World Wide Yin and Yang
World Wide Yin and Yang The Chinese culture has a variety of religions and philosophies; behind each one there is a core of theories and principles formed by its founders. The aspects of the yin-yang principal are the basis of the three major Chinese religions: Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. In China, people are aware of the importance of believing in the yin and yang principles. The Encyclopedia of Sex and Gender states, the Chinese view yin and yang as opposites, where yin is dark and yang is light. They are also known to be cool and warm, moist and dry, and decay and growth. Each complements the other and individual change through stages of their lives (“Yin”, Encyclopedia).It is believed that the stages in a being’s life are either yin or yang. All of the steps and stages one under goes fit together like a puzzle. The two create an outstanding equilibrium. Furthermore, a primary principle is the existence of natural forces, “Yin and yang are expressed in three forces of the universe: heaven, earth, and humanity. […] Tao is the ultimate force or the reality behind everything” (Hartz 59). Allegedly, yin and yang came from Tao, which appears only through natural forces of the world. Thus, occurring in three levels of the cycle of life, beginning in heaven and falling to earth where humanity lies. The forces are placed in one of two categories, “Yang is the heavenly force. It is the force of movement, of light, fire, warmth, and life. […] Yin […] is yang’s opposite, but it cannot be separated from yang. […] The two operate together, in the cycles that are a part or nature and of Tao” (Hartz 61). Yin and yang are always together. Their opposing forces work together to harmonize nature’s course of life. The two religions, Taoism and Confucianism, have their own view of how the forces shift; Taoists do not force change, they allow the Tao to guide it naturally (yin) and Confucians try to be in control (yang) (Ross). Disciples of Taoism practice being