The Huainanzi
Page 23
Overall, this chapter (like chapter 3, “Celestial Patterns”) reads largely as an anthology of passages quoted, paraphrased, or compiled from earlier sources, many of which are now unknown.
The Chapter in the Context of the Huainanzi as a Whole
Chapters 3, 4, and 5 form a distinctive subunit within the Huainanzi, a trilogy describing the cosmos, the earth, living creatures, and other concrete phenomena (the “myriad things”), and the correlative influences of seasonal and monthly time. The summary of chapter 4 in the Huainanzi itself (chapter 21, “An Outline of the Essentials”) says, in part, that it “enables you to circulate comprehensively and prepare exhaustively, so that you cannot be roused by things or startled by oddities.” By going beyond a description of the Chinese Empire to recount the strange territories and bizarre creatures beyond the periphery, the actual content of chapter 4 matches this objective very well, helping its royal reader achieve one of the goals of successful administration: no surprises.
John S. Major
1. For the complexities of Zou Yan’s cosmology, see John S. Major, “The Five Phases, Magic Squares, and Schematic Cosmography,” in Explorations in Early Chinese Cosmology: Papers Presented at the Workshop on Classical Chinese Thought Held at Harvard University, August 1976, ed. Henry Rosemont Jr., Journal of the American Academy of Religion Studies, vol. 50, no. 2 (1984; repr., Charleston, S.C.: Booksurge, 2006), 133–66; see esp. 134–37.
2. Knoblock and Riegel 2000, 278–81. The Lüshi chunqiu was an important source for other Huainanzi chapters as well; for example, see the introductions to chaps. 5 and 12.
Four
4.1
Everything that exists on earth lies
within the six coordinates [and]
within the outer limits of the four directions.
To illuminate it, [it has] the sun and moon;
for its warp threads, [it has] the stars and planets;
to regulate it, [it has] the four seasons;
to control it, [it has] the great Year Star. [4/32/8–9]
Between Heaven and Earth are nine continents and eight pillars. The dry land has nine mountains; the mountains have nine passes. There are nine marshes, eight winds, and six rivers.1 [4/32/11–12]
What are the nine continents?
In the southeast is Shen Province, called the land of agriculture.
In the south is Zi Province, called the land of fertility.
In the southwest is Rong Province, called the land of abundance.
In the west is Yan Province, called the land of ripeness.
In the center is Ji Province, called the central land.
In the northwest is Tai Province, called the land of plenty.
In the north is Qi Province, called the land of consummation.
In the northeast is Bo Province, called the land of seclusion.
In the east is Yang Province, called the land of beginning again. [4/32/14–16]
What are the nine mountains? They are Mount Guiji, Mount Tai, Mount Wangwu, Mount Shou, Mount Taihua, Mount Qi, Mount Taihang, Mount Yangchang, and Mount Mengmen. [4/32/18]
What are the nine passes? They are the Taifen Pass, the Min’ou Pass, the Jingruan Pass, the Fangcheng Pass, the Yaoban Pass, the Jingxing Pass, the Lingci Pass, the Gouzhu Pass, and the Juyong Pass. [4/32/20]
What are the nine marshes? They are The Juqu Marsh of Yue, the Yunmeng Marsh of Chu, the Yangyu Marsh of Qin, the Dalu Marsh of Jin, the Putian Marsh of Zheng, the Mengzhu Marsh of Song, the Haiyu Marsh of Qi, the Julu Marsh of Zhao, and the Zhaoyu Marsh of Yan. [4/32/22–23]
What are the eight winds?
The northeast wind is called the Blazing Wind.2
The east wind is called the Protracted Wind.
The southeast wind is called the Luminous Wind.
The south wind is called the Balmy Wind.
The southwest wind is called the Cooling Wind.
The west wind is called the Lofty Wind.
The northwest wind is called the Elegant Wind.
