Saturday, September 7, 2019

Yin and Yang, not so equal

(Abstract for the 2019 conference of the Sophia Centre of Cultural Astronomy, UK, about "Light and Dark", about the philosophy of the Yijing; it was rejected.)




In New Age circles and modern culture generally, it is routinely claimed that the Chinese twin principles Yin (cloudy mountain slope, shadow) and Yang (sunny mountain slope, brightness) are equal. This is contrasted with and deemed superior to "Western" dichotomies such as good vs. evil. The equality is deemed crucial when these two principles pertain to the sexes (Yin feminine, Yang masculine) but, eventhough gender equality may be desirable, it does not follow from the Yin/Yang symbolism. Equality is a product of culture, it is artificial (like other desirables: justice, marriage) and is hard to find in the state of nature; whereas Yin and Yang are descriptors of all processes in nature.

The Yin/Yang classic par excellence, the Book of Changes, could in fact be called the Bible of Sexism ("she should not give in to her whim; she should stay inside and prepare dinner"). The text is proto-Confucian, i.e. hierarchical and conservative, and finds its fullness in the Confucian commentary The Ten Wings, a text said to have "bewitched" Chinese civilization for more than 2,000 years. Likewise, it is historically not about commoners but about the upper class, and not about spirituality but about politics. Indeed, it is essentially a justification of the Zhou vassals' coup d'état, -11th century, grabbing the "Heavenly Mandate" from their suzerain, the Shang emperor, in response to an unexpected solar eclipse interpreted a s sign from Heaven to strike forthwith.

It is only in the Daoist classics by Laozi and Zhuangzi, some 500 years after the Book of Changes, that we get a Yin-friendly corrective. It has always been only a dissident counterstream, though a necessary counterpoint as per the Yin/Yang philosophy itself. But even that current does not teach "equality": Yin (dark, feminine, empty, hidden, soft, flexible) is so important and indispensible precisely because it is the opposite of Yang and allows Yang to shine.

This is clearest when we read Yin and Yang in their basic meanings: shadowy c.q. bright. As per Isaac Newton's optics, light and darkness are of a different nature: light is something, it has specific measurable properties, whereas darkness is nothing except the absence of light. (We find a counter-view in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's optics, where darkness is seen as an entity in itself; but except in Rudolf Steiner's Anthroposophy, it never caught on.) The Yin/Yang doctrine is a more philosophical elaboration of the preceding Shang period's solar cult, in which the sunlight was desirable and the clouds were merely what came in the sunrays' way, hence undesirable. Whether we like it or not, such was the old school.


12 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I would go with Goethe on this as Darkness is not "nothing" but an individual entity. Goethe sees color as something new that arises from light and darkness.

    ReplyDelete
  3. You're an astoundingly talented blogger. I have joined your feed and envision searching for a more noteworthy measure of your marvelous post. Furthermore, I have shared your site in my casual associations!
    OFFICE.COM/SETUP
    OFFICE.COM/SETUP
    MCAFEE.COM/ACTIVATE

    ReplyDelete
  4. Stitchmax, An Enhanced Mirroring of Alternate Motifs Software That Comes with High Productivity and All Advanced Feature of Machine Embroidery Designing. It Has Very Unique And Exclusive Features For Stitch Effects, Drawing Methods, Automated Punching And Decorative Tools Which Are Specially Customized For Professional Designers, Industry Owners, Training Institutes, Embroidery Shops, And Apparel Designers.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Trekking in Nepal is delighted to welcome you tiny but amazing country. Natures to renew one’s own self regard to relive of beauty realize of Nepal Tour to interact with its generous friendly peoples are highlights of Nepal Trekking and is one long term activity that draws repeat visitors with Treks Himalaya trekking company who  offer wide verities of travel package in Nepal such as trekking, helicopter tour, mountain flight, peak climbing, sightseeing tour, Tibet tour, Bhutan tour and many more.. Final purpose for trekking offers numerous options walking excursion to meet snowy peaks, their foot hills, valleys but however there is amazing for each who hope Trek in Nepal and mountain area. Typical trekking and Hiking in Nepal as unique combination of natural glory of Annapurna Trekking is spectacular view of Annapurna Base Camp Trekking and Langtang Trekking is most rewarding way to skill Nepal natural stunning view of Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trek and array is to walking, trekking, width and the height of country. Trekking is important of Nepal Himalayas on description Nepal Travel of large range of ecological features for Nepal Holiday. The country nurtures a variety of flora and scenery. Addition to natural atmosphere is rich Himalayan culture. Many of visitor trek to different part of Nepal every year to experience its rustic charm, nature and culture. Most treks through areas between 1000 to 5185m, though some popular parts reach over 5648 meters. Every travelers knows for trekking from all over the words an exciting experience in Nepal.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi

    I am happy I discovered this blog. I totally like what you been explaining! There are still a lot of things to share about this.

    All the best,
    BikerJacket.info

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi! I am happy I discovered your blog. I have been searching for this! There are still a lot of things to tell about this.

    Greetings,
    Aroniaberry.ca

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hello

    I love this issue. There are short online college courses for this.

    Best wishes,
    Edward

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hello

    Get some assistance for your site with WordPress plugin developer.

    Regards,
    Anna

    ReplyDelete
  10. Married couple (man~maiden) as described in shared sublime nonpareil satGuruWord states:

    “Two souls in one body”- LIGHT IS LIGHT regardless of body plumbing.
    Soul refer to atman. (Exists always in some form)
    RUH refer to face
    Atma is disposition

    Two atman in one body.
    Soul sole englis undesirable for learning of absolute truth - damaged by Xtianity- lover in Sufi vedanta Sikh sense is good word.
    In Xtianity jewism lover takes on Illicit taint of sin- nasty gultshame complex of faux honour - tainted Gandharva territory- AfPak boy lost eyes due to indiotic sibling mullaocracy - damnunato
    Socrates was self admittedly fugli haha natoplatoboringxtianmissionry lol

    ReplyDelete
  11. According to Stanford Medical, It's really the ONLY reason this country's women get to live 10 years more and weigh on average 42 pounds less than us.

    (And really, it really has NOTHING to do with genetics or some secret exercise and EVERYTHING related to "how" they are eating.)

    P.S, What I said is "HOW", and not "WHAT"...

    Click this link to reveal if this brief questionnaire can help you find out your real weight loss possibility

    ReplyDelete