In ancient Chinese Taoism, polar cosmic principles. Yin is the feminine, passive, weak and often destructive side of reality. Yang is a masculine, strong and creative principle. Their origin is from the ineffable Tao.
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YANG and YIN
mutually related concepts of the ancient Chinese philosophical school of Taoism, as well as the Chinese symbol of the dual distribution of forces, including the active or male principle (Ya) and the passive or female principle (I.). It has the shape of a circle, divided in two by a line resembling a sigma; the two parts thus formed acquire a dynamic intention, which does not exist when the division is carried out by means of a diameter. (The light half represents the power of the I, and the dark half signifies the I; however, each of the halves includes a circle cut from the middle of the opposite half, thus symbolizing the fact that each of the modes must contain within itself the germ of its opposite.) It was assumed that nature and man are generated by Earth and Heaven. At the moment of the beginning of Genesis, transparent air, ether, in the Void is separated from Chaos, transformed and gives rise to Heaven; Heavy and turbid air, settling, forms the Earth. The connection and cohesion of the smallest particles of Heaven and Earth is carried out with the help of Ya and I, interacting and mutually overcoming each other forces, as well as the principles of Evil and Good, Cold and Heat, Darkness and Light. The interdependence and interdependence of Ya and I were described in the context of the growth of one in the other, passing through the stage of the limit of predominance of one, then of the other and back. The endless process of world movement, active existence is built in concentric circles around the conditional center of the universe, which is associated for a person with a feeling of harmony, confidence, and peace. I. (Earth) and Ya. (Sky) give rise to the four seasons and all things of the world (both inanimate objects and animate beings), acting as the substance of “vital energy” (“qi” - Chinese, “ki” - Japanese. ). The interaction of I. and Y. produces five main elements that can transform into each other: wood, earth, water, fire and metal. The endless sky, indicated by an endless line (circle); the earth, due to its limited space, described by the sign of a square together with a person, whose symbol is a triangle - the phenomena of the mystery of life going through a series of metamorphoses ("captured" by magical signs-symbols "gua") - in the center of their classical image in the form of a circular diagram and the “monad” of life is placed - the mutually complementary I. and I. They are the fundamental basis of all kinds of changes, the supporting structure of the “Great Limit” (“Tai Zi”) - an inescapable source. The self acts as the “inner” life, the advancing, creative masculine principle; AND. - as the outer world, receding, collapsing - the female hypostasis of the dual basis of being. The internal organs of a person and their aggregates (complexes) are divided into I. - and I. - “subsystems”. The internal organs are subject to the influence of states of consciousness and unconscious mental impulses; the health of the body is determined by the internal organs. Fear, anxiety, excitement (and other ego influences) can have a destructive effect on the brain organs. Mutual transformation, complementarity, mutual enrichment, mutual absorption, mutual creation of everything and everyone - I. and I. - everything that can be understood and comprehended by a person, and that which lies beyond his understanding - is the basic law of Tao. The theory of I. and Y. originated in the middle of the 1st millennium BC. In the tradition of modern sexual-erotic urban folklore of the European type, the symbol of I. and Y. acquires a meaning that significantly complements the standard behavioral models. Not only is the inextricable unity, mutual responsibility and the need for harmony of loving people postulated, but the high value of the readiness of loving individuals for self-transformations (not necessarily conscious and rationally motivated) is proclaimed in order to achieve compliance with the spontaneous mental and physical metamorphoses of their loved one initiated by the external environment, as well as in a truly human way the meaning and sound of the phenomenon of presence in “I. - Ya.” - unions of each other’s acquired and internalized spiritual traits.
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Incomplete definition ↓
Yin Yang - masculine and feminine... Nowadays it’s even a shame not to know that all the things around us, and even we ourselves carry the masculine and feminine principles of yin and yang. Our entire boundless Universe consists of these two strong energies, which simply cannot exist without each other; they must always interact.
Let's say the space that is inside the cup is yin, but it cannot exist without the cup itself, which means the cup is yang. Black coffee poured into this cup is calm Yin energy, but the heat that the coffee gives off is active Yang energy.
