Terra Cotta: Five Characters of the Earth Element
Introduction
The earth element in Chinese philosophy represents stability, grounding, and practicality. It is associated with the late summer season, the center direction, and the digestive system in our body. People who have a strong earth element in their birth chart or personality tend to be dependable, caring, and hardworking. In this article, we will explore five characters in the Chinese language that embody the essence of the earth element: 土 (tǔ), 坚 (jiān), 基 (jī), 堆 (duī), and 坪 (píng).
Body
Tǔ (土)
The character 土 simply means “earth” or “soil”. It consists of three horizontal strokes on top of a horizontal stroke. It represents the physical matter that makes up our planet, as well as the foundation of our lives. In feng shui, 土 is often used to enhance the earth element in a space, for example, by adding pottery, ceramics, or yellow colors.
Jiān (坚)
The character 坚 means “firm”, “solid”, or “unyielding”. It is composed of 土 (earth) on top of 干 (a tree trunk or a stem). The combination of earth and wood creates the image of a sturdy tree rooted in the ground. 坚 also implies the qualities of perseverance, determination, and resilience. It is often used in Chinese idioms such as 坚定不移 (jiān dìng bù yí), which means “firmly and unswervingly”.
Jī (基)
The character 基 means “base”, “foundation”, or “basis”. It is made up of 土 (earth) and 儿 (a person or a child). 基 represents the fundamental support that enables growth and progress. It is often used in words such as 基础 (jī chǔ), which means “basic” or “fundamental”, and 基金 (jī jīn), which means “foundation” or “endowment”.
Duī (堆)
The character 堆 means “pile”, “heap”, or “mound”. It is composed of 土 (earth) and 隹 (a bird). The combination of earth and bird suggests the idea of gathering or accumulating. 堆 represents the concept of abundance, prosperity, and accumulation. It is often used in phrases such as 堆满 (duī mǎn), which means “filled with piles of”.
Píng (坪)
The character 坪 refers to a flat piece of land or a small plain. It is made up of 土 (earth) and 平 (flat or even). 坪 represents the balance and harmony that can be achieved through the earth element. It is often used in words such as 坪效 (píng xiào), which means “standardized efficiency”, and 坪地 (píng dì), which means “land for building”.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the five characters we have explored – 土, 坚, 基, 堆, and 坪 – all capture the essence of the earth element in different ways. From the physical matter of the earth to the firmness of our resolve, from the foundation of our growth to the abundance of our resources, and from the flatness of the land to the balance of our efficiency, the earth element is a vital and powerful force in our lives. By understanding and cultivating the qualities of the earth element, we can enhance our sense of stability, groundedness, and practicality.
