The concepts of Yin-Yang came to us from China - that is, from the East. After all, both Western and Eastern civilizations have been in contact since time immemorial, complementing each other. But, unfortunately, not everyone understands what it means chinese symbol Yin Yang. And, moreover, many do not know how to use the teaching of symbols in their lives.

To understand what the yin yang sign can mean, you should turn to the famous “Book of Changes” - the ancient Chinese treatise “I Ching”. Cosmogonic meaning, that is, relating to the universe, underlies the signs of Yin and Yang. Understanding the meaning of this ancient symbol- this is an understanding of the main law of unity and struggle of opposite principles.

It was this law that was key to the basis of dialectical materialism, which Soviet students studied not so long ago! This means that it was not discovered in our time, but much earlier - somewhere in the 7th century BC by Chinese philosophers.

The ancient Chinese sages interpreted Yin-Yang as a symbol of the unity of the whole, as its opposite parts interacting with each other, transforming into each other, together constituting the common, strongest energy “qi”. This inextricable connection of parts determines the development of “qi” energy.

What does the famous Chinese symbol look like?

What, after all, does the Yin-Yang sign mean? Everyone, considering this symbol, identifies its main features and characteristic features:

1. The components of the symbol, Yin and Yang, are enclosed in a closed circle, which means the infinity of all things on Earth.
2. The equal division of the circle into two halves, painted in opposite colors (white and black), emphasizes the equivalence of Yin and Yang, their opposite.
3. Dividing the circle not with a straight line, but with a wavy one, creates, as it were, the penetration of one opposite into another, their mutual influence of one sign on another. After all, if you increase one sign, the other will undoubtedly be decreased.
4. The influence of one sign on another is also emphasized by the symmetrical arrangement of points - “eyes” - of the opposite color, that is, the color of the “enemy”. This means that the Yin sign “looks at the world through the eyes” of the Yang sign, and the Yang sign perceives life through the “eyes” of the Yin sign.

That is, the world is created from opposites, which when combined can form a single whole. Are these principles found in unity, friendship and harmony, or do they find consensus in struggle? Only their inextricable interaction brings development.

History of the symbol

It is assumed that the original meaning of the symbol with the image of Yang and Yin goes back to the imitation of a mountain: one side is illuminated and the other is shaded. But this cannot go on forever: after some period the sides will exchange illumination.

For example, there are such “decodings”:

• earth - sky,
• top bottom,
• warm - cold,
• male - female,
• good - evil,
• good - bad,
• harmful - useful,
• light - dark,
• active - passive

Something in these interpretations has certain meaning. But most scientists do not recommend giving the symbol ethical significance. After all, the symbol refers to cosmogonic natural opposites, but not moral ones. Therefore, there is no need to talk about the struggle and unity of the good, kind and useful on the one hand and the bad, evil and harmful on the other.

More details about the origin of the yin-yang symbol:

Amulet with the Chinese Yin-Yang symbol

Charms and amulets help people by energizing them and protecting them from all evil. One of the strongest amulets is considered to be one that contains the Yin-Yang symbol. But an important condition for the help of any amulet is the following fact: the keeper (in this case, an amulet, talisman or amulet) must be “tuned” to the one who uses it. Otherwise, such a talisman may pose a threat equal to the strength of the expected help.

The sign of the Chinese symbol Yin-Yang carries within itself universal forces that continuously and eternally flow into each other. It also means active principles, in which the Yang sign corresponds to wood and fire, and the Yin sign corresponds to metal and water. The earth is neutral in this teaching.

In addition, it should be taken into account that yang sign carries the meaning of light, active, masculine, dominant. A yin sign contains the meaning of dark, secret, feminine, calm. However, remembering the unity of opposites, even one specific person cannot be classified into one category or another. Each of us contains both Yin and Yang forces. And the more balanced these forces are, the more successful the person is.

It is the amulet with the Yin-Yang symbol that helps balance two opposing energies, suppressing the dominant one and strengthening the weak one.

The amulet gives the wearer energy balance, helps to find a soul mate, achieve success and harmony. After all, the Yin-Yang symbol carries the meaning not only of struggle and unity, continuous movement and active energy, but also of harmony and beauty.

The forces of Yin and Yang in everyday life

By and large, the struggle and unity of Yin and Yang is present everywhere. Anyone who is not clear what this statement means should think about it. Here's our food. It consists of warm and cold food, sweet and bitter, protein and vegetable. And any diets that limit a person, for example, only raw foods or only vegetarian dishes, upset the balance, closing the path for the development of “Qi” energy.