Esotericists, lovers of the Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui and psychologists speak about the merging of these principles, about their mutual transfusion and flow into each other, about the importance of taking this fact into account in solving life and internal problems.
Moreover, anyone who is well versed in the meaning of this symbol knows that it is not just the masculine and feminine principles, the yin yang philosophy is much broader and deeper. This ancient Chinese philosophical concept is used in many areas of our lives, from medicine to music.
As the yin yang philosophy teaches, the ultimate task for a person who wants to comprehend and understand the mysteries of the world around him and himself is to learn to control and correctly use the yin yang energies in order to come to true harmony with himself and the Universe.
Yin is the feminine principle, it is the lunar, dark side, it is intuition, gentleness, wisdom. Every person needs yin in a certain concentration in order to develop creative abilities, show emotions, sense and sense the slightest changes within themselves and around them.Yin is our inner self, which we often do not listen to or take care of, which leads to disharmony. Passive feminine energy symbolizes chaos, the one that existed before the appearance of all material things.
Yin, in search of harmony, strives for the opposite of yang. Therefore, a woman is advised to enhance her femininity, softness, and natural essence. Then the man will be attracted to her like a magnet. Experts who deeply study this issue are skeptical about such a statement, which contradicts the law of Tao.
Yin is always peace as opposed to yang activity. Therefore, a true woman carries peace within herself. When female peace collides with male activity, merging, these two energies align and come to balance. This explains the harmony in some couples that seem ideal to us, but the relationship between them is incomprehensible.
No one can teach a woman to be feminine, everything is already inside her, you need to be able to feel the yin in yourself. As soon as a woman begins to awaken the feminine principles in herself, it means that she will begin to act, and this is a matter of yang energy. As a result, there is no harmony again.
Yang masculine
Hot, assertive, active yang energy translates yin “ideas” into real life. Logic, intelligence, common sense, life direction - all this is inherent in masculine energy.
Yang is the bright side, it is clarity, clarity, dominance. If yin is the moon, then yang is the sun. Frozen and calm yin energy provokes strong yang energy into action and external manifestations.It is important that in all their manifestations, yin and yang do not contradict each other, but rather complement each other.
History of the Yin Yang Symbol
The Chinese saw the Buddhist yin-yang symbol and transferred it to their philosophy. And this event happened in the first-third centuries AD. The black and white image of yin and yang originally imitated a mountain. On one side the mountain is illuminated by the sun, and the other side of the hill is in the shadow, that is, darkened. As you know, the sun changes its position, and that part of the mountain that was dark becomes light under the influence of the sun and vice versa. Thus, literally everything in life goes through its cycle.
The symbol was understood as a confrontation between good and bad, good and evil, harmful and useful. However, experts who understand Taoism say that the symbol must be understood through the prism of opposites in nature. This has nothing to do with morality and ethics.
Symbol meaning and philosophical concept
The yin yang symbol is a circle divided into two equal halves, similar to droplets or fish. One side of an even circle is black and the other white, but in each drop there is a dot: inside the dark half there is a white dot, and on the light half there is a black dot.
The circle itself is our Universe, and it is infinite. Inside this Universe, two energies live, interact and complement each other - yin and yang, masculine and feminine. They are different, but are able to penetrate each other - this is indicated by the dots inside each half. The fact that there is no clear boundary between these halves is indicated by the wavy line that separates them.
If you look at this symbol, you will get the impression that the image inside the circle-Universe is moving, the halves smoothly flow into one another, the energies merge and separate again, and so on endlessly. Thanks to such metamorphoses, the Universe exists.The theory of Taoist philosophy, described in the “Book of Changes,” is that everything in the Universe moves, changes, penetrates each other, one does not exist without the other, despite the opposite. The communication of these two energies gives birth to the elements. There are only five of them: wood, earth, fire, water, metal, from which matter appears.
The forces of yin and yang in everyday life
Wherever we look, we will see the presence, manifestation, interaction of yin and yang. This applies to natural and everyday manifestations, as well as the internal state of a person, his spiritual fullness.
