...life can be translucent

Menu

An etymology of Zhen.3

confucius

visitor
Joined
Jul 12, 2006
Messages
199
Reaction score
0
Etymology of the ideogram Zhun.3






The ideogram used to depict the third hexagram is built with a group that can not be disassociated. It directs the focus on the symbol generally attributed to Plants. Here, it insists specifically on that moment where growth is most perceptible.

The graphic that is commonly used to express the idea of plants designates all sprouts that grow by successive embranchment. It roughly depicts a stem and a few shoots. Here, two elements are added to form the idea that will become the name of the third hexagram; one on the bottom of the figure and the other one on top, drawing attention, as is done in the Tenth Wing, on what is happening below ground level as well as the visible outside manifestations.

At the base of the stem is a long horizontal stroke understood to be the extension of the mainspring issued from the root. This added leverage assists the plant by creating a stable Yin foundation upon which it will rest to promote its outside growth.

This outside growth, the visible manifestation, is represented by a stroke added on top of the ideogram. It suggests the idea of a sprout originating from the development of the base.
 
H

hmesker

Guest
With regard to the 'sprouting plant' image Liu Xing-long 劉興隆 gives an interesting example of an oracle bone inscription in his Xinbian Jiaguwen Zidian 新編甲骨文字典, where tun 屯 is used with the meaning of 'spring':

雀于屯(春)出
"sparrows come out at spring"
(p. 30)

It is interesting to notice the similarity in pronounciation between tun 屯 and chun 春. Apparently the meaning of 'sprouting', 'the beginning of life' etc. is very old, something I found hard to accept before I read Liu Xing-long's dictionary.

Harmen.
 

Clarity,
Office 17622,
PO Box 6945,
London.
W1A 6US
United Kingdom

Phone/ Voicemail:
+44 (0)20 3287 3053 (UK)
+1 (561) 459-4758 (US).

Top