CULTURAL ROOTS

Yīn/Yáng(阴阳)
INTRODUCTION
Simply put, Yīn/Yáng is just a way of looking at the world. It’s the observation that the world is always changing,
that everything is relative and that dynamic balance is the natural state of existence. It reminds us that happiness
can be all in our frame of reference.

Complementary Opposites: Based on qualitative aspects, everything can be classified into Yīn or Yáng. These are
opposite yet complementary aspects which together form a unified whole. Originally, Yīn referred to the shady
side of a mountain and Yáng the sunny side. One mountain, but two perspectives.

Typically, Yīn is associated with less energetic qualities and Yáng with more energetic qualities, such as:
Yīn: female dark night cold stillness passive lower negative
Yáng: male light day hot motion active upper positive

Interdependent & Relative: As the examples show, Yīn and Yáng are interdependent and relative. They cannot
exist independently, and together form a mutual whole. Without light, one cannot think about darkness.
Without stillness, the concept of motion cannot exist. Heads and tails are two sides of the same coin.

Not Absolute: Nothing is ever completely Yīn or completely Yáng. This is reflected in the Yīn/Yáng symbol, where
the smaller dot within the larger half symbolizes that one side contains the seed of the other. The darkest night
still has the potential for light, and the most masculine man may still have some feminine qualities.

Dynamic, Not Static: Yīn and Yáng can transform each other and/or transform into each other. Day becomes
night, and night becomes day again. In the Yīn/Yáng symbol, the black and white halves “chase” each other,
which visually emphasizes the constant, cyclical nature of change.

Balanced Whole: Balance between Yīn and Yáng is the natural state. Having the sun shine 24 hours a day would
be just as unpleasant as having never ending nights. However, the two elements do not have to be equal nor
unchanging (think summer day vs. winter day). This is the relationship of dynamic balance between all things.

YĪN / YÁ NG AND TÀ IJÍ

Taiji is the mother of Yīn and Yáng. The word Tàijíitself refers to the “great primal beginning” of all that exists,
and is often translated as the ‘Supreme Ultimate’. Comparable to the initial state of the universe at the exact
moment of the Big Bang, Taiji is the state of absolute and infinite potential. From this state, Yīn and Yáng were
generated. In other words, Taiji is the absolute (the circle), while Yīn/Yáng is the relative (the two halves). Thus
the Yīn/Yáng symbol is also referred to as the Tàijísymbol (Tàijítú, or 太极图).

Tàijí(太极) Yīn/Yáng (阴/阳)

Y Ī N / Y Á N G A N D T À I J ÍQ U Á N
Tàijíquán is the application of the Yīn/Yáng concept in a martial arts context. Particular attention is placed on the
existence and balance of dualistic forces with respect to physical motion and mental intention. Some
generalizations can help explain this concept:
 Hard / Soft: rarely do you meet force with force. Instead, Tàijíquán emphasizes ‘soft’ yielding techniques to
neutralize ‘hard’ force. However, if the opponent provides a soft opening, you then strike with ‘hard’ force
 Solid / Empty: describes whether one leg carries more or less weight, and how weight shifts between moves
 Expanding / Contracting: describes how movements must alternate between outward and inward motions
 Other examples include inhaling/exhaling, advancing/retreating, rising/sinking and activity/rest

In your own practice, see if you can notice these forces for yourself. With practice, this ability will become second
nature. By becoming aware of and following the natural laws of Yīn/Yáng in the body, you can develop more
fluid, efficient and powerful movements.

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