Yin is silence, darkness, cold, death, passivity. Yang is lightness, action, life. But literally everything has both yin and yang. Another thing is that one energy can be expressed more strongly than another, and a person’s task is to balance these elements.
That is, if you imagine that you put yin on one side of the scale and yang on the other, it is important that there is no overweight, the scales must be in balance, in this case we find harmony. The harmonious manifestation of yin and yang should be in our inner essence, in our apartment, in what we do and even in what we eat.
As psychologists who are inclined to perceive reality based on the Taoist movement say, people in whom Yang predominates, quite aggressive, assertive, trying to take a lot from life, these are bright, energetic natures.
If there is more YIN in a person, then he is usually lazy, often sad and bored, and often depressed. These people are very calm, creative, and have well-developed intuition.
If both energies are brought into balance, then the standard of living will become much better. It is important to understand yourself here. A person who understands what yin and yang are begins to look at the surrounding reality differently, he becomes very observant and sees how one can affect the other.
Some people tend to consider the manifestation of yin and yang only in the relationship between a man and a woman. This is not entirely correct, but if we look at this issue from different angles, this is how yang and yin manifest themselves in love: these energies must complement each other and balance.
For example, if a woman is too bright, noisy, proactive, talks a lot, laughs loudly, behaves demonstratively, then there is a lot of yang in her. If she is not able to find balance within herself, then in order for a woman to have a harmonious relationship with a man, the chosen one must carry a lot of yin within himself, that is, be calm and cold. If, with such a woman, a man strives to dominate, command, and show yang energy, he will receive from her chosen one yin - isolation and depression.
During childbirth, a woman spends a lot of energy, giving birth to a new life. Yang energy is mainly involved in this process. After childbirth, a lot of yin remains inside the mother, which helps the woman take care of the baby and show kindness.
If you go on a diet and eat, for example, only vegetables or proteins, then by default you will upset the balance of the Universe, which means you will not achieve results or will achieve them for a very long time and in a stubborn struggle with yourself.
Yin Yang Talismans
If a person decides to wear a talisman or amulet in the form of a black and white circle, then he must well understand the meaning of yin and yang. Without this understanding, the talisman will not work, and it must help its owner maintain and balance these two energies within himself in order to be in harmony with himself and the world around him. That is, a person must tune in to his thing in a certain way in order for a connection to be established between them.
Magicians and esotericists advise holding your talisman under water before releasing it into your biofield. The energy of the Yin Yang talisman should be only yours, otherwise the symbol will not work for you.
They say that you need to talk to your talisman and share everything that worries you. So you activate your amulet, your Yin Yang sign
Meaning of Yin Yang Tattoo
A tattoo in the form of this mysterious symbol can be applied by both men and women. The desire to have this sign on the body indicates that a person is in search of harmony, strives to fill the space around him with meaning. They say that for people who constantly doubt and cannot come to terms with themselves, such an icon on the body will help them understand their life and change it for the better.
The girls are sure that when they leave the tattoo parlor with an Inyang image, they will immediately find a life partner. Experts advise hiding such an emblem-tattoo from the eyes of strangers. Therefore, it is better to apply the image on the stomach, chest, spine, although this is everyone’s business. The main thing is that the tattoo parlor is legal and has good artists, otherwise, instead of harmony, you can get diseases.
If we consider that Tao is a path, then the essence of Taoist teaching is the search and finding of one’s life purpose. This means that by finding it and following it, a person finds that same harmony, that very balance of yin and yang energies. Living other people's lives, in pursuit of fame and money, we behave destructively, incorrectly, which means there can be no talk of any harmony. According to the sages, a person should live simply, and confusion takes away the Tao. Listen to yourself, and then you will understand where your Yang begins and your Yin ends.
