preview

The Principles of the Yin and Yang Essay

Decent Essays

The Principles of the Yin and Yang

The principle of the yin and yang is embedded in all facets of my life. But its operations have taken the subtlest of forms, unfolding through a kind of shy conspiracy, an inner dynamism in the nature of things. Such qualities are inherent in the way Chinese traditions view things, as the web that has no weaver, an intricate and interlaced patterns of relationships of all that there is without a known creator and creation day. It is far different from a historical timeline or a linear logic. It surmises that everything is related to everything else and lays heavy emphasis on what is now that must be appreciated and contemplated upon rather than dwelling on the …show more content…

When we are conscious, we are awake and aware of internal and external stimuli, thus we are actively adapting to the circumstances. While asleep, we are still, at ease and relaxed. The Repair Theory of Sleep has very yin underpinnings, holding that sleep restores, replenishes and rebuild our brains and bodies that are somehow worn-out by day’s working activities.

As I step into the world outside my room, I see a bigger picture with more yin and yang relationships. The social structure is made up of opposing links and overlying relationships. In our patriarchal society, men (yang) are expected to be the more dominant and influential in decision making vis-à-vis women (yin) who are expected to be submissive and docile. Social constructs such as genders have attached yang characteristics to men and yin characteristics to women creating a gender tension between. Understandably, in ancient China women are expected to be hidden in their homes, passive and contracting to give way for a man’s active and expansive rule as culturally dictated upon them. But in reality, men (yang) and women (yin) carries a certain degree of femininity (yin) and masculinity (yang) respectively. A woman can be assertive and overpowering and a man can be nurturing and gentle depending on the situation. In

Get Access