Feature Article
The Philosophy of Yin Yang
–
Chief Instructor Brett Wagland
When we talk
of Tai Chi in philosophical terms, we are referring to its
representation of the great harmony or balance. This balance is
achieved through the interplay of the forces of yin and yang. Yin
represents softness, yielding qualities of water, calmness, quietness,
gentleness, nurturing, darkness, closed ....... Yang represents
hardness, strength, brightness, day, open ....... From the enlightened
perspective, all dualities are expressions of the oneness of Tao, the
natural way.
The yin yang symbol, which is usually associated with Tai Chi, depicts
the harmonisation of these forces. The yang is represented by the white
colour. However, it is impregnated by the seed of the dark yin side.
So we say that within the yin, there is yang and within the yang, there
is yin. All phenomena share this yin yang quality. All things possess
the seed of their antithesis. For this reason, change is possible and
to be expected. To expect life to stay the same is ignorant of this
principle in life. Sometimes we understand this philosophy
intellectually but fail to apply it in our lives. Tai Chi, as a
physical metaphor, helps us to understand it with our whole being.
In the art of Tai Chi, we emphasise releasing our tension, not using
hard force, standing straight but relaxed, and lowering our centre of
gravity. In our practice, we avoid extremes: one being over-extended
and locking up our joints, the other being under-extended and so not
using all of our joints properly. Our intention is to have no excess
and no deficency.
Grandmaster Feng Zhi Qiang, founder of the Hun Yuan system, often says,
“We need to practise Big Tao. This is the way of balance and harmony.”
Even when dealing with people who are difficult, we learn to turn the
situation into a positive experience. Once we let the situation affect
our equanimity and overwhelm us, we will waste our energy, become less
productive and eventually, our physical and mental health will suffer.
We have choices. The ultimate freedom that we can exercise is what we
think. We could choose to see a difficult situation from a different
perspective and use it as a form of mind training and character
building. This means being mindful of our knee-jerk reactions which are
very often a product of our conditioning. This conditioning may seem
very much part of us because we have not questioned its value - whether
it is helpful to us in our lives. Some of this conditioning is bound up
with fear of the new and unknown. It saves us from thinking and lulls
us into a false sense of security.
The Hun Yuan Tai Chi 24 form is very fluid. It is a physical metaphor
of life being ever changing and constantly re-balancing itself. Just as
in the form, we learn to be adaptive and flexible both physically and
mentally. However, there are values that we hold so that we do not lose
our way – spine straight, let the weight sink down, etc. to help us stay
centred. The practice itself will help to develop our body and mind.
Without a strong body and mind, it is not easy to go with the flow. Any
little upset could be hard to manage if one lacks energy and one’s
spirit is low. When one faces difficult situations, it is useful to
remind oneself that even bad times are also temporary.
The depth of Tai Chi enables us to approach a familiar activity with
freshness each time. Every time one practises the form, one’s
experience is different – one learns something new about oneself; one’s
mind and body. There is always more to discover about oneself.
In the practice of Tai Chi, cultivating a calm mind is an important part
of developing harmony between mind and body. Maintaining a positive
attitude will help to build self discipline which in turn will help us
to face life’s challenges with resourcefulness and equanimity. As your
practice develops, you will see the interrelatedness of yin and yang in
your Tai Chi form and in all situations. You will truly understand one
of the important Tai Chi principles which is, find serenity in motion.
Movement is born from stillness. Even when you are moving, you remain
still. When there is inward tranquillity, movements will naturally be
graceful.
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