Each of us has seen symbol of the Taoist monad, but not everyone thought about the meaning of the black and white dots located in the center of the black and white areas. Ancient Chinese mythology says that Yin - Yang is a symbol of the creative integrity of diametricalities in the Universe. It is depicted in the form of a circle, which symbolizes the image of infinity. This circle is divided into two halves by a wavy line. One part is black, the other is white.
Inside the circle are symmetrically located two points: white on a black background and vice versa, black on white. These points tell the story that the two great forces of the universe carry within them the birth of opposition. Black and white fields means Yin and Yang, they are also symmetrical, but their symmetry is not static. Thanks to this symmetry, a continuous cycle occurs, and when one of the principles has reached its apogee, it is ready to retreat: “Yang, reaching the peak of its development, retreats before Yin. Yin, reaching its peak of development, retreats before Yang.”
Yin and Yang- these are two opposite and interchangeable principles that permeate the entire Chinese culture. The ancient Chinese believed that all manifestations of Tao were generated through the interaction of two diverse forces.
The division of Heaven and Earth was preceded by the primordial integrity of the world. Chaos was called the beginning of everything that exists. For the creation of the world, chaos had to disintegrate. It dissociated into 2 main elements: Yin and Yang.
Originally, Yin and Yang meant the dark and light sides of the mountain. From one point of view, they represented only different slopes of the mountain; from another, they were no different from each other. Their qualitative difference can be determined by a certain force, the sun, which illuminates both slopes in turn.
Yin and Yang correspond to the elements such as fire and water. The cycle of these elements includes 2 stages, which are symbolized with the elements of metal and wood. Thus, a transformation circle of Yin and Yang is formed, which has its own center. Emblem center of the circle- This is the element of Earth. Thus, a fivefold structure unfolds, combining Yin and Yang with the triad of creation, and therefore is a symbol of the universe.
| Pure yang substance is transformed into the sky; the muddy substance of yin is transformed into the earth... The sun is the substance of yang, and the Moon is the substance of yin... The substance of yin is peace, and the substance of yang is mobility. The yang substance gives birth, and the yin substance cultivates... | |||
| "Nei-ching" |
In ancient Chinese mythology and natural philosophy, yin-yang (“tai chi”, Great Limit) is a symbol of the creative unity of opposites in the Universe. It was depicted as a circle, an image of infinity, divided by a wavy line into two halves - dark and light. Two points symmetrically located inside the circle - light on a dark background and dark on a light one - indicated that each of the two great forces of the Universe carries within itself the germ of the opposite principle. The dark and light fields, representing yin and yang respectively, are symmetrical, but this symmetry is not static. It involves constant movement in a circle - when one of the two principles reaches its peak, it is ready to retreat: “Yang, having reached the peak of its development, retreats in the face of yin. Yin, having reached the peak of its development, retreats in the face of yang.”
“The concept of yin and yang - two opposing and complementary principles - permeates everything in the Chinese cultural tradition, from the system of government and relations between people to the rules of nutrition and self-regulation. It also extends to a very complex pattern of relationships between man and the spiritual world... The concept of yin and yang most accurately conveys the Chinese perception of both the outside world and the world within themselves.” (A. Maslov)
According to the ideas of the ancient Chinese, all manifestations of Tao are generated by the dynamic alternation and interaction of these opposing forces. The separation of Heaven and Earth was preceded by a state of pristine integrity of the world. This source of all things was called Chaos (“hundong”) or the Boundless (“wu ji”). For the creation of the world to begin, chaos had to differentiate. First of all, it broke down into two main elements - yang and yin. The interaction of these elements led to the formation of objects of visible nature.
“Initially, yin and yang meant the shadow and sun slopes of the mountain, respectively (this understanding can be found, in particular, in the I Ching) - and this symbolism perfectly reflected the essence of these two principles. On the one hand, they represent only different slopes of the same mountain, not reducible to each other, but also not different from each other; on the other hand, their qualitative difference is determined not by the internal nature of the slope itself, but by some third force - the sun, which alternately illuminates both slopes.” (A. Maslov)
Since the Zhou era, the Chinese began to view the sky as the embodiment of yang, and the earth as yin. “The Qi of Heaven and Earth, when collected, forms unity, and when divided, forms yin and yang,” said the traditional formula. The Sun and Moon, "Tai Yang" and "Tai Yin", Great Yang and Great Yin, form a pair of opposites that give rise to the forms of Heaven.
