Yin and Yang Explained In today’s society, the yin and yang symbol is used in many different ways. From fashion to home decorations, the symbol’s popularity is growing. To many individuals, however, the yin and yang posse a much deeper, philosophical perspective on life itself. In basic terms, the yin and yang represent oppositely attracted, yet co-dependent forces, that are present in everything, thus creating perfect harmony. According to author, Robin R. Wang, “Yin and yang are considered to be cosmological forces and natural phenomena whose dynamics can be mapped and explained” (Wang 209). Yin and yang originate from ancient Chinese philosophy. The philosophy teaches that everything on earth possesses an opposite. It also teaches that
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It is described as “passive,” “dark,” “cold,” “wet,” “negative,” “contradicting,” and “feminine” (Young 121). Yin’s symbol is a dragon. Oppositely, yang is illustrated as a white force containing a black dot (yin). Unlike yin, yang is described as “active,” ”hard,” “warm,” “dry,” “positive,” “expansive,” “procreative,” and “masculine”. Its symbol is a tiger (Young 121). The philosophy teaches that these two forces are found in literally everything. For example, yin and yang can be seen in the form of day to night. In the morning, when the sun is rising, yang comes to life. The sunshine, or yang, fills the earth with light, heat, and life. However, once the sun sets, yin awakens. She fills the earth with darkness, coldness, and stillness. Another example of yin and yang can be seen through the human cycle of resting and awakening. Resting, which is necessary for every creature, is yin. The body is still and relaxed, and often times, in darkness. On the contrary, being awake and active represents yang. Since day needs night and wake needs sleep, neither can survive without the other. Likewise, is yin and yang. Both are equally vital in maintaining harmony and balance within the universe. From failure to success, heat to cool, male to female, youth to old age, and sky to ground, the yin and yang are present in every aspect of the Earth and life. Understanding the yin and yang starts with understanding balance
It is described as “passive,” “dark,” “cold,” “wet,” “negative,” “contradicting,” and “feminine” (Young 121). Yin’s symbol is a dragon. Oppositely, yang is illustrated as a white force containing a black dot (yin). Unlike yin, yang is described as “active,” ”hard,” “warm,” “dry,” “positive,” “expansive,” “procreative,” and “masculine”. Its symbol is a tiger (Young 121). The philosophy teaches that these two forces are found in literally everything. For example, yin and yang can be seen in the form of day to night. In the morning, when the sun is rising, yang comes to life. The sunshine, or yang, fills the earth with light, heat, and life. However, once the sun sets, yin awakens. She fills the earth with darkness, coldness, and stillness. Another example of yin and yang can be seen through the human cycle of resting and awakening. Resting, which is necessary for every creature, is yin. The body is still and relaxed, and often times, in darkness. On the contrary, being awake and active represents yang. Since day needs night and wake needs sleep, neither can survive without the other. Likewise, is yin and yang. Both are equally vital in maintaining harmony and balance within the universe. From failure to success, heat to cool, male to female, youth to old age, and sky to ground, the yin and yang are present in every aspect of the Earth and life. Understanding the yin and yang starts with understanding balance