The north wind is called the Cold Wind. [4/32/25–26]
What are the six rivers? They are the [Yellow] River, the Vermilion River, the Liao River, the Black River, the [Yangzi] River, and the Huai River. [4/32/28]
4.2
The expanse within the four seas measures 28,000 li from east to west and 26,000 li from south to north. There are 8,000 li of watercourses passing through six valleys; there are six hundred named streams. There are 3,000 li of roads and paths.
Yu employed Tai Zhang to measure the earth from its eastern extremity to its western extremity. It measured 233,500 li and 75 double paces. He also employed Shu Hai to measure from its northern extremity to its southern extremity. It measured 233,500 li and 75 double paces.3
Concerning flood lands, deep pools, and swamps greater than three hundred fathoms4 [in expanse?]: [Within the previously designated expanse of] 233,500 li, there are nine. [4/32/30–4/33/3]
4.3
Yu also took expanding earth to fill in the great flood, making the great mountains. He excavated the wastelands of Kunlun to make level ground. In the center [of Kunlun] is a manifold wall of nine layers, with a height of 11,000 li, 114 double paces, two feet, and six inches. Atop the heights of Kunlun are treelike cereal plants thirty-five feet tall. [Growing] to the west of these are pearl trees, jade trees, carnelian trees, and no-death trees.5 To the east are found sand-plum trees and malachite trees.6 To the south are crimson trees. To the north are bi jade trees and yao jade trees.7
Nearby are 440 gates. There are four li between each gate, and each gate is fifteen shun wide. [One shun equals fifteen feet.]8
Nearby are nine wells. The jade crossbar binds the northwestern corner.9 The north[west]ern gate opens to admit the wind from Mount Buzhou.10 Broad Palace, Revolving House, Hanging Garden, Cool Wind, and the Hedge Forest are within the Changhe Gate of the Kunlun Mountains.11 This is [called] the Carved-Out Garden. The pools of the Carved-Out Garden flow with yellow water. The yellow water circulates three times and then returns to its source. It is called cinnabar water; anyone who drinks it will not die. [4/33/3–9]
4.4
The waters of the Yellow River issue from the northeast corner of the Kunlun Mountains and enter the ocean, flowing [eastward] along the route of Yu through the Piled-Stone Mountains.
The Vermilion River issues from the southeast corner and flows southwest to the Southern Sea, passing to the east of Cinnabar Marsh. The Weakwater [River] issues from the southwest corner; when it reaches Heli, its overflowing waves pass through the Flowing Sands and flow south to enter the Southern Sea.12 The Yang River issues from the northwest corner and enters the Southern Sea south of [the country of] the Winged People.
The four streams [originate in] the divine springs of the [Yellow] Emperor, from which can be concocted all kinds of medicinal substances to bring physical wellbeing to the myriad creatures. [4/33/11–14]
4.5
If one climbs to a height double that of the Kunlun Mountains, [that peak] is called Cool Wind Mountain. If one climbs it, one will not die. If one climbs to a height that is doubled again, [that peak] is called Hanging Gardens. If one ascends it, one will gain supernatural power and be able to control the wind and the rain. If one climbs to a height that is doubled yet again, it reaches up to Heaven itself. If one mounts to there, one will become a spirit. It is called the abode of the Supreme Thearch. [4/33/16–17]
The Fu [= Fusang] Tree in Yang Province is baked by the sun’s heat. The Jian Tree on Mount Duguang, by which the gods ascend and descend [to and from Heaven], casts no shadow at midday. If one calls [from that place], there is no echo. It forms a canopy over the center of the world. The Ruo Tree is to the west of the Jian Tree. On its branches are ten suns; its blossoms cast light upon the earth. [4/33/19–20]
4.6
The borders of each of the nine provinces encompass one thousand li.
Beyond the nine provinces are eight distant regions, each encompassing a tho
usand li.
The one to the northeast is called Impenetrable, [also] called Great Marsh.13
The one to the east is called Great Island, [also] called Sandy Sea.
The one to the southeast is called Juqu, [also] called Misty Marsh.14
The one to the south is called Great Dream, [also] called Vast Marsh.
