What is the Principles behind Bazi

From the humanity point of view, affinity is the relationship between people. We have an affinity with our Spouse, our Parents and we have a different level of affinity with all the people who interacts with us. Affinity also imply "the beginning" of a relationship, a subject, or a matter. Affinity is the concept where all things are "interconnected" and arise due to specific "causes and conditions". 

From the Metaphysics point of view, affinity manifest as a result of the energy interaction between a person’s birth—time (Bazi) and the ongoing environment ie. space—time (Universe).

When did Affinity begin?

Many traditions believe affinity is guided by a greater universal intelligence or cosmic order, often referred to as karma, or perhaps, the unfolding of a divinely god's plan. This means that the relationships and events in the universe are not random, but shaped by past karmic. According to Buddhist philosophy—everything in the universe is—interdependent. Nothing exists in isolation. 

For example, a seed grows into a tree because of sunlight, water, and soil—all factors working together. Similarly, affinity between people, events, or energies begins—when all the conditions have aligned. 

From a modern scientific view, the universe started with the Big Bang, which set everything into motion. The interactions between particles, forces, and energies created patterns of attraction, resonance, and balance. This can metaphorically parallel the idea of affinity as the natural pull between interconnected parts of the universe.

In metaphysical systems like Bazi and Feng Shui, affinity is seen as the alignment of the cosmic energies (Yin and Yang, Five Elements) present at the moment of creation or birth-time (Bazi). These energies interact within the greater cosmic framework. Our entire lives—whether it be fortune or misfortune, emotional states, financial conditions, health, or career success—are intrinsically tied to the movements and positions of the celestial bodies in the universe. It is the harmonious interplay between the forces of the cosmos (Heaven), the physical world (Earth), and human beings (Man):

「天地人三才」

Heaven Earth Man

In Western culture, life begins after birth; a child’s age is calculated from the moment they are born, reflecting a focus on observable, tangible events.

In Chinese culture, life is considered to begin at the moment of conception. The prenatal period is regarded as part of a person’s life cycle, which represents a holistic worldview, accounting for unseen causes and effects that influence life. 

When is the starting point for one’s Bazi?

Many people assume it is the exact moment of birth, but that is not entirely accurate. The calculation of Bazi is not based on the moment of physical birth, but on the moment the newborn lets out their "first cry". This cry signifies the beginning of life’s connection to the surrounding energies, as the infant draws their first breath. 

The Taoist philosopher Zhuangzi eloquently described this moment with the phrase:

「初禀天地之气」

The initial reception of Heaven and Earth’s energy

It is at this pivotal moment that we are inherently and intrinsically unified with the cosmos：

「天人合一」

Unity of Heaven and Humanity

For many, these perspectives are often fragmented or disordered. To possess a clear life perspective means having a well-defined outlook on one's purpose and direction in life. A clear worldview provides a structured framework for understanding and interpreting the world around us. A strong value system gives us consistent principles by which we evaluate right and wrong. When these three components are aligned, they form a comprehensive philosophical system—a foundation for navigating life.

When studying metaphysics, this disjointedness becomes apparent. 

People often ask me, "What is auspicious? What is inauspicious?" But I think these questions are secondary. The primary question to ask ourselves first is, "What is your CONCEPT of auspiciousness and inauspiciousness in life?" In different timezones, people have viewed these concepts differently. What defines a meaningful life, and how do we measure success or failure? These questions are often shaped by the evolving values of a collectible group of society.

In the past, balance was the hallmark of a fortunate life. Stability in marriage, financial sufficiency, and good health were the cornerstones of happiness. This vision of life, rooted in the values of earlier generations, emphasised harmony and equilibrium—a life where everything was "just enough." Such a perspective mirrored the principles of 阴阳 (yin-yang), where complementary forces coexist, creating a harmonious whole.

But as society evolves, so do its values. Today’s younger generations—those born in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s—often reject balance in favour of specialisation and exceptional achievement. They see a "balanced life" not as fortune, but as mediocrity, labelling it as a life of insignificance. To them, life must have a defining feature—a singular success in wealth, career, or personal fulfilment—even if it comes at the cost of sacrificing other aspects like health, relationships, or stability.

Life is a series of trade-offs. As traditional Chinese thought suggests, life operates within a framework of fixed energy or resources. Now, if all your energy is poured into one area, such as financial success, other areas inevitably suffer. This is the essence of give and take—a concept that teaches us that gain and loss are inseparable, and that every choice carries its costs.

Let me draw you an example of extreme for the modern times. Let's say, someone with a "extreme fast" pattern, characterised by their quick agility, quick thinker, talks very fast, and works really fast, this indeed he already has a peculiar distinctive edge over the normal. With this such distinctive edge, he will definitely be an exceptional expert in a particular field, and achieve remarkable results as compared to the normal. Is he successful in his field? Yes indeed. How about his inter-personal relationships? Can the normal people be in sync with him? I'll leave the answer to you to ponder.

Ultimately, life is a reflection of the values we hold. Some prioritise wealth, and sacrifices love and health. Others chase after personal fulfilment, forsaking societal expectations. There is no universal standard for fortune or misfortune. The CONCEPT of auspiciousness and inauspiciousness in life? They are defined by the lens of how we view the world, together with the intrinsic values we hold.

The answer is yes—destiny is predetermined. But to what extent? To such a degree that even a leaf falling before your eyes, its trajectory and landing point, is already decided (fated). If such a seemingly trivial event is fated, how much more so are the intricate details of our lives.

Who determines Destiny? 

Is it decided by some cosmic entity, or higher order entity? Western thoughts may attribute it to a divine figure, like God. So, who is the ultimate arbiter of fate?

Chinese culture and Buddhism provide a profound answer: Destiny is self-determined. It is not imposed by any external being, but by oneself. Hence, traditional Chinese wisdom teaches:

「自求多福」

Seek blessings for yourself 

「福祸无门，惟人自召」

Good or bad fortune has no fixed door; it is summoned by one’s own actions

Everything you encounter in this life—every joy, every sorrow—has already been decided. But by whom? By your past self. 

The stories in this lifetime are shaped by your own deeds. From this perspective, the study of Bazi (Eight Characters) reveals itself in a different light. Even the act of coming to interact with metaphysics itself is predetermined. The very moment you seek to peer into destiny is, paradoxically, an action already written within your destiny.

Can destiny be changed? 

Yes, it can. 

In Buddhism, the framework of causality is explained through：

 「远因」

Remote Causes

「所罗罗缘」

Infinite conditions

Remote Causes：It refers to the underlying and often distant origins of events or circumstances. They are like seeds planted in the past, whose outcomes manifest after a long chain of interdependent actions. These causes may span across lifetimes and set the stage for future events. 

Infinite Conditions： It emphasises the interconnectedness of all things, where each small element or event contributes to the larger reality.

But what does this mean? All causality operates along two interconnected lines:

「等流因缘」

The Flow of Continuity 

「抛物线」

The Parabolic Causality

The Flow of Continuity ：This is like a river, flowing in sequence—1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6—connecting past lives to the present, with every action and result leaving its mark on your current life.

The Parabolic Causality：Imagine throwing an object into the sky in an arc. The effects from such actions in past lives may take several cycles of reincarnation before returning. When the parabola finally descends and "lands" in this life, it strikes you as an inevitable result of prior causes and effects.

This is why many metaphysicians would claim, "I changed my destiny." For example, suppose someone's original fate dictated they would die at 60. After applying metaphysical practices—they extend their lifespan to 63. This is an outcome manifestated after a long chain of interdependent actions.