Yin Yang

Week 49 - the letter "Y"

The concept of Yin Yang is one that fits nicely into my spirituality.  Balance is incredible important to me in all aspects of my life and it is something that I actively work to achieve.  To many, the primary representation of Yin Yang (also known as "Yin and Yang" or "Yinyang") is a balance.  And while that is an aspect, it is not the only one.

There are four main aspects of Yin and Yang relationship:

1. Yin-Yang are opposites - They are either on the opposite ends of a cycle, like the seasons of the year, or, opposites on a continuum of energy or matter. This opposition is relative, and can only be spoken of in relationships. For example: Water is Yin relative to steam but Yang relative to ice. Yin and Yang are never static but in a constantly changing balance.
2. Interdependent: Can not exist without each other - The Tai Ji (Supreme Ultimate) diagram shows the relationship of Yin & Yang and illustrates interdependence on Yin & Yang. Nothing is totally Yin or totally Yang. Just as a state of total Yin is reached, Yang begins to grow. Yin contains seed of Yang and vise versa. They constantly transform into each other. For Example: no energy without matter, no day without night. The classics state: "Yin creates Yang and Yang activates Yin".
3. Mutual consumption of Yin and Yang - Relative levels of Yin Yang are continuously changing. Normally this is a harmonious change, but when Yin or Yang are out of balance they affect each other, and too much of one can eventually weaken (consume) the other.
4. Inter-transformation of Yin and Yang - One can change into the other, but it is not a random event, happening only when the time is right. For example: Spring only comes when winter is finished.

The complexity of Yin Yang is also incredibly simple.  And to me, that is beautiful.

General Qualities of Yin and Yang:

Yin = Darkness...Yang = Light
Yin = Moon...Yang = Sun
Yin = Feminine...Yang = Masculine
Yin = Shade...Yang = Brightness
Yin = Rest...Yang = Activity
Yin = West...Yang = East
Yin = Sunset...Yang = Sunrise
Yin = North...Yang = South
Yin = the heavens...Yang = the earth
Yin = Right...Yang = Left
Yin = Flat...Yang = Round
Yin = Matter...Yang = Energy
Yin = More material/dense...Yang = Non-material, rarefied

When you look at the symbol, you see how each section has a little bit of the other in itself.  You cannot have one without the other and they aren't truly opposites but do balance each other or are parts of a continuous cycles.  My goal is to lead a life as balanced as possible.

Yin and Yang is also used in Chinese Medicine.  The information is interesting but not something that excites me so visit this site to read more.

“If we never experience the chill of a dark winter, it is very unlikely that we will ever cherish the warmth of a bright summer’s day. Nothing stimulates our appetite for the simple joys of life more than the starvation caused by sadness or desperation. In order to complete our amazing life journey successfully, it is vital that we turn each and every dark tear into a pearl of wisdom, and find the blessing in every curse.” - Anthon St. Maarten, Divine Living: The Essential Guide To Your True Destiny