Speaking about Yin and Yang, they note that the meaning of the symbol is the smooth transition of one sign to another. Therefore, in a person’s home, both directions should smoothly transition into one another. Otherwise, the individual’s mental state is subjected to severe stress, which does not at all contribute to either success in life or improvement of his health. The exception is institutions - the principle of Yin or Yang in its pure form dominates there. In a home that should help you gain energy, relax, have fun and enjoy harmony, the presence of both principles is necessary.

Perhaps each of us has more than once seen a simple picture depicting a circle divided wavy line into two parts – black and white. Moreover, each of them has a dot of a contrasting color inside it - white on a black background and black on white. As you know, it represents a famous Chinese symbol called Yin-Yang.

The meaning of the Yin-Yang symbol and the history of its appearance

No one knows exactly the date of its appearance, but historians probably know that around the 7th century BC. he was mentioned ancient Chinese philosophers and followers of Taoism. Both then and today, it symbolizes the unity of two opposite principles that complement each other (just as there is no day without night, so).

The basic meaning of the Yin-Yang symbol has not changed over the years, but in different historical periods identified with a variety of elements, matters and substances. So, according to one legend, initially black and white circle was drawn following the example of a mountain slope, which is illuminated by the sun on one side during the day, and on the other in the evening and, accordingly, constantly changes its appearance.

In the Zhou era, the sky began to be called the bright embodiment of Yang, while the eastern sages began to consider the earth to be the personification of Yin. In addition, it is believed that Yang symbolizes:

• light, high and dry (such as mountains and skies),
• active,
• masculinity,
• Sun,
• body,
• positive,
• hard and impenetrable,
• light and warmth,
• odd numbers,
• rational mind of a man.

Yin symbolizes completely different concepts:

• water,
• passive,
• feminine,
• Moon,
• soul,
• negative,
• soft and compliant,
• north,
• dark,
• death,
• even numbers,
• intuitive female mind.

Continue this list it is possible ad infinitum, but the meaning is probably already clear. Despite such radical opposites, followers of many Eastern teachings, including Feng Shui, strongly recommend not opposing Yin and Yang to each other, but perceiving them as a single whole, an inseparable structure, without which our world and existence will lose meaning.

Practical application of the Yin-Yang symbol

Feng Shui, as a science, strives to balance all energy flows, strengthening positive ones and weakening negative ones. This directly concerns our lives, home arrangement, health and relationships with each other. This is why many Feng Shui masters suggest using special symbols and signs to eliminate negativity. One of these is Yin-Yang, which can be sold in the form of body jewelry (usually pendants) or presented as paintings, patterns on figurines, and the like.

According to Feng Shui, having such a talisman, a person is able to harmonize his life and achieve success in many matters, but for this he must believe in its power and make every effort to properly organize the space around him. First of all, this concerns the home.

So, in order to balance own home flows of passive and active energy, it is important to remember that the living room, kitchen and study are the places where Yang energy should predominate. To do this, they need to be painted in bright shades, dilute the interior with books, family photos and other Feng Shui talismans that symbolize the active principle, and also more often include in them live music. However, for balance, the design of these rooms should be diluted with Yin elements - soft armchairs, a couple of paintings and decorative objects in soft, deep shades.

As for the bedroom (as well as the bath), then, of course, passive Yin energy should prevail here. In order to ensure its smooth and unimpeded flow, it is necessary to remove all bright and openly aggressive (directly and figuratively words) objects. These include office supplies, a TV, a stereo system, sports equipment, and more. Instead of them, again, to achieve harmony in the bedroom, it is allowed to use other bright little things.

In addition, it is not prohibited to decorate your interior using the Yin-Yang sign itself. It can be part of esoteric objects, or be directly applied to walls, furniture and other surrounding objects. Here's what it might look like:

Of course, the above tips only partially reflect the basic principles of harmonizing the surrounding space. Indeed, to achieve complete balance, in addition to this, you need to monitor your health and inner state of mind, not rush from one extreme to another, and a measured lifestyle, where there are both active and passive periods of activity.

陰陽 In yō, in-yo) - the stage of initial cosmogenesis in the view of Chinese philosophy, the acquisition by the greatest separation of two opposing properties. Graphically indicated by the appearance of two opposites in two different colors- light and dark.

Origin

According to the famous Russian orientalist, Dr. historical sciences Alexei Maslov, yin-yang symbolism may have been borrowed by Taoists from Buddhists in the 1st-3rd centuries: “they were attracted by Buddhist drawn symbolism - and Taoism developed its own “mandala”: the famous black and white “fish” of yin and yang.”

