One of the most influential symbols we often see in the Chinese context of movies, region, and philosophy, this Yin-Yang represents the balance between complementary energies that form our life. But yin yang has a deeper meaning than being a symbol of energy. This article brings some facts and enlightenment about yin & yang forces that are present in our daily life.
Origin of the Yin-Yang
The concept of Yin and Yang originated around the 4th century B.C in the Chinese region and from the ancient philosophy of Taoism. This philosophy was centered around the achievement of ‘the Way’ and finding harmony and balance within. At the heart of Taoism lies the symbol yin and yang.
To understand the concept of yin and yang we must know that they are separate and complementary parts. The yin represents the dark side and is shown in black color. It is associated with everything hard, negative, cold, wet, and feminine.
The yang represents the light side and is shown in white is associated with softness, positive, warmth, dryness, and masculinity.
In Chinese mythology, yin and yang were born from chaos when the universe was first created and they are believed to exist in harmony at the center of the Earth. During the creation, their achievement of balance in the cosmic egg allowed for the birth of Pangu (or P’an Ku), the first human.
In addition, the first gods Fuxi, Nuwa, and Shennong were born from yin and yang. In Chinese religion, the Taoists favor yin while Confucianism's favors yang in keeping with the prime focus of their respective philosophies. The Taoists emphasize reclusion whilst Confucianists believe in the importance of engagement in life.
Background
Everything in this universe consists of complementary forces that balance the fundamental existence in the first place. Yin and yang, although being opposite or complementary forces are not exactly opposite. In fact, in Taoism, each side consists of a little bit of the other in it. That’s why we see little white in black or little black in white.
Yin Yang indicates that each side has little of another side. That creates the wave crescent shape indicating yang rising over yin or yin rising over yang.
Yin Yang in Everyday life
Yin and Yang exist in everything and most of the time it occurs in a combination of both in one other. For example, an eggshell is yang, but the egg inside is yin. sunlight is yang whereas shadow is yin. Fruit ripening on the tree is yang but once plucked it becomes yin.
This explains that one turns into another and the best things of life lie at the confluence of the two. The concept of yin and yang is at the heart of Chinese culture. In the food we eat, Yin foods are salty, bitter whereas yang represents warm, sweet, and pungent.
In our daily life, our happy moments represent yang whereas sad moments represent yin. The balance between both the spirits brings you inner peace and ultimate enlightenment towards the highest being with the universe.
This philosophy is used significantly in Ancient Chinese Medicines to Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) to martial art. It is reportedly used in Feng Shui or the art of arrangement or orientation of buildings or objects according to the flow of their energy.
Yin Yang in Places
Our routine activities carry yin and yang energy as well as the spaces in our home and objects that we use in our daily life. Yin spaces include places of calm such as bedrooms and meditation areas whereas yang spaces are an active part of our home filled with engaging energies such as the Kitchen, Living Room, exercise rooms.
Yin spaces work best when we want to sleep or rest. Yin spaces are dark or have less illumination such as your bedroom when you sleep at night. Yin spaces contain calm energy into the space that provides soothing and peaceful moments.
Yang spaces act best when we do exercise or active tasks that require some amount of physical work. Yang spaces have adequate illumination. Yang spaces bring good energy into the space with the proper amount of cheerfulness.
Another thing Feng Shui looks at from the yin and yang perspective is about visible and invisible forces that are within the location. Yin energy is invisible energy that is not seen but felt. Keeping things clean and your home organized keeps yin energy. Yang is the visible force that is done physically. Things that are adjusted or changing the position of any furniture piece or objects are counted into yang.
The Bottom Line
Every life is an energy sphere, with every object and this universe carrying energy. Yin and yang are two components of energies that balance each other and harmonize the forces of the universe that sustains the life force.
From Tao philosophy and ancient Chinese texts, the principle of yin and yang applies to every part of our lives, and to have an accomplished life it is important to work and balance our yin and yang.
Everyone has different personalities, in which introverts are yin and extroverts are yang. To balance both sides yin and yang should work together to achieve the ultimate balance of a happy life.
Written by: Prajwal Barate
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