Throughout Chinese history there have always been people who preferred to live lives of solitude in the mountains. These so-called “hermits” were highly regarded and honored as people who have devoted their lives to self cultivation and meditation. It’s no wonder why the Gen (pronounced gun) gua has been associated with knowledge and self cultivation in the Feng Shui Bagua. In fact if we look at the Gen trigram we see that it is represented by one yang line above two yin lines. That is one solid line above two broken lines. It’s characteristic or image is that of a Mountain.
If we look a bit closer at the Gun trigram we see that the top yang line represents the top of the mountain and the two yin lines represent a cave within the mountain. So we correlate this trigram with knowledge because in ancient times if one wanted to develop him or herself and achieve enlightenment, one needed to go to the mountain to achieve perfection.
The concept of the mountain cave and stillness is also an important part of the Yi Jing (I Ching) or the “Book of Changes.” Hexagram 52 is comprised of two trigrams; Gen over Gen or Mountain over Mountain and symbolizes keeping still and meditation. Without stillness we cannot have advancement. So being still and centered actually gives us a strong foundation for growth. In “The Book of Changes and the Unchanging Truth” author Hua Ching Ni writes “The virtue of a Mountain is its stillness. Growth is generated and maintained without strain. Unlike a Mountain, human life is not permanently established unless people know the virtue of stillness. Since they do not know when to stop unnecessary activity, they continue to follow overly active desires and thus their organs and senses eventually become exhausted.”
In today’s world we are constantly bombarded with information, stimulation, distractions and entertainment. It’s unavoidable as it comes from everywhere; television, the internet, social sharing and social interaction. It is impossible to escape therefore many of us are left feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. This is where enhancing the Gen gua can help to bring stillness, calm and satisfaction to our lives.
So this begs the question “How can one enhance the Gen gua to increase inner development and intuition?” First it is important to locate the area represented by the Gen gua. In some schools of Feng Shui the Gen gua is located in the NE corner of a building. In other approaches it is located in the left-hand corner of the wall containing the main entrance. Whichever approach you choose, one way you can enhance the area is by utilizing the Five Element theory. In Feng Shui there are Five important Elements; Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. How they interact with one another determines whether an area is enhanced or diminished. The Gen gua or “Knowledge Corner” is represented by the Element Earth. So we can enhance it by using items, colors or shapes that would be enhancing to Earth. Earth is most enhanced by Fire. When Fire burns it creates ash which becomes Earth. So, in practical terms, one can simply bring the Fire Element into the Knowledge Corner to support and create Earth and in turn, contribute to one’s inner development.
Enhancing Knowledge can be as simple as bringing in the color red (color of Fire) or something that represents Fire. For example, bringing in a red rug or artwork with the color red will evoke the Fire Element. Even if one is not spiritual, enhancing the Gen gua will increase one’s sense of calm and stability. Since many of us are primarily concerned with our finances, our relationships and family, the Knowledge area is often overlooked. But by enhancing the Gen gua we can support all other aspects of our lives and help us achieve the things we all want; health, abundance and a good life.
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