The Properties of Yin & Yang
The Yang principle is the archetype of all unitary attributes. Yin is the archetype of multiple attributes.
Yin and Yang are a relationship, not individuals.
Yin and Yang are inseperable.
All things in nature are a mixture of both.
Their attributes are relative, not absolute.
This isn't a full list of all dualities which exist, but it hopefully gives enough examples to show the theme.
| Yin / Many | Yang / One |
|---|---|
| Feminine - Mother - Goddess | Masculine - Father - God |
| Matter (Mater = Mother) Solid, heavy, tangible, physical | Spirit Immaterial, light, intangible, non-physical |
| Many Multiple, groups, divided | One Single, individual, unified |
| Nescience Ignorance, superstition, belief, fiction | Knowledge Science, understanding, truth, fact |
| Indirect Circuitous, evasive, deceitful, complicated | Direct Straight, simple, honest, uncomplicated |
| Finite Limited, mortal | Infinite Unlimited, eternal |
| Creation Product, result, driven | Creator Inventor, instigator, driver |
| Evil Selfish, mean, egotistical, competitive, unreasoning, unjust | Good Altruistic, generous, selfless, cooperative, reasonable, just |
| Child Immature, irresponsible, incomplete, divided | Adult Mature, responsible, complete, whole |
| Destroy Dismantle, cause disorder & chaos, homogeneity | Create Build, create order & structure, diversity |
| Position Situation, venue, effect | Direction Purpose, aim, cause |
| Fear Concern for wellbeing of the self | Love Concern for wellbeing of others |
| Emotion Feelings, urges, reaction, unconscious, delusion, insanity | Reason Logic, thought, intellect, conscious, awareness, sanity |
| Far Distant, detatched | Near Close, involved |
| Passive | Active |
| Effect | Cause |
| Receiver | Provider |
| Dark | Light |
| Earth | Heaven |
| Moon | Sun |
| Death | Life |
| Illusion | Truth |
| Closed | Open |
| Stasis | Change |
| Choice | Offer |
| Dependent | Independent |
| React | Observe |
| Absent | Present |
| Down | Up |
| Left | Right |
| In | Out |
| North | South |
| Small | Large |
| Vacuum | Pressure |
| Cold | Hot |
| Curved | Straight |
| Soft | Hard |
| Kinetic Energy | Potential Energy |
| Time | Space |
| Rights | Duties |
| Contracting | Expanding |
Some Rules
If a thing is Yin on the outside, it's Yang on the inside, & vice-versa.
The artist is active on the outside as he creates his work, but in his mind is the still-picture of what he hopes to create.
The human asleep appears still and at peace on the outside, but on the inside his body is at work. Every cell, every atom in motion. His mind dreaming of adventures in far-off lands.
As the sun is Yang (active/hot) on the outside, we can predict it's Yin on the inside, i.e. cold and dark.
In time, Yin becomes Yang, Yang becomes Yin.
Yin becomes Yang: The child becomes the parent. The dependent / immature / ignorant becomes independent / mature / wise.
Yang becomes Yin: Desire/intent becomes reality / matter.
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