi decreases with 64 grains.

Age 32 - 40   Two Yin appear – hexagram 33 DUN (Retiring)
The original qi decreases with 64 more grains.

Age 40 - 48  Three Yin appear - hexagram PI (Obstruction)
The original qi decreases with 64 more grains.

Age 48 - 56  Four Yin appear - hexagram 20 GUAN (Viewing)
The original qi decreases with 64 more grains.

Age 56 –  64 Five Yin appear - hexagram 23 BO (Splitting Apart)
The original qi decreases with 64 more grains.

    In the last cycle all the energy from Heaven, Earth and the parents (384 total grains of qi) has been exhausted. One cycle of the original energy is completed.
    If the energy is cultivated through qigong or other energy practices, then the extreme Yin will generate new Yang energy. Thus, the old can enjoy vitality and become younger.