YinYang

*YIN/*YANG - also see TAO, UNITY in DUALISM (or DIVERSITY), COMPLETE, BOTH, PERFECTION accepting IMPERFECTION?, HOLY accepting SIN?, STRENGTH in WEAKNESS,

Describes how seemingly opposing forces are bound together, intertwined, and interdependent in the natural world, giving rise to each other in turn. The concept of "unity in duality". The circle itself represents a whole, while the black and white areas within it represent interacting parts or manifestations of the whole. The white area represents yang elements, and is generally depicted as rising on the left, while the dark (yin) area is shown descending on the right. The image is designed to give the appearance of movement. Each area also contains a small circle of the opposite color at its fullest point (near the zenith and nadir of the figure) to indicate how each will transform into the other. (Wikipedia)

All existence is created by the dynamic opposition, opposing focres, of yin and yang. "All life embodies yin, and embraces yang, through their union, achieving harmony." (Tao 42) Recognizing this principle keeps us from falling into the false dilemma that narrows our choices to either/or: right or wrong, us or them, win or lose, all or nothing. We perceive reality as two opposite points on a line. Whenever you face a false dilemma, look beyond it. There are always more than two alternatives. Open to new possibilities, avoiding pride and rigidity, adjusting to life's changes and harmonizing in your own patterns of growth. (Tao Peace, p7-9)

Polarities of day and night, heat and cold, male and female, action and repose. In the wisdom of Tao, one extreme complements the other. The dynamic balance of these forces brings harmony. Existence emerges from the synthesis of these forces. As yin simultanteously contrasts with and embraces yang, their interaction produces a new creation. ONE CONCEPT (THESIS) INEVITABLY GENERATES ITS OPPOSITE (ANTITHESIS) AND THEIR INTERACTION PRODUCES A NEW CONCEPT (SYNTHESIS). (Tao Peace, p99-101)