The Yin and Yang theory is a representation of the ancient Chinese understanding of the original cosmogenesis and a philosophical concept. It is based on the opposition of two forces and consolidates everything that exists in the universe to this counteraction. According to this theory, absolutely any phenomenon or action can be assigned either to Yin, the passive element associated with darkness, negativity, water, and softness, or to Yang. This active element, in turn, represents associations with light, positivity, fire, and hardness. Another format of understanding implies Yin as feminine and Yang as masculine. This concept is very ancient and fundamental to Chinese philosophy, and its echoes can be seen in many modern interpretations and understandings of opposites.
Background and Origin
The exact date and authorship of the concept’s origin are not reliably known or confirmed at this time. It is generally accepted that it was introduced by a sage and philosopher of antiquity named Lao Tzu and first appeared in the book of changes I Ching, which is over three thousand years old (Tongjun, 2020). This book is a kind of collection of knowledge about the universe, observations, and conclusions, which was written by ancient representatives of the philosophical category of respected sages in China.
The original basis of the principle of opposition resonates in many ways with modern knowledge and understanding of opposites. Although it was originally based on physical thinking, as it evolved, it became mainly a metaphysical concept (Han & Guo, 2020). It is now commonly interpreted as the root cause of constant changeability according to the version of the ancient philosophers, included in most of the relevant dialectical schemes. The concept reveals two positions and emphasizes the constant dynamism of being while simultaneously complementing opposing sides.
Basic Characteristics of the Theory
It is necessary to highlight additionally the fact mentioned above that everything in the universe belongs to one of the two forces – to Yin or Yang. This fact is important because it emphasizes the theory of the universe’s desire for harmony, which can be achieved by balancing these complementary forces. Harmony, as the goal and basic principle of the well-being of humans, society, and the cosmos, is at the center of many divisions of Chinese philosophy (Tongjun, 2020). Constant transformation and movement emphasize the interaction of Yin and Yang and mark the cyclical dominance of one of the beginnings. When Yin dominates, Yang is in a state of potential and goes nowhere, partially flowing into Yin. This can be explained by the example of day and night: when Yin energy dominates at night, Yang is hidden and waits for a stage change in the cycle for its own temporary dominance.
Nevertheless, the imbalance of these two beginnings leads to disharmony, which disturbs the balance in the universe and gives more opportunities to one of the elements. According to the beliefs of ancient Chinese sages, such disharmony can lead to instability, chaos, or even physical illness of the human body, disruption of thought processes, and business (Chin et al., 2020). Therefore, the well-known Yin and Yang symbol represents the even distribution of black and white in a circle, symbolizing the optimal state of balance.
Significance in Chinese Philosophy
The concept in question has significantly influenced the philosophy and culture of China and many eastern countries, including Japan, Vietnam, Korea, and others. It could be used to explain many natural phenomena, the movement of celestial bodies, medicine, and religion. It was the basis for the basic concepts of feng shui, or the art of achieving harmony in one’s environment (Song et al., 2019). Moreover, many martial arts and medical practices may have been based on understanding the pursuit of balance.
In the general philosophical format that largely underpinned ancient China’s martial and scientific practices, the concept of Yin and Yang became one of the most important principles. It could be used to understand the principles of government and state administration, the nature of the interaction between society and each of its members, and in attempts to grasp the nature of reality. Moreover, given the philosophers’ preoccupation with personal and spiritual development, the principle was perfectly suited to defining their own goals and balancing the two beginnings in the minds of practitioners to achieve inner peace.
The Contemporary Interpretation and Application
Today, this theory is used among devotees of Eastern culture and in alternative medicine. Meditation techniques, acupuncture, and other techniques that help the body relax and find balance use this philosophical idea to a great extent (Tongjun, 2020). The martial arts can also use this idea to achieve calm and balance while practicing or performing. An example of this fact is the love of combining strength and softness or stability and flexibility in Eastern martial arts (Tongjun, 2020). Yoga and some Buddhist practices also include similar theories of seeking harmony as the greatest good.
Conclusion
The theory of Yin and Yang, about the balance and harmony of the two opposing elements that represent everything in the universe, is a fundamental concept of ancient Chinese culture and philosophy and is still used today. It explains the concept of complementary opposing forces and demonstrates the wisdom of ancient Chinese philosophers. Moreover, because of its age, there is an opportunity to better understand Eastern culture and religions in all their manifestations.
References
Chin, T., Shi, Y., Rowley, C., & Meng, J. (2020). Confucian business model canvas in the Asia Pacific: a Yin-Yang harmony cognition to value creation and innovation. Asia Pacific Business Review, 27(3), 342–358. Web.
Han, B., & Guo, M. (2020). Gothic writing technique and Yin-Yang theory in The Fall of the House of Usher. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 11(2), 288. Web.
Song, D., Kim, Y., & Song, S. (2019). A study on the direction of sustainable urban regeneration through Bibo Feng Shui. Asia-Pacific Journal of Convergent Research Interchange, 5(1), 47–56. Web.
Tongjun, W. (2020). The Dao of mathematical creativity, symmetry theories, and yin-yang philosophy with their classroom applications. Management Studies, 8(5). Web.