The yin/yang symbol is one of the oldest and best known symbols in the world, but few understand its meaning. Although it has been widely used in fashion and the media it is actually an ancient Chinese symbol that expreses a profound philosophy. It represents the two poles of existence which are opposite but complementary, and which exist in everything. Yin represents everything that is feminine, dark, withdrawn, receptive and passive and things moving down and in. Yang represents the masculine, bright, forceful and expansive, and movement out and up.

According to the philosophy, everything contains both yin and yang - this is why we see a spot of white in the black segment of the yin/yang symbol and vice versa. In fact, as something reaches an extreme it always becomes its opposite. This is illustrated in nature in many ways, but applies to all things: a storm is preceded and followed by a great stillness; cold replaces hot replaces cold in the constant cycle of the seasons; an organisation that is too strict will cause a rebellion when the rules become too tight; a balloon will burst if overinflated.

These examples seem trivial, but a person who can spot yin and yang operating in the world can predict the outcome of events. So the ancient Chinese Taoists accepted that things change and evolve constantly, moving first one way and then the other. Modern day Taoists still try to use this principle, and among other things it can help to reduce stress by not feeling upset or worried when obstacles or hard times come - knowing that things will improve.

The key is in balance. Neither extreme Yin or extreme Yang are generally very good. In every aspect of life, being between the extremes normally makes for a smoother and less stressful ride. For instance, someone who is highly motivated and always working and rushing is too Yang and will soon burn themselves out. Then again a couch potato who never leaves the TV and doesn't have any goals or ambitions is too Yin and may also suffer bad health and depression. A middle way between these 2 extremes is easier and healthier.

Yin and Yang are used in many Chinese arts and disciplines - In traditional martial arts and T'ai Chi the moves are constantly expanding then contracting, and practitioners are taught not to put themselves in extreme positions to avoid being caught off balance. In Chinese medicine diseases and cures are categorised as either yin and yang, and even Chinese cooking considers these 2 properties of different foods and tries to balance yin and yang within a dish!

So for the ancient Chinese, and those all over the world that follow a Taoist discipline today, Yin and Yang are not abstract ideas, they are a part of everything in the world, and everything they do. By understanding, observing and predicting yin and yang influences the Taoist can bring better balance into their life. In these stressful times these ancient ideas are just as relevant as they were thousands of years ago, if not more so!

Neil Kingham
http://www.taoistarts.net