

The Measure of "Dou"
As a unit of measurement, "dou" (peck) implies that wealth requires moderation, aligning with the Dao De Jing's teaching: "He who knows contentment is rich" .
The Dynamic Cultivation of metal "Jin"
Wealth flows like water—movement generates yang energy (stagnation turns it into "dead wealth"). Thus, Taoism emphasizes charitable giving, as in the adage:
"Three Officials bestow blessings; scattering wealth gathers people"
Further, accumulating wealth must be coupled with cultivating virtue and wisdom:
The Wenchang Emperor's Treatise on Hidden Virtues states:
"A hundred taels of gold demand a person of hundred-taels virtue"—only elevated character can sustain abundant wealth.
The Five-Element Transformation of "Jin"
In the Five Elements , Metal governs reformation and transformation. Taoism uses its interactions as wealth-management metaphors:
Metal generates Water (金生水): Wealth circulation → Resources flow like water.
Fire restrains Metal (火克金): Excessive mental agitation (heart-fire) → Dissipates wealth.




