The Interpretation of the Reversal of Taiji’s Yin and Yang

Yang symbolizes Qian (in the trigrams), heaven, sun, fire, Li (in the trigrams), releasing, exiting, emitting, confronting, opening, subject, flesh, application, Qi, physical body, martial (i.e., activities to build up the physical life), square, exhalation, upward, advancing, and corners; Yin symbolizes Kun (in the trigrams), earth, moon, water, Kan (in the trigrams), rolling, entering, storing, relating, unifying, ruler, bones, core, rules, Xin (i.e., mind), scholarly (study)(i.e., to cultivate the human nature), round, inhalation, downward, retreating, and sides.

The theory of reversal (of Yin and Yang) can be clearly explained in detail by “water-fire.” It is just like the flame of the fire is upward while the water is flowing downward. If (we) are able to keep the fire underneath the water, then the situation has been reversed. However, if (we) do not know the method, then this goal cannot be achieved. For example, if (we) put the water in the cauldron and placed it on the fire, then the water can be heated up from the fire underneath. In this case, the water cannot flow downward and the flame cannot be upward due to the separation of the cauldron.

Therefore, there is a control which prevents the flame from going upward ceaselessly without limitation and water flowing downward continuously without stop. This is what is called the water and fire are supporting each other and is the theory of (Yin-Yang) reversal. If (we) allow the flame (to) go upward and water (to) flow downward without control, then the water and the fire cannot be coexisting and supporting each other, which results in the separation of the fire and water (i.e., cannot exist together). Therefore, it is said, when they are separated, there are two and when they are unified, they are one. Thus, one is two and two is one. In summary, it is from this rule, the Three (powers), heaven, earth, and human are derived.

Through the governing of Taiji (i.e., Dao), the Yin and Yang two poles are derived from Wuji ( )(i.e., no extremity). Also through the governing of Taiji, the Yin and Yang can be reunited into Wuji. However, in order to have harmonious interaction of Yin and Yang, Yin and Yang must be balanced with each other. From this balance, we are able to return to the Wuji state.

You should understand that Yin and Yang are not Kan ( ) and Li ( ). Kan and Li or Water and Fire are the methods (i.e., actions) which are able to influence the balance of Yin and Yang (i.e., status). Therefore, Yin and Yang are the results of Kan and Li or Water and Fire. In Taijiquan practice, if you can apply the Yin-Yang, Kan-Li theory into your practice, then your comprehension of Taijiquan will be profound. When this internal comprehension is manifested externally, your Taijiquan will be proficient.

For example, Yang is related to Qian, heaven, sun, fire, Li, releasing, exiting, emitting, confronting, opening, subject, flesh, application, Qi, the physical body, martial actions, square, exhalation, upward, advancing, and corners; Yin is associated with Kun, the earth, the moon, water, Kan, rolling, entering, storing, relating, unifying, ruler, bones, core, rules, Xin, scholarly study, roundness, inhalation, downward, retreating, and four sides.

In Taijiquan, once you can understand the Yin-Yang and Kan-Li concepts, then you must learn how to apply them into all action so Yin and Yang can coexist at the same time, balancing and harmonizing each other. Where there is Yin, there also is Yang and vice versa. When this happens, Yin and Yang can be reversed anytime desired. When this happens, insubstantial can be substantial or insubstantial, and substantial can also be substantial and insubstantial. This will make your strategic action alive and exchangeable. However, if you do not comprehend the theory of Yin-Yang and Kan-Li clearly, then you will not be able to reach this goal, and your tactics and actions will not be effective.

(If you) understand this reversal theory of Yin and Yang, then we can talk about Dao. If (we) understand that (we) can never separate ourselves from Dao, then we can talk about humanity. If (we) are able to use the humanity to develop the Dao and knowing that Dao is not far from us, then (we) are able to discuss how (human) can be coexisting with the heaven and the earth. The heaven is above, the earth is below, and the human is between.

If (we) are able to refer to the heaven(‘s laws) and observe the earth(‘s rules), harmonize with the brightness of the sun and the moon (i.e., timing), endure with the Five Sacred Mountains and Four Great Rivers, act together with the Four Seasons, wither and flourish with the grass and woods, comprehend the good and the bad destinies of the ghosts and deities, and know the prosperity and adversity of human affairs, then (we) are able to conclude that Qian and Kun are a big heaven and earth (i.e., macrocosm) while a human is a small heaven and earth (i.e., microcosm).

Therefore, in terms of human’s body and mind, if (we) are able to study the abilities of heaven and earth, then (we) are capable of understanding the innate wisdom and abilities. If (we) wish not to lose our inherent capabilities, (we must) cultivate the awe-inspiring and righteous Qi without harming it, then are (we) able to last forever (i.e., longevity). What is meant that the human body is a small heaven and earth (i.e., microcosm), implies that the heaven is the intrinsic human nature while the earth is the human physical life. The core of a human is its insubstantial spirituality.

If (we) do not understand this, how can (we) be coexisting with the heaven and the earth as Three Powers. If (we) are not able to fulfill (our) intrinsic human nature and establish a healthy life, how can (we) reach the final goal of spiritual cultivation (i.e., enlightenment)?

We are part of nature, and therefore always follow the natural influence of Yin and Yang. In order to understand ourselves, we must first understand the natural cycles and timing of Yin and Yang. Once we have comprehended these natural cycles, we can then apply them into our body. When this happens, we can harmonize humanity with the heavens and the earth, and coexist as Three Powers (San Cai, ).

The Five Sacred Mountains are: Song Shan, Heng Shan, Heng Shan, Tai Shan, and Hua Shan. The Four Great Rivers include: Chang Jiang (i.e., Yangtze River), Huang He (i.e., Yellow River), Huai He, and Ji He.