Philosophical concept

Historical review

Five elements as a product of Yin and Yang

The interaction and struggle of these principles give rise to five elements (primary elements) - wu-sin: water, fire, wood, metal and earth, from which all diversity arises material world- "ten thousand things" - wan wu, including humans. The five elements are in constant motion and harmony, mutual generation (water gives birth to wood, wood - fire, fire - earth, earth - metal, and metal - water) and mutual overcoming (water extinguishes fire, fire melts metal, metal destroys wood, wood - the earth, and the earth covers the water).

Yin and Yang in Traditional Chinese Medicine

The doctrine of yin And yang constitutes one of theoretical foundations traditional Chinese medicine. All phenomena of the surrounding world, including humans and nature, are interpreted by Chinese medicine as an interaction between two principles yin And yang, representing various aspects a single reality. [ ]

One example of the application of the yin-yang concept is Chinese medicine is a system of restrictions imposed on a woman who has recently given birth.

Similar concepts in other teachings

• Purusha and Prakriti are fundamental concepts of Hinduism. Masculine and feminine principles.
• Anima and animus are terms introduced into psychology by Jung. Feminine and masculine principles.
• Or and Kli (light and vessel) in Kabbalah are two sides of one action, the root of which is the interaction of the Creator and creation.

Basis ancient wisdom China and Japan had a concept according to which every thing, situation, feeling, etc. is two-valued, has two poles and has its opposite: day - night, war - peace, man - woman...

YIN- this is the Feminine principle. Expansion, outer, ascending, space, sweet, violet, light, electron, water, oxygen, plants (especially lettuces), sympathetic nervous system. Too much yin leads to chilliness and fears, especially being in public, to masochism.

YANG- this is the Masculine principle. Compression, internal, descending, time, salty, red, heavy, fire, proton, hydrogen, carbon, animals (especially carnivores), parasympathetic nervous system. Too much yang leads to aggressiveness, even cruelty and sadism.

These concepts are the basis of Feng Shui philosophy. IN Chinese philosophy Yin and Yang are two cosmic forces that oppose each other, constantly transforming into one another, creating life itself. Feng Shui actively uses these concepts and strives to maintain the balance of yin and yang in every home, in every area.

Yin is darkness, silence, stillness, smooth lines, dampness and cold, unchanging order. Every home has yin elements, such as upholstered furniture, pillows, built-in wardrobes, carpets, as well as musty air and bad smell. Yang is light, loud sound, movement, straight lines, warmth and dryness, pleasant aroma. Yang includes tall, easily moved furniture, vertical wallpaper or curtains, and bright lighting.

To feel calm, comfortable, and safe in a particular room, for example, in your own apartment, you need to maintain a balance of yin and yang in it. A slight shift to one side is allowed, but the presence of the other must be noticeable and sufficient.

All of you have probably seen the “yin-yang” symbol more than once, a symbol of the creative unity of opposites in the Universe. It is depicted as a circle, an image of infinity, divided by a wavy line into two halves - dark and light. Two points symmetrically located inside the circle - light on dark background and dark on light - they said that each of the two great forces of the Universe carries within itself an embryo opposite beginning. Originally, yin and yang meant the shady and sunny slopes of the mountain, respectively.

Dark and bright fields, denoting yin and yang respectively, are symmetrical, but this symmetry is not static. It involves constant movement in a circle - when one of the two principles reaches its peak, it is ready to retreat: “Yang, having reached the peak of its development, retreats in the face of yin. Yin, having reached the peak of its development, retreats in the face of yang” (Lao Tzu).

In ancient Chinese books this symbolic image is often found, but not in the form of black and white commas inscribed in a circle, but in the form of an intertwined white tiger and green dragon. The tiger symbolizes yin, the West, the feminine principle, and the dragon symbolizes yang, the East, the masculine principle. A person does not see the animals themselves, but he can see their material embodiment in the outlines and shape of mountains and other hills. The ancients believed that it was necessary to build a house in the place where the union of these animals took place, since this gives birth to the life-giving energy of qi.

Tattoo on shoulder blade

Yin and yang famous ancient sign Chinese culture. Its popularity throughout the world has found its place among tattoos. This is a universal design that can be painted by both a young man and a girl.

Placement of different parts of the body. The tattoo can be done on the neck, on the ankle - in any chosen place it will look impressive.

History and symbolism of the yin yang sign

Initially, these two symbols were considered as a designation of light illuminated by the sun. The luminary moved in an endless cycle, the mountain alternately falling under the sun's rays or into the shadow.

The cycles replaced each other, which meant a constant cycle of life in nature. The two opposites are inseparable. Being one whole, the parts fight with each other, winning and losing alternately, either to the light or to the dark side.

