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The Chinese world view during the Han dynasty, when the Lo Shu seems to have been at the height of its popularity, was based in large part on the teachings of the Yin-Yang and Five-Elements School, which was traditionally founded by Tsou Yen.

According to this doctrine, the universe was ruled by Heaven, T'ien -- as a natural force, or in the personification of a Supreme Sky-god -- governing all things by means of a process called the Tao, which can be roughly interpreted as `` the Order of the Universe '' or `` the Universal Way ''.

Heaven, acting through the Tao, expressed itself by means of the workings of two basic principles, the Yin and the Yang.

The Yang, or male principle, was the source of light, heat, and dynamic vitality, associated with the Sun ; ;

while the Yin, or female principle, flourished in darkness, cold, and quiet inactivity, and was associated with the Moon.

Together these two principles influenced all things, and in varying combinations they were present in everything.