The Indirect Resource ‘god’ is also known as pian yin. This ‘god’ is a Resource, which means it is represented by the element that gives birth to your Daymaster. The polarity of the components must be the same because it is an Indirect version of the ‘god.’ In other words, if you have a Yang Wood Daymaster chart, Yang Water will manifest as your Indirect Resource ‘god;’ if you have a Yin Water Daymaster chart, Yin Metal will display as your Indirect Resource ‘god.’ In some ways, Indirect Resource is similar to Direct Resource. People with a positive role for the Resource ‘god’ in their charts are knowledgeable. Their knowledge provides them with the ability to influence others. They absorb information quickly and frequently perform well in school.
The difference between Direct and Indirect Resources is the different Stem Combinations in the form. However, this logic applies to any other ‘god.’ For the time being, it is pointless to discuss this. Indirect Resources have always been known for their ability to delve deeply into a single subject. They are frequently heard excelling in fields that require extensive research or laser-like focus. They also excel in more esoteric areas. Don’t be surprised if you encounter Chinese metaphysics practitioners who worship this ‘god.’ Direct Resource chart holders are arguably the ones who excelled in school and followed the conventional path to success. They attend prestigious schools, receive scholarships, and eventually end up in a high position in government or an MNC. Indirect Resource chart-holders are the ones who take the road less traveled. Their reputation and authority in a particular field are earned by them rather than by an institution.
Most BaZi beginners believe that because it is a Resource ‘god,’ nothing wrong can happen because the Resource ‘god’ generally has a positive connotation. Even if your Daymaster is already strong, it can’t be wrong if it strengthens him. Because of its highly volatile nature, Indirect Resource is perhaps the most intriguing of the Ten BaZi ‘Gods.’ Indirect Resource has another name that you will not hear in English. This name is xiao shen (), representing a vicious bird hunting for prey. Suppose a genuine BaZi master describes your natal chart using the term xiao rather than Indirect Resource. In that case, we can say with 99% certainty that you are in some trouble. This is the first indication of a BaZi chart’s declining quality. Hopefully, your natal chart contains a remedy to counteract the negative influence of a fallen Indirect Resource. To make matters worse, if the BaZi practitioner uses the term xiao shen duo shi (), it’s even worse. Let’s say the practitioner wishes you hadn’t approached them in the first place.
In BaZi, Xiao Shen duo shi is a classic example of a ‘broken structure.’ It refers to a severely flawed BaZi chart structure, and correcting the flaw is the highest priority. Fixing these flaws can occur through the encounter of a beneficial element within the natal chart or your “Luck Pillars” / Elemental Phases. Many people are unaware of the highly adverse side effects of indirect resources. For some reason, commercialized courses do not cover something as fundamental as this. Maybe they’re afraid that anything negative will hurt their sales.