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The correct answer is a) a concept and symbol representing polarity yet unity. |
Yin and Yang Facts:
The development of all phenomena in the universe is a result of the continual interplay of two opposing forces symbolized as yin (black) and yang (white). In addition, everything in the universe contains within itself both aspects of yin and yang in differing degrees of manifestation.
Major Principles of Yin and Yang Relationship
- Yin-Yang are opposites. They are either on the opposite ends of a cycle, like the seasons of the year, or opposites on a continuum of energy or matter.
- Yin and Yang are interdependent—one cannot exist without the other. Nothing in the universe is totally Yin or totally Yang. The dots in yin and yang serve as a reminder that each contains seed of its opposite.
- Yin and Yang cannot be separated. There is no dark without light, no front without back, no up without down, no in without out, and no heat without cold. There is no space without time and no birth without death.
- In the mutual consumption of Yin and Yang, relative levels of each are continuously changing in what is normally a harmonious balance. However, an excess of one can eventually weaken (consume) the other.
- Yin transforms into Yang, and Yang transforms into Yin, but only when the time is right. Example: night falls only when the day is done.
Yin-Yang depends entirely on the point of view of the observer, as is reflected in this Taoist poem:
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To the frogs in a temple pool
The Lotus stems are tall;
To the gods of Mount Everest
An elephant is small.
The dynamic relationship between yin and yang exists everywhere and in everything, including inside the human body. Practically speaking, the most basic relationships which exist are readily apparent in the physical world, as illustrated in the table below:
 Yin-Yang |
 (Yin) |
 (Yang) |
| Nature | feminine | masculine |
| rest | activity | |
| receives | creates | |
| soft | hard | |
| darkness | light | |
| shade | brightness | |
| flat | round | |
| Symbols | moon | sun |
| tiger | dragon | |
| earth | heaven | |
| space | time | |
| west (sunset = Yin) | east (sunrise = beginning of Yang) | |
| north | south | |
| right | left | |
| Color | black | white |
| Numbers | even | odd |
| Chinese Character |  |
 |
| Original Meaning | north side of a hill (i.e., away from the sun) | south side of a hill (i.e., facing the sun) |
In summary, Yin and Yang are the two opposite, but interrelated forces which, together with Qi (discussed after this next question), form the foundation of eastern medicine.
Now, answer this one...
