Heaven and Earth /Qian Kun（乾坤）:

In Chinese, it is pronounced as: qián kūn，Written as:

Qian Kun is a Chinese term, spelled as qián kūn in Pinyin. It is a term from Taoist culture and an important concept in ancient Chinese philosophy, representing the infinite expanse of the universe. The term Qian Kun consists of two characters: Qian, which stands for Heaven, and Kun, which represents Earth. Together, they symbolize the polarities of Yin and Yang in the universe, interdependent and transformative.

In ancient China, people believed that everything in the universe had its unique attributes and laws. The interactions and changes between Heaven and Earth formed the mechanisms of the natural world. As part of nature, humans were also expected to follow these laws and live in harmony with nature.

Qian Kun also represents the dual aspects of Heaven and Earth, Yin and Yang, and the rigid and the flexible. This concept has been widely applied in traditional Chinese culture, philosophy, and politics, carrying profound meanings and extensive influence. The core of Qian Kun philosophy is “Tao.” Tao is a transcendent existence that permeates the entire universe. It is formless and invisible yet omnipresent. Only through deep contemplation and realization can one understand the true essence of Tao.

In the realm of ancient Chinese politics, Qian Kun was used to symbolize the relationships between sovereign and subjects, superiors and subordinates, and the esteemed and the humble. The sovereign was seen as Qian, and the subjects as Kun, with the sovereign’s power derived from Heaven and the subjects’ obedience also ordained by Heaven. This ideology emphasized the legitimacy and authority of the sovereign as well as the duties and responsibilities of the subjects. In this social structure, the balance of Qian Kun was regarded as the foundation for political stability and social harmony.