Yinyang (yin-yang) is one of the dominant concepts shared by different schools t

hroughout the history of Chinese philosophy. Just as with many other Chinese phi
losophical notions, the influences of yinyang are easy to observe, but its conce
ptual meanings are hard to define. Despite the differences in the interpretation
, application, and appropriation of yinyang, three basic themes underlie nearly
all deployments of the concept in Chinese philosophy: (1) yinyang as the coheren
t fabric of nature and mind, exhibited in all existence, (2) yinyang as jiao (in
teraction) between the waxing and waning of the cosmic and human realms, and (3)
yinyang as a process of harmonization ensuring a constant, dynamic balance of a
ll things. As the Zhuangzi (Chuang-tzu) claims, Yin in its highest form is freezi
ng while yang in its highest form is boiling. The chilliness comes from heaven w
hile the warmness comes from the earth. The interaction of these two establishes
he (harmony), so it gives birth to things. Perhaps this is the law of everythin
g yet there is no form being seen. (Zhuangzi, Chapter 21). In none of these concep
tions of yinyang is there a valuational hierarchy, as if yin could be abstracted
from yang (or vice versa), regarded as superior or considered metaphysically se
parated and distinct. Instead, yinyang is emblematic of valuational equality roo
ted in the unified, dynamic, and harmonized structure of the cosmos. As such, it
has served as a heuristic mechanism for formulating a coherent view of the worl
d throughout Chinese intellectual and religious history.
Origins of the Terms Yin and Yang
The Yinyang School
Yinyang as Qi (Vital Energy)
Yinyang as Xingzi (Concrete Substance)
The Yinyang Symbol
References and Further Reading
1. Origins of the Terms Yin and Yang