The concepts of yang and yin, in Chinese philosophy, is used often to describe how polarized objects are able to support themselves in the world. The concept has roots deep in the ancient philosophies and science of China. It is even the foundation of Chinese traditional medicine. Yin yang is a major element in practical exercises and martial arts as well. The symbol is used in the western world to convey the incorrect idea of dark versus light or evil versus good.
Followers of this philosophy believe that everything has both a yin and yang aspect. Every action has a reaction and neither one of them has to be considered particularly bad or evil. Instead, it is more about balance and dependence. In fact, it was the western world that started the notion of attributing the idea with good and evil.
Yin and yang’s official symbol traditionally is a circle that consists of two equal white and black parts. A smaller opposite colored circle is inside each of the divided portions. While there are other variations of the symbol, this one is usually the most recognized.
Often times, the contrasting elements of the Chinese yin and yang are described as sunlight shining over a large mountain and a valley. As the sunlight gradually moves from one side of the sky to the other, yin and yang are thought to change places with one another.
Yin, the white, is usually described as soft, polite, and peaceful. Yin is usually associated with the full moon, womanhood, and darkness. It has to be stated, however, that in ancient Asian philosophy, yin isn’t meant to be labeled as more good or better than yang. Because of common errors and wrong translations, people in the western world have wrongly applied these attributions.
Yang, on the alternate side is called more intensely focused, warm, solid, and persistent. This aspect of the symbol is grouped together with fire, the sun, manhood, and light. Every characteristic and attribution of the items can not totally exist in the world without its counterpart. Once again, it shouldn’t ever solely be deemed just evil or bad.
Several different types of martial arts have adopted the yin and the yang as their fundamental principles. The nature of it, in them, is mostly applied to defending and promoting the human body. The archetypal symbol of yin yang is used in the design or logo of the art as well.
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