These symbols laid the foundation for two opposing eastern cultures - Confucianism and Taoism. Taoists believed that the world was ruled by yin - the feminine principle, adherents of the second religion argued that yang decides the fate of a person.

Shoulder tattoo with added dragon

Yin was interpreted not only as female symbol. This is the dark side of life, which is characterized by paranormal activity. The symbol is attributed to:

• deceit
• secrecy
• intrigue.

Yin philosophy is responsible for even numbers. Yang was associated with masculinity, logic, and practicality. It is characterized by:

• activity
• life
• bravery.

Rational properties and parity of numbers are attributed.

Yin is the moon, yang is the sun. There are still no clear definitions of yin and yang. These two opposites can be interpreted differently depending on what religion or culture a person adheres to.

Yin yang tattoo meaning

The meaning of the yin yang tattoo fully reflects the symbolism that experts put into the mandola Japanese culture. But those who stuff it bring their own meaning depending on their goals, the meaning of life.

A tattoo can mean the following:

• - a person adheres to one of the religions of the East;
• — harmony is the main thing that prevails in the life of the tattooed person;
• - the desire to see the positive and bright moments among the negative dark sides life;
• — a person strives to find peace of mind, to achieve internal balance in life;
• - acquire certain character traits - strength, activity, self-confidence.

Tattoos are characterized by two primary colors, black yin and white yang. But there may be color images of tattoos. Especially if the symbols are in the form of animals:

• tiger and dragon,
• two fish,
• wolves, owls

Shoulder tattoo with added tiger and dragon

When attributing yang properties to the sun, yin properties to the moon, you need to remember that just as you can see the moon during the day, a yin-yang tattoo is ambiguous.

In yin there is a light point of yang and vice versa. This is a sign that there is no good without evil, and bright side without the dark, they exist together, complementing each other.

The meaning of tattoos for men and girls

The tattoo is universal, suitable for both women and men. The meaning with which this tattoo is tattooed by representatives of both sexes is similar.

Rethinking the past, they draw a tattoo to achieve internal balance. Guys get tattoos to achieve peace. Their tattoos often mean the struggle of opposites in the soul and the desire to find peace in life.

Forearm tattoo

Girls are characterized by stylized sketches in color. The feminine principle requires airiness, which can be reflected in the openwork tattoos of the symbol. Men prefer monochrome.

Location of the sketch on the body

When choosing a place to apply a tattoo, focus on the size and design. Not all monochrome tattoos look good in volume.

Choosing large drawing, make it in color. This sketch will suit guys if you place it on the chest, side, upper back, shoulder.

Tattoo on shoulder blade

Classic symbol tattoos are more suitable for girls. Small yin yang patterns can be printed on the neck, wrists, and ankles. It would be interesting to look at a tattoo on a woman’s lower back, lower back or tailbone.

Young people should not experiment with these places. A tattoo on the shoulder or forearm is suitable for both girls and boys.

And it will look better on men’s legs. On the hand, especially inside, compositional tattoos look impressive - color images of the sun - moon, fire - water.

Fans of Eastern cultures can choose the location of the tattoo, focusing on the person’s chakras.

Options for combining yin yang tattoos with other symbols

Tattoos are found in different styles and execution techniques:

• - in realism (a pair of wolves, two dogs fighting each other), such tattoos or birds are often filled in color;
• — monochrome, classic black and white tiger tattoos;
• — finishing work or graphics, drawing dots or lines from which a drawing is formed with open edges;
• — animal sketches (cats, wolves, dolphins);
• - watercolor, suitable for large bright drawings (tattoos in the form of dragons with their rich colors) or small sketches for girls (symbol of the opposite in lotus flowers)

Classic Yin and tiger as a symbol of perseverance and courage.

Colored or black - white image two owls means two people who are close in spirit, the symbol in the center speaks of harmony between them. Koi carps looking up and down are a symbol of the cyclical nature of life and the balance of feminine and masculine energies.

Tattoo on the shoulder blade with the addition of Koi carp

A widespread image is the form, intertwined with roots or from different seasons. Such tattoos speak of the wearer’s philosophical mood, understanding of the inevitability of life and death. Sketches with Indian or Chinese motifs are popular.

Original elements for tattoos, compatibility. Tattoos where the symbol of two principles can only be guessed look unusual. The wearer of the tattoo creates a kind of intrigue.

Images of life and death in the form of two angels or skulls look impressive. Such sketches are performed in monochrome.

In classic tattoos, the central points can be replaced with stylized images of the moon and sun, air and earth. The symbol can be hidden in a tattoo, for example, a dragon or a toad holding a coin in its mouth.