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The Polarity and Interconnectedness of Yin and Yang


Image: Taiji symbol

The principle of polarity is extremely important as one tries to know the world or oneself. Polarity has much to do with cyclic view of time and history, rhythm and movement of energy.

The two poles of cosmic energy are Yin and Yang. They are associated with dark and light, earth and heaven, feminine and masculine etc. (the polarity and movement in Taiji symbol, see above). It is not easy to understand that Yin and Yang are not dualistic opposites of each other, but rather mutually necessary aspects of the one and same system.

Neither Yin nor Yang can win in the end although sometimes it seems that they are competing with each other. Yin and Yang are interdependent and interconnected.

When everyone knows beauty as beautiful
there is already ugliness;
when everyone knows good as goodness,
there is already evil.
(Tao Te Ching)

It is hard to see that "in the end" both good and evil still exist. Usually we think that good will take over and all kinds of progress is possible by constantly gaining in good. But have we thought this over thoroughly enough?

Fuzzy thinking helps in seeing degrees and shifts in characteristics of things. For example, there is not such a thing as an absolute truth, yet you can strive to find out what is most likely the truth about some matter - you get closer and closer but something still remains unexplained, or more important questions arise on your way.

How about yourself and nature in the light of the principle of polarity? Aren't they one and the same process; yourself in the nature, more or less, and nature in yourself, to some degree? One of the basic lessons learned in Taiji is this: the human being is part of nature and should act accordingly. By practicing Taiji you learn about the cosmic energy (qi). You are in the movements of energy. And to some degree you can master and direct the flows of energy in order to achieve balance.

One can think of, or visualize sun, heaven, clouds, fire, male or dragon to strengthen the bright Yang. And visualizing moon, earth, rain, water, female or tiger makes the dark Yin stronger. Both of them are needed - this is the polar explanation of relationships and interconnectedness of all that exists.


Sami Määttä

inspired by:
Tao Te Ching
Alan Watts: Tao, the Watercourse Way
Rein Siim, teacher of old Yang style Taiji

9th of January 2000