Already in ancient times, yang and yin gave birth to a whole series of cosmological symbols. The power of yang was correlated with the sky, the sun, warmth, light, spirit, life, the active and masculine principle, the left side, and odd numbers. Yang symbolizes everything light, dry and high: the mountain, the sky, solar animals and birds. Yin is the primordial waters, passive, feminine, moon, soul, depth, negative, soft and compliant, north, darkness, death, even numbers. In the realm of human thinking, yin is the intuitive female mind, yang is the clear rational mind of the male. Yin is the stillness of a sage immersed in contemplation, yang is the creative activity of a ruler. The contrast of yin and yang is not only the organizing principle of all Chinese culture, but is also reflected in the two main philosophical schools of China. Confucianism gives preference to everything rational, masculine, active. Taoism, on the contrary, prefers the intuitive, feminine, mystical.
Extreme yang and extreme yin correspond to the elements of Fire and Water. The cycle of their mutual transformations includes two intermediate stages, symbolized by the elements of Metal and Wood. A circle of yin and yang transformations is formed, which, like any circle, has its own center. The emblem of the center is the element of Earth. Thus, the Great Limit unfolds into a fivefold structure, which combines the binary yin-yang and the triad of creation, and therefore is a capacious symbol of the universe.
One of the most important concepts of the traditional Chinese worldview is san cai - “three matters”, “three gifts”, “three riches”: Heaven, Earth and Man connecting them. In the cycle of its development, Chaos gives rise to two principles of the universe - Heaven and Earth, and receives completion in Man. The Tao Te Ching says: “One gives birth to two; two gives birth to three; three gives birth to all the darkness of things.” Man, according to Chinese concepts, stands at the center of the universe, closes in on him, and maintains the world flow of being. “From the comprehensive nature of the Tao, which contains both the macrocosm and the microcosm, in the “Canon of Changes” follows the idea of a person as the center of events: a person who is aware of his responsibility can be on an equal footing with the forces of the cosmos - Heaven and Earth... In that To the extent that an individual, aware of his responsibility, is given the opportunity to influence the course of things, variability ceases to be an insidious, unrecognizable trap, becoming an organic world order that is in harmony with human nature. Therefore, man is assigned a far from insignificant role.” (Helmut Wilhelm, “Changes”)
Thus, everything that exists is nothing more than a transformation of a single stream of being, a projection of the Great Path, ultimately a “transformed one.” Both principles - yin and yang - are included in the circle of universal cyclical circulation and change.
Tattoo on shoulder blade
Yin and yang are a famous ancient sign of Chinese culture. Its popularity throughout the world has found its place among tattoos. This is a universal design that can be painted by both a young man and a girl.
Placement of different parts of the body. The tattoo can be done on the neck, on the ankle - in any chosen place it will look impressive.
History and symbolism of the yin yang sign
Initially, these two symbols were considered as a designation of light illuminated by the sun. The luminary moved in an endless cycle, the mountain alternately falling under the sun's rays or into the shadow.
The cycles replaced each other, which meant a constant cycle of life in nature. The two opposites are inseparable. Being one whole, the parts fight with each other, winning and losing alternately, either to the light or to the dark side.
These symbols laid the foundation for two opposing eastern cultures - Confucianism and Taoism. Taoists believed that the world was ruled by yin - the feminine principle, adherents of the second religion argued that yang decides the fate of a person.
Shoulder tattoo with added dragon
Yin was interpreted not only as a female symbol. This is the dark side of life, which is characterized by paranormal phenomena. The symbol is attributed to:
- deceit
- secrecy
- intrigue.
Yin philosophy is responsible for even numbers. Yang was associated with masculinity, logic, and practicality. It is characterized by:
- activity
- life
- bravery.
Rational properties and parity of numbers are attributed.
