harmonyA similar concept is found in Zoroastrianism as Asha (truth, order of
things, true order, or cosmic force) that functions as a norm for human
behavior. Similar to Ma’at of ancient Egypt, Asha is personified as one
of the six or seven “holy immortals” of the Best Order (Asha Vahishita),
and serves as a member of the entourage of Ahura Mazdah, the godhead
or an attribute of him, or as a creative agency of Vohu Manah.
Other ancient civilizations embody similar notions, such as Ùta (cos-
mic law) of ancient Indian Vedic culture or the Logos of Heraclitus of
the pre-Socratic period of Greek philosophy. Heraclitus views the
Logos as an ordering principle uniting all that exists into a coherent
and enduring principle, and as possessing alethia (suggesting that
which is unconcealed or revealed), which suggests that it represents
the truth of things. Beneath the discord and conflicts of life, there is a
hidden harmony identified with the Logos, which is both the cosmic
order and the teleological orientation of the world. This Greek concept
with its relationship to harmony, truth, and revelation exerts a power-
ful influence upon the early Christian movement, especially in the
Fourth Gospel where Christ is identified as the Logos (word) in early
church history; whereas in the letters of Paul it is the power of the
Cross, which symbolizes Christ’s sacrificial love, that holds together
the universe (Eph. 3.18).
Ancient Chinese civilization is very preoccupied with harmony (ho) as
manifested by its notions of mutually complementary opposites: yin, a
female principle that is described as negative, receptive, passive, and low,
and yang, a male principle that is defined as active, positive, aggressive,
and high. The female principle is similar to earth, whereas the active
male principle is akin to heaven. These principles operate in a cyclical
pattern and alternate and complement each other during the course of a
year. Although life is in a constant state of flux, it is derived from a blend-
ing and harmony of these two forces. Thus, humans have to take special
precautions to protect themselves during periods, such as the summer and
winter solstices, when yin and yang give way to each other and create a
dangerous transitional period. Human life and affairs are more successful
when they are in accord with these principles. In fact, state rituals are
coordinated with the cycle of these cosmic forces to enhance successful
results, and ideally humans form a triadic unity with heaven and earth,
which they are called upon to imitate.
Consisting of yin and yang opposites, the Dao, a metaphysical prin-
ciple, is the concept of harmony in ancient Daoism. Adherents are
instructed to live in accord with the Dao, an all-embracing, impartial,
simple, and unspoiled principle. Because of its mysterious nature, it is
invisible, inaudible, subtle, and nameless, and it is called the ancestor