A Journey Into Yin Yoga

30 A JOURNEY INTO YIN YOGA

that the shape is a circle. This circle

represents the ongoing flow of the

Tao. It also represents the cycles

that exist throughout all of nature.

Second, you’ll notice that the left

side is predominantly light, which

represents the yang energy. The

right side is dark and represents

the yin energy. Third, notice the

S-shaped curve that runs through

the middle. Instead of placing a

straight line through the middle

of the symbol, the Taoists wanted

to convey the importance that yin

and yang are never separate. The

Tao is a constant dance between

these polar energies. Each flows

seamlessly into another. Lastly, you’ll see a small dark circle in the light part.

There is also a light circle in the dark part. This shows that within yang, there

will always be some yin. Conversely, within yin is some yang. Another key

concept for yin and yang is that they are relative. I find it amazing that so much

meaning is contained within such a simple-looking symbol.

Understanding the concept of yin and yang will provide the framework for

seeing all perceptible things in a simple but powerful way. Yin and yang are

aligned with subqualities that provide more texture to their meaning. The follow-

ing list shows how each yin quality has a corresponding opposing yang quality.

Yin Qualities Yang Qualities

Night Day

Dark Light

Cold Warm

Negative Positive

Passive Active

Female Male

Solid Hollow

Stillness Movement

Tranquility Activity

Receptivity Resistance

Moon Sun

Midnight Midday

Wetness Dryness

Hidden Revealed

Internal External

FIGURE 2.1 E7122/Eliot/F02.01/590009/mh-R1Yin-yang symbol.