There are three meanings to the term. 1) The five fundamental things or

elements that make up all things. The Book of History was the first to define the

five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Each of these has its own

properties and they interact in a generative or destructive relationship. 2) On

a more abstract level, the term refers to the basic framework to understand

the world. All things can be included in the realm of wuxing (五行) and their

properties are explained or understood accordingly. 3) It refers to five kinds of

moral behavior. Xunzi once criticized Zisi and Mencius for "creating wuxing on

the basis of old theories." Ancient bamboo slips unearthed from a grave at Guodian

dating back to the State of Chu as well as inscribed silk texts from the Mawangdui

Tomb of the Western Han Dynasty, all describe this wuxing as benevolence,

righteousness, li (礼), wisdom, and the wisdom and character of a sage.