Pakua

Pakua is a term used in various spiritual and martial arts traditions. In I Ching divination and Taoist practice, Pakua is associated with the harmony and balance of opposites, as represented by the eight trigrams that make up the Qian Kun Chai Kong diagram. This diagram is seen as a symbol of the cyclical balance between yin and yang energies, which is fundamental to the teachings of Taoism.

In some martial arts styles, such as Hsing-I and Hung Gar, Pakua refers to a unique pattern of movements that combine the eight directional trigrams. These movements are said to mirror the flowing and changing patterns of nature, and are used to cultivate a sense of inner balance and harmony. Practitioners of Pakua in these martial arts traditions seek to internalize the principles of pakua by cultivating a sense of fluid movement and adaptability.

Pakua is also a term used in Chinese folk religion and local traditions. In certain regions, Pakua is associated with a mythical creature said to possess magical powers, often depicted as a companion of the gods or a keeper of cosmic secrets. This mythological representation of Pakua is often linked to local deities and is revered as a symbol of the region's unique spiritual heritage.

Throughout its various uses, the concept of Pakua is fundamentally concerned with the interplay between opposing forces and the cultivation of harmony within and without. This idea is deeply rooted in the principles of Taoism and I Ching, which emphasize the cyclical and harmonious nature of the universe.