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The yin yang symbol is a fascinating one. The design indicates a sense of flow, and lacks any straight lines. The parallel between the light and dark seems to almost taunt one another, and neither side possesses anything not lacking in the other. Is there some great message contained in its image? Is Yin and Yang a statement of balance, or flow?
Some believe the yin-yang symbol originated in the teachings of
I-Ching, commonly known as "The Book of Changes". Others attribute its
origin to Daoist teachings. This symbol represents the sun or Yang
energies, and the moon or Yin energies. It is beleived that the
yinyang is the cohesion between all living things. It speaks of
cycles, flow, connectivity, and creation.
How do we bridge between the ancient teachings, and our understanding of the yinyang, and our modern world? Does this ancient concept apply to our lives in the present moment?
Much of our teachings these days are of an intellectual nature, leaving many of us either in a state of unconsciousness as to the very nature of our existance, or awakened and feverously working to bridge the gap between the mind and the spirit.
This planet is based on duality, or the yinyang. Rising sun transitions to sunset and darkness. The sun brings movement and activity known as yang, the night brings rest and stillness, yin. Neither yin or yang support life within themselves, within the freezing space of yin or the boiling space of yang. It is when the two meet and interactive that life is created.
Bringing this concept of connectivity and balance into our daily lives is simple. Take the concept of work: yang gives us the movement that is so prevelent in our masculine driven societies. Yin is often overlooked, but is quite necessary for success and happiness. Yin gives us the receiving end, the profit the follows hard work, even the concept or spark that began the entire project.
Yin and Yang teach us that there is a time and place for everything, and when the forces of yinyang are out of balance the energies of heat and cold will be released at inappropriate times, causing disharmony and even damage within the process. There is a time for conflict and break-throughs. There is a time for compliance with the natural order and flow. There is a time to speak, and a time for silence.
We cannot help but interact with the yinyang energies, for they surround us in every breath we take, inhaling and exhaling. We cross the bridge between yin and yang as thought travels from unconsciousness and conscious. Our world revolves with the influence of the yinyang in the sun and the moon, night and day, and the ever-changing seasons. Yinyang is both balance and flow, it is the very expression of life. To understand this concept gives us the pleasure of knowing, but to truly know one must live in harmony and flow.
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