Yin-yang, Tai Chi, Zen, enlightenment and Namaste are among some extremely important words/ concepts imported from the East and by and large trivialized and made meaningless in western popular culture. To be fair, modern culture devalues language generally (think of how casually we use the word, “love”), but the East has something very precious to offer – expertise in our “internal” dynamics, which we urgently need to balance our obsession with trying to control and manipulate the “external” world. I use quotation marks because the internal and external are not really separate and in opposition, but always interconnected...which is why we act like dogs chasing our own tails.

For simplicity’s sake, let’s focus on Yin-yang which is the stuff of popular slang, imagery, t-shirts, jewellery etc. Its popular meaning seems to be vague “balance” especially on an individual level and within relationships e.g. men finding their feminine side and women finding strength (as in Rom-com movies). It seems harmless enough.

However, if we examine our process more carefully, we see that confusing a word or concept with the thing itself may give us the illusion of control and understanding, but in fact blocks us off from deeper inquiry and realization. In the case of Yin-yang, it is a concept which defines Chinese civilization – philosophically, artistically, medically and more. It explains not only the dynamics of our everyday world but our innermost nature and our relationship with the Dao (Divine, Absolute, Spirit). Yin-yang teachings are not only for the Chinese but have universal application. Daoism is regarded as one of the world’s Perennial Philosophy or Ageless Wisdom forms of spirituality together with Buddhism, Indian Vedanta and the mystic branches of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Although at this level, these different streams have a lot in common, at the level of popular religion, there can be and often is conflict.

The Dao De Jing (about 500 BCE) states, “From eternal Non-existence, we observe the mysterious beginning of the Universe; from eternal existence we clearly see the apparent distinctions. The two are the same in source and become different when manifested. This sameness is called Profundity”. These few lines allude to Profundity indeed: Non-existence (Emptiness/ Wuji), sameness in source (Unity) and apparent distinctions (Yin and Yang or Taiji/ Tai Chi). Whole books have been written about the subject matter of these few lines!

Few people realize that Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan), far from being merely exercise for elderly Chinese, seeks to embody Yin-Yang principles...to live them, become them. Tai Chi refers to Yin-yang philosophy and Chuan means fist. Tai Chi Chuan is thus a martial art or more broadly a way of being that accords with Yin-yang principles. Yin-yang/ Tai Chi recognizes that life is constantly changing and would therefore seem to be particularly relevant to our present times. However, it does not seem “sexy” enough for our present tastes.

For those who do wish to learn more, I will be conducting workshops this Spring at Harmony Dawn retreat on Taijiquan (Feb25-27), Meditation and Qigong (April8-10) and Mind-body Personal Mastery (May 13-15). Contact me directly or sign up thru www.harmonydawn.com or www.powerofbalance.com