Which season do you think we are now living in, among the four cosmic seasons?

Brandon: You told me that the purpose of the cosmic year is to cultivate humanity. What does that mean?

I: A cycle of cosmic year is the process through which the universe gives birth to human beings and nurtures them.

Brandon: Can you explain that in details?

I: OK. So you remember that I told you about the principle of birth, growth, harvest and rest, right? That principle applies to the four cosmic seasons in the same way. Cosmic spring is the time when humanity comes forth on earth and cosmic summer is the era when our humanity’s civilization develops.

Brandon: Then what comes next is the cosmic autumn and it’s time for our civilization to bear fruit, right? ’Cause autumn is the time for everything to bear fruits.

I: It sure is, Brandon. And the cosmic winter is the Great Ice Age. For thirty-thousand years, all life on earth goes into hibernation. Now, let me ask you one question. Which season do you think we’re now living in, among the four cosmic seasons?

Brandon: Isn’t it the cosmic autumn?

I: Cosmic autumn? Why do you think so?

Brandon: Because, our civilization is extremely advanced now. Our average life expectancy increased and we’re eradicating diseases. So this has to be the world of cosmic autumn, right?

I: When it comes to material civilization, our humanity made astonishing progress. But seeing the other side, there are still problems

causing pain to people, such as wars, violence, and discrimination.

Brandon: Hmm. You do have a point. The world has made such progress, yet we haven’t matured, right? Then are we still in the time of cosmic summer?

I: Yup! We’re living in the cosmic summer. More precisely, we’re living in the transition between cosmic summer and cosmic autumn.

Brandon: Then it means that the cosmic autumn is arriving soon! I can’t wait to see the entire world living in peace and harmony.

I: Me neither.

Summer-Autumn Transition

원(元) Origination [ərìdʒənéiʃən]
형(亨) Proliferation [prəlìfəréiʃən]
이(利) Benefit [bénəfit]
정(貞) Firmness [fə́ːrmnis]
인류 문명 human civilization [hjúːmən sìvəlizéiʃən]
천존(天尊) Heaven's nobility [hévənz noubíləti]
지존(地尊) Earth's nobility [əːrθs noubíləti]
인존(人尊) Humanity's nobility [hjuːmǽnətiz noubíləti]
하추 교역기 Summer-Autumn Transition [sʌ́mǝ-ɔːtǝm trænzíʃən]

All of Heaven and Earth’s Principles Lie Within Change (역 易)

Even the gaebyeok of heaven and earth unfolds
in accordance with yin and yang’s
cycle of the four seasons.
All of heaven and earth’s principles
lie within change (역 易).
-English Dojeon 2:16:4-5

Autumn Gaebyeok

I: Did I mention to you that I practice Jeung San Do?

Brandon: Yeah, you did. I honestly didn’t think you’re the spiritual type, so I was really curious about why you joined.

I: I can share with you the part that got me interested. Do you have about 5 minutes?

Brandon: That’s about all the time I have. But I’m really curious.

I: What fascinated me was the message of the cosmic year. In Jeung San Do, we learn that there are four seasons in the universe, just like we have four seasons here on Earth.

Brandon: Cosmic year? Just like the one year on Earth?

I: Yeah. If you can understand one basic principle of the universe, it’ll help you. It’s known as the principle of 'birth, growth, harvest and rest'.

Brandon: Birth, growth, harvest, and rest?

I: Yeah. In spring, seeds sprout and new life begins. That’s the principle of ‘Birth’. Then in summer, plants turn green and grow a lot. Summer is the time of ‘Growth’. Autumn is, as you know, the time for farmers to gather crops and fruits. This is the time of ‘Harvest’. And in winter, all life rests.

Brandon: So winter is the time of rest.

I: Yes, exactly! And this principle of birth, growth, harvest and rest applies in the same way to the four seasons in the universe, too! They are cosmic spring, cosmic summer, cosmic autumn and cosmic winter.

Brandon: Whoa! Four cosmic seasons. Then what's the difference between the cosmic year and the earth year?

I: Good question! Their purposes are different. The earth year exists to cultivate crops to support our lives. The purpose of the universe is to cultivate humanity.

Brandon: This is getting really interesting but I gotta go. Can you tell me more about this next time?

I: Of course, I can. Let’s meet up after school.