Trigrams of the I Ching and Bagua

I occasionally get email regarding my webapge:
Eight Trigrams of the I Ching (Book of Changes)
The eight trigrams of the I Ching are the foundation for the 64 hexagrams of the I Ching or "Book of Changes." The I Ching is used in Taoist philosophy, divination, and Chinese symbolism and lore.

A circular arrangement of the Trigrams is a common symbol used in martial arts and is incorporated into banners, scrolls, flags, signs, embroidery on uniforms, patches, certificates, and other artwork. A circular arrangement of the Trigrams is often referred to as "Bagua." There is an internal martial art featuring circular defenses and offense called Ba Gua Zhang (Pa Kau Chang).

Here is an example of a recent email to me on the subject of the Trigrams from Kristo Eshke,

Hi Mike,

Thank you for the reply.

I have enclosed the Bagua sequence research, I have drawn out. It will show the flow of several different relationships, and the fractions they create Yang:Yin. The largely accepted sequence "Early Heaven" swaps 4 and 5 (wind and thunder). I have yet to discover or be educated as to why.

http://www.feng-shui-institute.org/trigrams.htm
The link above shows Yang-Yin-Bi grams-Tri grams, etc. You will notice from Father to Mother the "children" appear in order as well. When the trigrams are applied to the Bagua, the order is altered. It has been alluded that certain trigrams are inward flowing, while others are outward. . . though have not seen that info demonstrating it.

If you have a resource that can help me understand why it was altered and accepted as the "One" that would be great.

Peace,
Kristo"

The Feng Shui webpage on the Trigrams is well worth looking at.

The "One" is always a difficult concept to understand. Since it represents an undifferentiated condition, primordial Chaos, unknowability, and is beyond words ... it is hard to comprehend. Appreciation is probably best left to silence, awe, and mystical sensibility.

"I find circular patterns (i.e., sacred circles, labyrinths, spirals, spheres, etc) to be very interesting. Circular arrangements have a key place in the spiritual practices in my life. I am fascinated by the symbolic, artistic, religious, and psychological aspects of circular arrangements. Some use a cross or sword as the symbol of their religion; which, to me, are symbols which represent violence, torture, fear, death, and the end. Others, like me, find a wheel (Buddhist Dharma Wheel), Tai Chi Tun Yin-Yang Circle (Taoist), or sacred circle of trees (Nemeton) or stones (Labyrinth) more appealing to their spiritual sensibilities. The circle, to me, represents the cycle of the seasons, rebirth and return, new possibilities, union of complementary forces (e.g, male and female), the ring of commitment, complexity, and the pattern and order of the cosmos. My prejudices and preferences are, therefore, reflected in my interpretations."
Trigram Notes

Yoga Classes in Red Bluff, California

Yoga Classes
Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga
2008
Classes at the Tehama Family Fitness Center (TFFC)
2498 South Main Street
Red Bluff, CA 96080
530-528-8656


Tuesday: 5:30 - 6:45 p.m.

Wednesday: 5:30 - 6:15 p.m.

Thursday: 5:30 - 6:45 p.m.

Saturday: 11:00 - 12:15 p.m.


Class Schedule Changes, Exceptions, Cancellations


Instructor
Michael P. Garofalo

YogaFit Level IV Certified Yoga Instructor (200 Hours)
Personal Fitness Trainer
Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Certified
M.S., B.A. Philosophy
Yoga Director, Tehama Family Fitness Center

For More Information You are Welcome to Telephone Mike at 530-200-3546

Valley Spirit Hatha Yoga Website

Brief Biography

Qualifications and Practice

My Yoga Classes Always Include Some Qigong (Chinese Yoga) Forms and Theory


Mike has completed the YogaFit Level IV Teacher Training certification (200 hours.) Mike has taught Qigong (Chinese Yoga) and T'ai Chi Ch'uan since 2000, and has practiced these internal martial arts since 1986. He has been teaching Hatha Yoga at the Tehama Family Fitness Center since 2004, and is the Yoga Director at TFFC. He has also completed 36 hours of formal training in other styles of Yoga, and over 600 hours of Qigong and Tai Chi training. He is a AFAA certified Personal Fitness Trainer.

Member of the California Yoga Teachers Association.
Member of the International Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Association.
Member of the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America.

T'ai Chi Ch'uan (Taijiquan) Cloud Hands Website

January Days

Winter storms have arrived on the West Coast. It has rained nearly 5 inches in the last 10 days. Snow levels are down to 2,500 feet in the local mountains. Streams and creeks are all running again in the Valley.

Power outages were quite widespread in Northern California. We did not have electricity at our home for four days.

“Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour.”
- John Boswell

I've been doing more weight training indoors in the gym.

I subscribe to the DISH sattelite HD television package. One HD channel features Kung Fu films. Lately, I have watched five of the "Zatoichi" films, starring Shintaro Katsu. 25 Zatoichi films were made between 1962-1973, and the character was also featured in a TV series in Japan. Zatoichi is a blind man, a massuese, and a gambler with a shady past; but a kindhearted and brave fellow who defends the poor against thugs and corrupt government officials in the late Edo Period. He is an undefeated master swordsman.

Open a New Door

We wish everyone a Happy New Year.

Peace on Earth and Good Will Towards All.

“The name, given to the month of ‘January’, is derived from the ancient Roman name ‘Janus’ who presided over the gate to the new year. He was revered as the ‘God of Gateways’, ‘of Doorways’ and ‘of the Journey.’ Janus protected the ‘Gate of Heaven’, known as the ‘Lord of Beginnings’, is associated with the ‘Goddess Juno-Janus’, and often symbolized by an image of a face that looks forwards and backwards at the same time. This symbolism can easily be associated with the month known by many as the start of a new year which brings new opportunities. We cast out the old and welcome in the new. It is the time when many reflect on events of the previous year and often resolve to redress or improve some aspect of daily life or personal philosophy.”
- Mysitcal World Wide Web

"New Year ceremonies are designed to get rid of the past and to welcome the future. January is named after the Etruscan word janua which means door."
- New Year's Customs

"The Old Year has gone. Let the dead past bury its own dead. The New Year has taken possession of the clock of time. All hail the duties and possibilities of the coming twelve months!"
- Edward Payson Powell




January: Quotes, Poems, Lore, Sayings, Garden Chores