The one to the southwest is called Island Wealth, [also] called Cinnabar Marsh.
The one to the west is called Nine Districts, [also] called Marsh of Springs.
The one to the northwest is called Daxia [Bactria], [also] called Ocean Marsh.
The one to the north is called Great Obscurity, [also] called Frigid Marsh.
All the clouds of the eight distant regions and eight marshes bring rain to the nine provinces. [4/33/22–25]
Beyond the eight distant regions are eight outlying regions, each also encompassing one thousand li.
The one to the northeast is called Harmonious Hill, [also] called Wasteland.
The one to the east is called Thorn Forest, [also] called Mulberry Wilderness.
The one to the southeast is called Great Destitution, [also] called Horde of Women.
The one to the south is called Duguang, [also] called Reversed [i.e., north-facing] Doors.15
The one to the southwest is called Scorched Pygmies, [also] called Fiery Earth.
The one to the west is called Metal Hill, [also] called Fertile Wilderness.
The one to the northwest is called One-Eye, [also] called Place of Sands.
The one to the north is called Amassing Ice, [also] called Abandoned Wings.
The qi of the eight outlying regions are those that emit cold and heat. In order to harmonize the eight proper [directional qi], there must be wind and rain. [4/34/1–4]
Beyond the eight outlying regions are eight ultimate regions.
The one to the northeast is called Square Soil Mountain, [also] called Azure Gate.
The one to the east is called Extreme East Mountain, [also] called Opening Brightness Gate.
The one to the southeast is called Mother-of-Waves Mountain, [also] called Yang Gate.
The one to the south is called Extreme South Mountain, [also] called Summer Heat Gate.
The one to the southwest is called String of Colts Mountain, [also] called White Gate.
The one to the west is called Extreme West Mountain, [also] called the Changhe Gate.
The one to the northwest is called Buzhou Mountain, [also] called the Gate of Darkness.
The one to the north is called Extreme North Mountain, [also] called Winter Cold Gate.
The clouds of the eight ultimate regions are those that bring rain to the whole world; the winds of the eight gates are those that regulate seasonal heat and cold.
The clouds of the eight outlying regions, the eight distant regions, and the eight marshes bring rain to the nine provinces and produce harmony in the central province. [4/34/6–10]
4.7
The beautiful things of the east are the xun, yu, and qi jades16 of Yimulu Mountain.
The beautiful things of the southeast are the arrow bamboos of Mount Guiji.
The beautiful things of the south are the rhinoceros [horn] and elephant [ivory] of Mount Liang.
The beautiful things of the southwest are the precious metals and jade of Mount Hua.
The beautiful things of the west are the pearls and jade of Mount He.
The beautiful things of the northwest are the qiu, lin, and lang’gan jades17 of the Kunlun Mountains.
The beautiful things of the north are the sinews and horn of Mount Youdu.
The beautiful things of the northeast are the patterned pelts of Mount Zhi.18
The beautiful things of the center are around Dai Peak, which produces the five grains, mulberry, and hemp. Fish and salt are produced there [also]. [4/34/12–16]
4.8
In the [fabric of] the earth’s shape,
east and west are the weft;
north and south are the warp.
Mountains are the cumulative [result of] accretion;
valleys are the cumulative [result of] cutting away.
High places govern birth;
low places govern death.
Hills govern maleness;
valleys govern femaleness.
Water [congealed] in a round shape forms pearls;
water [congealed] in a square shape forms jade.
Clear water yields gold; the dragon’s lair in the depths yields the quintessential beauty of jade.
Various sorts of earth give birth [to living creatures], each according to its own kind.
For this reason,
The qi of mountains gives birth to a preponderance of men.
The qi of low wetlands gives birth to a preponderance of women.
The qi of dikes produces many cases of muteness.
The qi of wind produces many cases of deafness.
The qi of forests produces many cases of paralysis of the legs.
The qi of wood produces many cases of spinal deformity.
The qi of seashores produces many cases of ulcerations of the lower extremities.
