Da Liu Ren Method - Four Lessons and Three Transmissions

The Four Lessons (四课)

The Four Lessons are the first layer of Da Liu Ren analysis. They extract four pairs of relationships from the heavenly stem and earthly branch of the question time. Each lesson reveals a specific aspect of the situation. The lessons are: the Upper Lesson, the Lower Lesson, the Inner Lesson and the Outer Lesson. Together they map the relationship between the querent, the question and the external world.

First Lesson

The first lesson establishes the querent position and the immediate situation. It reveals the most direct energy of the question and the querent relationship to it.

Second Lesson

The second lesson reveals the hidden or secondary factors. What is not immediately visible but still affecting the situation.

Third Lesson

The third lesson maps the relationship between the querent and external forces. How outside influences affect the situation.

Fourth Lesson

The fourth lesson reveals the outer environment, the broader context and the social or worldly factors at play.

The Three Transmissions (三传)

The Three Transmissions are the second and most critical layer. They represent the past, present and future of the question. The First Transmission (初传) reveals the origin and beginning. The Middle Transmission (中传) reveals the current state and development. The Final Transmission (末传) reveals the outcome and resolution. Together they tell the complete story of the question from beginning to end.

Reading the Chart

A complete Da Liu Ren reading examines all layers: the time stem and branch, the Twelve Generals, the Four Lessons and the Three Transmissions. Each layer provides different information. The skilled practitioner integrates all layers into a single, coherent reading. This is what makes Da Liu Ren so precise but so difficult to master.

"Four lessons reveal the structure. Three transmissions reveal the story. Together they reveal the truth."