The Yin Yang philosophy - a branch of the ancient Chinese religion of Taoism

The Yin Yang philosophy is derived from Taoism. The Universe if formed of the Tao and it is in a state of flux. It moves through changes in the Yin Chi (the female principle) and Yang Chi (the male principle). The Yin chi is characterized by non-violence, compassion, intuitive knowledge, yielding, flexibility, softness etc. The Yang Chi is characterized by strength, dominance, creation, heat, sun, light etc. All objects of the Universe have different combinations of Yin and Yang chi within them. The changes in the proportion of Yin and Yang cause changes in the individual objects. When the two chis separate, the object disappears back into the void, the original state of emptiness.

According to the Yin Yang philosophy the Universe is in a continuous state of flux or change. The Yin chi or principle contains the seeds of Yang and vice versa. Thus all phenomena contain the seeds of its opposite. Health contains the seed of sickness, sickness contains the seed of health, wealth contains the seeds of poverty, etc. And all phenomena change into their opposite in an eternal cycle of reversal. Hence over time, health will change into sickness and sickness into health; wealth will change into poverty and poverty into wealth etc.

If we accept the principle that all phenomena leads to its opposite then it would not make sense to be too elated in good or prosperous times or get too depressed in bad times. All phenomena are transitory. Hence it makes sense to not be attached to our wealth, to our relationships or indeed to the ego since that to which we are attached is in a state of flux and will ultimately disappear into the void. The Buddhists also teach the principle of non-attachment and for the same reason – all things are in a state of flux or change. A person who lives his life based on this principle would stay emotionally balanced at all times, and indeed would attain a state of indifference to what the future holds for him. He would not be attached to health, wealth, or to his desires and would experience the ultimate freedom – freedom from the false, separate self or the ego. This according to me is the mainlesson that we can draw from Yin Yang philosophy.

Tai chi, the Chinese martial art, is derived from Taoism and the philosophy of Yin and Yang. The serious Tai Chi practitioner is on a journey to the void and Tai Chi helps in that journey. Practicing Tai Chi also helps balance the Yin and Yang forces within the body. A person who is too meek or docile (excess of Yin Chi) will gain confidence and become more self-assured. And a person who is too aggressive in his approach (excess of Yang Chi) will become calmer, quieter and more peaceful. I myself am learning Tai Chi. Tai Chi has many other benefits as well and leads to better health, longevity, and peace of mind. Tai Chi can be practiced at any age and in China and the Far East there are many cases of 90 year olds doing Tai Chi.