The qi of stone produces much strength.
The qi of steep passes produces many cases of goiter.
The qi of heat produces many cases of early death.
The qi of cold produces much longevity.
The qi of valleys produces many cases of rheumatism.
The qi of hills produces many cases of rickets.
The qi of low-lying places produces much human fellow-feeling.
The qi of mounds produces much covetousness.
The qi of light soil produces much hastening after profit.19
The qi of heavy soil produces much sluggishness.
The sound of clear water is small; the sound of muddy water is great.
People [who live near] rushing water are light;
people [who live near] placid water are heavy.
The central region produces many sages.
All things are the same as their qi; all things respond to their own class. [4/34/18–23] Thus,
In the south are herbs that do not die;20
In the north is ice that does not melt.
In the east are countries of superior people.
In the west is the corpse of Xing Can.21 [4/34/25]
4.9
Sleep sitting up and have straight dreams;22
a person dies and becomes a ghost.
Lodestone flies up;
mica draws water.
The earthen dragon brings rain;
swallows and wild geese fly in turn.
Clams, crabs, pearl [oysters], and tortoises
flourish and decline with the moon.23
Thus for the same reasons,
people who live in regions of hard soil are hard and unyielding;
people who live on easily worked soil are fat.
People who live on lumpy soil are large;
people who live on sandy soil are small.
People who live on fertile soil are beautiful;
people who live on barren soil are ugly.
People who live on level ground are clever.
People who live on flat land are sensitive and find the five [kinds of] grain suitable.24
Those [creatures] that feed on water excel at swimming and are able to withstand cold.
Those that feed on earth [i.e., earthworms] do not have minds but are sensitive.
Those that feed on wood25 are very powerful and are fierce.
Those that feed on grass excel at running but are stupid.
Those that feed on [mulberry] leaves produce silk and turn into moths.
Those that feed on flesh are brave and daring but are cruel.
Those that feed on qi [attain] spirit illumination and are long-lived.
Those that feed on grain are knowledgeable and clever but short-lived.
Those that do not feed on anything do not die and are spirits. [4/34/25–4/35/3
]
4.10
Concerning humans, birds, and beasts, the myriad creatures and tiny organisms,
each has that from which it is born.
Some are odd and some are even;
some fly and some go on foot,
but no one understands these instinctive responses.
Only one who knows how to trace the Way can get to the source and root of it. [4/35/5–6]
Heaven is one, Earth is two, man is three.
Three times three equals nine. Nine times nine equals eighty-one. One governs the sun. The number of the sun is ten. The sun governs man, so man is born in the tenth month [of pregnancy].
Eight times nine equals seventy-two. Two governs even numbers. Even numbers contain odd numbers. Odd numbers govern the chronograms.26 The chronograms govern the moon. The moon governs the horse, so horses are born in the twelfth month [of pregnancy].
Seven times nine equals sixty-three. Three governs the Dipper. The Dipper governs the dog, so dogs are born in the third month [of pregnancy].
Six times nine equals fifty-four. Four governs the seasons. The seasons govern the pig, so pigs are born in the fourth month [of pregnancy].
Five times nine equals forty-five. Five governs the musical notes [of the pentatonic scale]. The musical notes govern the ape, so apes are born in the fifth month [of pregnancy].
Four times nine equals thirty-six. Six governs the notes [of the pitch pipes]. The pitch-pipe notes govern the deer, so deer are born in the sixth month [of pregnancy].
Three times nine equals twenty-seven. Seven governs the stars. The stars govern the tiger, so tigers are born in the seventh month [of pregnancy].
Two times nine equals eighteen. Eight governs the wind. The wind governs insects, so insects undergo metamorphosis in the eighth month. [4/35/8–13]
4.11
All birds and fish are born of yin but are of the class of yang creatures.27 Thus birds and fish are oviparous. Fish swim through water; birds fly in the clouds. Thus at the beginning of winter, swallows and sparrows enter the sea and transform into clams.
The myriad [living] creatures all are born as different kinds.