The Yin-Yang Principle
Graphs
of words
yin and yang |
Yin-yang is one of the basic concepts of the Chinese philosophy. 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. But in the commentaries we find a definition of the Tao itself including yin and yang (Tao is the most important concept of the philosophical
Taoism): "Tao is a yin and a yang".
- Bruce Lee and the yin-yang principle
Cyrille Javary, on his interpretation upon the yin-yang principle, quotes Bruce Lee's analysis:
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 material 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.
- More on yin and yang:
The TheYin-Yang Philosophy - a 28-day email course by The Way of Perfect Emptiness.
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