The Yin-Yang Principle
Yin-yang is one of the basic concepts of the Chinese philosophy.
Patterns of Yin-Yang interaction |
In spite of its importance, yin-yang doesn't appear in the Book of Changes but only in the most recent texts of the Wings
(commentaries on the Book assuming a Confucian trait). In the body of the book, yin and yang are replaced by "bright" and "dark" and "strong" and "weak", expressions which evoke a polarity on the phenomenal
level. In the above mentioned Wings we find a definition of the Tao itself including the yin-yang principle: "Tao is a yin and a yang".
- Bruce Lee and the Yin-Yang Principle
A brief discussion of the yin-yang functioning may be found at Bruce Lee, quoted by Cyrille Javary:
So long as we persist in separating Yin and Yang we could not hope to achieve them […] if someone wants to ride somewhere by bike, he
cannot push both pedals at the same time without remaining nailed. In order to advance he must simultaneously push one of the pedals and release the other one. The complete movement consists of push/release.
'Pushing' is the consequence of 'releasing' and each of them becomes in turn the other's cause.
Indeed, the yin-yang couple could be represented in the shape of complementary forces or tendencies which forge the very structure of the Universe. Yin and yang are
the ultimate resort which explains all the changes in the Universe (on human and nature levels).
In the famous diagram of the Great Ultimate (T'ai chi t'u) or merely Tao diagram, yin and yang are represented in the
shape of polar forces. In this respect, a small yin is included in the yang aspect, and a small yang in the yin aspect. This give place to reflection as we should see here a more
complex philosophical idea which comprises an inner secret harmony which is not always visible in the moving phenomena.
The terms yin and yang gain a very wide spread in the Western world. They are associated with Chinese medicine principles and with complementary features series from human life and natural phenomena.
Example of Yin-Yang comparison chart (click to enlarge). |
Learn more about yin-yang by following the online course designed to cover this topic. The course is provided by the Way of Perfect Emptiness. Click here to access the course page. |