Yin is the moon, yang is the sun. There are still no clear definitions of yin and yang. These two opposites can be interpreted differently depending on what religion or culture a person adheres to.
Yin yang tattoo meaning
The meaning of the yin yang tattoo fully reflects the symbolism that experts of Japanese culture put into the mandola. But those who stuff it bring their own meaning depending on their goals, the meaning of life.
A tattoo can mean the following:
- - a person adheres to one of the religions of the East;
- — harmony is the main thing that prevails in the life of the tattooed person;
- - the desire to see positive and bright moments among the negative dark sides of life;
- — a person strives to find peace of mind, to achieve internal balance in life;
- - acquire certain character traits - strength, activity, self-confidence.
Tattoos are characterized by two primary colors, black yin and white yang. But there may be color images of tattoos. Especially if the symbols are in the form of animals:
- tiger and dragon,
- two fish,
- wolves, owls
Shoulder tattoo with added tiger and dragon
When attributing yang properties to the sun, yin properties to the moon, you need to remember that just as you can see the moon during the day, a yin-yang tattoo is ambiguous.
In yin there is a light point of yang and vice versa. This is a sign that there is no good without evil, and there is no light side without the dark; they exist together, complementing each other.
The meaning of tattoos for men and girls
The tattoo is universal, suitable for both women and men. The meaning with which representatives of both sexes get this tattoo is similar.
Rethinking the past, they draw a tattoo to achieve internal balance. Guys get tattoos to achieve peace. Their tattoos often mean the struggle of opposites in the soul and the desire to find peace in life.
Forearm tattoo
Girls are characterized by stylized sketches in color. The feminine principle requires airiness, which can be reflected in the openwork tattoos of the symbol. Men prefer monochrome.
Location of the sketch on the body
When choosing a place to apply a tattoo, focus on the size and design. Not all monochrome tattoos look good in volume.
When choosing a large design, make it in color. This sketch will suit guys if you place it on the chest, side, upper back, shoulder.
Tattoo on shoulder blade
Classic symbol tattoos are more suitable for girls. Small yin yang patterns can be printed on the neck, wrists, and ankles. It would be interesting to look at a tattoo on a woman’s lower back, lower back or tailbone.
Young people should not experiment with these places. A tattoo on the shoulder or forearm is suitable for both girls and boys.
And it will look better on men’s legs. On the arm, especially on the inner side, compositional tattoos look impressive - color images of the sun - moon, fire - water.
Fans of Eastern cultures can choose the location of the tattoo, focusing on the person’s chakras.
Options for combining yin yang tattoos with other symbols
Tattoos are found in various styles and techniques:
- - in realism (a pair of wolves, two dogs fighting each other), such tattoos or birds are often filled in color;
- — monochrome, classic black and white tiger tattoos;
- — finishing work or graphics, drawing dots or lines from which a pattern with open edges is formed;
- — animal sketches (cats, wolves, dolphins);
- - watercolor, suitable for large bright drawings (tattoos in the form of dragons with their rich colors) or small sketches for girls (symbol of the opposite in lotus flowers)
Classic Yin and tiger as a symbol of perseverance and courage.
A color or black and white image of two owls means two people who are close in spirit, the symbol in the center speaks of harmony between them. Koi carps looking up and down are a symbol of the cyclical nature of life and the balance of feminine and masculine energies.
Tattoo on the shoulder blade with the addition of Koi carp
A widespread image is the form, intertwined with roots or from different seasons. Such tattoos speak of the wearer’s philosophical mood, understanding of the inevitability of life and death. Sketches with Indian or Chinese motifs are popular.
Original elements for tattoos, compatibility. Tattoos where the symbol of two principles can only be guessed look unusual. The wearer of the tattoo creates a kind of intrigue.
Images of life and death in the form of two angels or skulls look impressive. Such sketches are performed in monochrome.
In classic tattoos, the central points can be replaced with stylized images of the moon and sun, air and earth. The symbol can be hidden in a tattoo, for example, a dragon or a toad holding a coin in its mouth.
