Foundations & classics / KNOWLEDGE DIRECTORY

Foundations

理论基础

A starting point for yin–yang, the five phases, stems and branches. Learn the vocabulary and historical context shared by many Chinese traditions.

A modern ink illustration of books, brushwork and mountains — Original ZenTell AI illustration · Contemporary artwork, not a historical object

History & reading context

This category explains traditional polarities, phases, calendrical signs and diagrams. Their functions differ across philosophy, calendars and divination.

Sources for this tradition

Scope of this directory

Yin and yang阴阳Published Five phases五行Published Heavenly stems天干Published Earthly branches地支Published Sexagenary cycle干支历Published Hetu and Luoshu河图洛书Published Taiji太极Published Qi and images气与象Published

Suggested learning sequence

Begin with vocabulary and its meaning within this tradition.
Distinguish textual context, calculation rules and school-specific interpretation.
When reading examples, check sources, methods and assumptions.

This directory provides bilingual introductions with concepts, structures, examples and sources. Entries are AI-assisted and editorially checked; deeper research and examples will be added over time.

Common questions

Is this the same as other systems?

Not necessarily. Shared vocabulary can have different meanings across traditions and should be read in its textual and school-specific context.

Are calculators or prediction tools available?

Introductory articles are available; there is no calculator or prediction service for this tradition yet. Available reflection experiences are listed in Tools.