Throughout the ancient history of China, numerous ancient books are regarded as treasures. These works not only encapsulate the wisdom of ancient Chinese civilization but also embody timeless and transcendent insights.
Among these valuable ancient books, three texts are renowned for their extraordinary existence in China. One of them is often considered the origin of Chinese culture, with a history of over 5,000 years. The other is an ancient medical text, hailed as a classic that can help revive the dead. Additionally, there is a book regarded as a holy scripture for those who practice “cultivation.”
1. The River Diagram and the Luo Writing – The Origins of Civilization
The River Diagram (Hà Đồ) and the Luo Writing (Lạc Thư) are two mysterious patterns passed down from ancient China. They contain profound principles regarding the universe and astrology. Known as “The Cosmic Cube,” they are considered the source of Chinese civilization. Originally, the River Diagram and the Luo Writing did not exist as books but appeared in the lives of ancient people as patterns. Over time, these patterns were recorded by later generations and gradually developed into book form.
The River Diagram and the Luo Writing contain profound principles regarding the universe and astrology. (Illustration).
After studying the River Diagram and the Luo Writing, Fu Xi inferred the Eight Trigrams, which represent a deep understanding of the laws of the universe and life. Thousands of years later, King Wen of Zhou calculated an additional 64 hexagrams based on Fu Xi’s work, forming the core of “The Book of Changes.”
The Book of Changes is not only the origin of Chinese culture but also an essential classic that has influenced countless philosophers and scholars across generations. Although the form and content of the River Diagram and the Luo Writing, an ancient book dating back 5,000 years, have changed over time, the wisdom and revelations they contain continue to profoundly impact our lives today. They are not only the roots of Chinese civilization but also a crucial key to exploring the mysteries of the universe and life.
2. The Yin-Yang Scripture – The Secret Scripture of Cultivation
“The Yin-Yang Scripture” is one of the secrets of Taoism and is regarded as a holy scripture by countless practitioners. This mysterious classic, with its concise and profound language, explains all the mysteries of the world and is believed to be a secret key to immortality and becoming a sage. Regarding the origins of “The Yin-Yang Scripture,” it is said that Li Xuan during the Tang Dynasty stumbled upon it while exploring the human realm.
From a young age, Li Xuan was very interested in seeking immortality and often traveled to famous mountains and rivers, hoping to attain the true meaning of Taoism. Upon reaching Mount Song at Hu Kou Rock, he discovered a package in the crevice of a rock. Inside was an ancient book written on silk. When he read the words in the book, he could not comprehend its content. Later, he traveled to Mount Li in Xi’an and met an elderly man with white hair. The old man said that the scripture in his hands was obtained from the Nine Heavens by the Yellow Emperor.
“The Yin-Yang Scripture” is one of the secrets of Taoism. (Illustration).
Before the battle with the Xianyu, the Yellow Emperor climbed Kunlun Mountain and sought advice from the Nine Heavens on the art of war. As a result, the Xianyu were defeated. After acquiring this book, the Yellow Emperor diligently studied it and eventually had the opportunity to ride a dragon to the heavens.
“The Yin-Yang Scripture” contains just over 300 words but possesses infinite wisdom. Different individuals derive different principles from it. For example, metaphysicists may understand the principles of the divine and how to achieve immortality; those concerned with governance may learn methods for enriching the state and governing the people; military talents may grasp the art of victory with strong armies and how to command troops. This adaptability of “The Yin-Yang Scripture” allows it to resonate with diverse people across different eras, providing them with various insights.
Due to the challenging nature of reading and understanding “The Yin-Yang Scripture,” it was once considered a forgery and banned throughout history. Until the 1970s, a large number of bamboo slips were excavated from the Han Dynasty tomb in Yinqueshan, Shandong Province. Experts took many years to authenticate the “Yin-Yang Scripture.”
3. The External Classic of the Yellow Emperor – A Medical Classic
In the history of ancient Chinese medicine, “The Internal Classic of the Yellow Emperor” is quite famous, but few know that there is another valuable classic called “The External Classic of the Yellow Emperor.” It is said that during the time of the Yellow Emperor, there were three famous physicians, Leigong and Qibo, with the most renowned being Yufu.
Yufu was exceptionally skilled in healing and particularly experienced in surgery. It is known that Yufu often did not employ traditional therapies such as herbal decoctions, acupuncture, or massage when treating illnesses. Instead, he would accurately diagnose the cause of the illness, and if surgery was necessary, he would directly use a knife to cut the skin, dissect muscles, and completely eliminate the root cause of the disease. After such a surgical procedure, patients could quickly return to normal in both spirit and body. Therefore, Yufu’s healing talents were praised as capable of restoring life.
The External Classic of the Yellow Emperor is a record of Yufu’s medical practices that has been lost. (Illustration).
In the later years of Yufu’s life, the Yellow Emperor sent three high-ranking officials, Cangjie, Leigong, and Qibo, who spent a long time compiling and organizing Yufu’s healing skills, creating a unique classic. However, before the book could be published, Cangjie unfortunately passed away. Later, Yuzhi, Yufu’s son, took the book home and prepared to present it to his father for revision. Unfortunately, Yufu’s family suffered a fire, and all the medical texts, along with Yufu and Yuzhi’s family, turned to ashes. This may explain why “The External Classic of the Yellow Emperor” has been lost and remains unfound.
