Eight diagrams geomantic rudder species

In ancient China, gunpowder was not only used to make firecrackers, but also used to watch Feng Shui with a compass. In fact, in the Ming Dynasty, gunpowder was used as a weapon and compass was used for navigation. But why is this? Mainly because of the "arrogance" of the stupid rulers at that time, which was particularly prominent in the Qing Dynasty. Rulers and officials feel that the traditional eighteen martial arts and traditional riding and shooting swords and guns are very powerful, and they lock themselves in the traditions and rules of their ancestors. At the same time, they call themselves "de-China" and are immersed in their dreams and refuse to move forward. Due to the influence of the late Qing Dynasty, there was a misunderstanding that "in ancient China, only gunpowder was used as firecrackers, and geomantic omen was viewed with a compass".

First of all, let's take a look at the four great inventions, namely gunpowder, compass, papermaking and printing, which are considered to be the most influential inventions and discoveries in ancient China, that is, the four great inventions we often say. There is no doubt about the role and influence of papermaking and printing, but the role and influence of gunpowder and compass are controversial. However, gunpowder is not only used to make firecrackers. According to historical records, in the thirteenth year of Hongwu, namely 1380, the equipment of the Ming army was: "100 households per army, milling 10, knives 20, bows and arrows 30, guns 40"; In the twenty-sixth year of Hongwu (1393), the staffing establishment was: "Every hundred households have milling hands 10, 20 swordsmen, 30 archers and 40 gunmen". This shows that gunpowder was used as a weapon in the Ming Dynasty.

So is the compass really used to look at Feng Shui? The answer is no, and the evidence lies in Zheng He's voyage to the West. During Zheng He's voyage to the Western Ocean, the navigation function of geography has become insignificant, and the role of compass has gradually become prominent. It is recorded in the literature: "It is inconvenient to stand in the wind and water, and the sailors are distorted and the rudder is damaged. The boat slipped and fell into the running water, becoming weak and sinking. It is probably advisable to beware of this when sailing. " So in ancient times, the compass was also used for navigation, but later in the Qing Dynasty, it was "closed to the outside world" and called itself "heaven" and so on. The technology of compass has not really developed.

Finally, I want to say that no matter what era, we should not be "arrogant", we should learn from the advanced technology of other countries with an open mind, and we should understand that we will be beaten if we lag behind.