Yin-Yang

Taijitu

The ancient Chinese concept of dualism, showing how seemingly opposite forces are interconnected and balance each other.

The Taijitu (Yin-Yang) symbolizes the fundamental Taoist concept of duality forming a whole. Yin (the dark swirl) represents feminine, passive, cold, and receptive energy, while Yang (the light swirl) represents masculine, active, hot, and penetrative energy. The dot of the opposite color within each swirl indicates that nothing is absolute; each force contains the seed of its opposite. It illustrates the dynamic balance of the universe.

Light

Symbolizes perfect balance, harmony, adaptability, the interplay of opposites, and the cyclical nature of existence.

Shadow

Can indicate inner conflict, extreme polarity, emotional instability, or a refusal to integrate the shadow self.

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Linked entries

  • Set againstThe DaodejingAttested

    Yin and yang appear once in the whole book, in chapter 42, where the myriad things are said to carry yin on their backs and embrace yang; the diagram readers attach to the text is a far later Chinese design.

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