The yin and yang symbol or taijitu, relates to the day and night association of yin and yang. Supposedly the ancients plotted a graph made up of six concentrically larger rings. In the center was anchored an 8-foot high pole that measured the shadow cast by the sun throughout the seasons. Then they colored in where the shade landed and where there was none. When looked at from above, the graph showed a picture that resembles the yin and yang symbol but without the two dots on either side. From here the concept of balance and its relationship to the seasons and nature was conceived.
The yin-yang symbol has been long known to represent balance and harmony. However, some choose to label it as a religious symbol for Daoism which many consider more of a philosophy. The martial arts of tai chi uses this symbol and concept as a foundation to understanding of the flow of energy within the human body.
The 5 Aspects of yin and yang complement and balance each other via these aspects, which define the relationship between each.
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This post is a continuation of the 5 Element Theory showing another manifestation, that of the 5 Seasons of Life. Each season or phase has a relationship with one of the 5 elements:
Winter – Water – Transformation 83-108
Spring – Wood – Sprouting 0-8 years old
Summer – Fire – Flowering 8-33
Late Summer – Earth – Fruition 33-58
Autumn – Metal – Harvest 58-83
Some of these relationships might seem somewhat obvious as children have a sprouting or growing personality learning and showing their identity and ego from 0-8 years of age.
A person from 8-33 is seen as flowering or showing their creativity, intelligence, attractiveness, and excessive behavior.
The 33-58 is the fruition years when one starts to blossom as an adult using their knowledge and experience to further their career, family, and material assets.
58-83 brings the harvest of what was nurtured or squandered from the previous years becomes more apparent. Health issues arrive if prior neglect is not addressed.
The last season of transformation from 83-108 is a reflection on what was accomplished mentally, physically, and spiritually throughout the prior phases. The realization of self and that material possessions are only temporary up until this point.
Most people are looking for some type of balance and harmony within their lives. Often, they have no plan nor method to achieve this other than doing their best on a day to day basis to find happiness. The 5 Element Theory represents ancient wisdom that when studied and applied, can help to find the balance we seek.
Ancient Chinese scholars of the time approximately from 1600-1000 BC, recognized continuous patterns of change and transformation. Initially, these patterns were interpreted using yin-yang (balance) logic, but later these interpretations were expanded to the theory called The Five Elements. The 5 Elements Theory is based on observation, contemplation and meditation of the natural world and the environment we exist within.
A deeper understanding of these concepts and cycles leads to a more detailed interpretation of these stages into the phases of Warrior – Scholar – Sage. This concept could apply towards many paths in life, where someone starts out more physically involved maturing into more knowledge of a subject and eventually gaining wisdom by understanding how to utilize the knowledge best for a given situation. Examples would be that of a doctor, carpenter, teacher, parent, martial artist – among thousands of other paths of which one gathers knowledge and wisdom through the course of study and practice.
In the martial arts and energetic studies community, the warrior phase relates to Jingor the understanding of the essence of the physical body. The scholar phase reflects an understanding of Chi or the breath and internal energy flow within the human body. The sage phase is where the experience and knowledge of the previous phases manifests into Shen which is ones spirit and self-awareness.
Jim Moltzan started his martial arts training at the age of 16, starting with Korean martial arts and evolving into BaguaZhang, Tai Chi, and Qigong. Jim has been training, studying and teaching for almost 40 years effectively educating hundreds of students.
Master Instructor Jim Moltzan has trained with a diverse group of masters and high-level martial arts teachers of many different disciplines. Jim’s specialty is teaching exercises to improve chronic conditions, working with people of all ages, especially senior adults. Offering guidance and instruction, Jim has also worked with Parkinson Disease patients through Florida Hospital. Jim gives regular lectures as requested by AdventHealth (Florida Hospital) regarding the benefits of Eastern practices.
He is the author and graphic artist of numerous journals, graphic charts and study guides relative to the mind and body connection and how it relates to martial arts, fitness and self-improvement.
Jim continues his training and teaching in the Orlando, Florida area conducting classes, seminars and lectures as his schedule allows. He balances his teachings and businesses with his own personal cultivation and time spent with his wife and two college-age kids.
Most people are looking for some type of balance and harmony within their lives. Often, they have no plan nor method to achieve this other than doing their best on a day to day basis to find happiness. The 5 Element Theory represents ancient wisdom that when studied and applied, can help to find the balance we seek.
The following is a very basic explanation of the the meaning of the 5 elements. There are many books and resources that go into greater depth regarding these ancient concepts of balance and harmony.
Ancient Chinese scholars of the time approximately from 1600-1000 BC, recognized continuous patterns of change and transformation. Initially, these patterns were interpreted using yin-yang (balance) logic, but later these interpretations were expanded to the theory called The Five Elements. The 5 Elements Theory is based on observation, contemplation and meditation of the natural world and the environment we exist within.
The Five Elements Theory evolved from the observation of various processes, functions, and phenomena of nature. The theory proclaims that aspects of matter, can be divided into one of five basic elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Each element contains their own specific characteristics and interrelationships. In modern times, the five elements theory is still used as a tool for grouping substances, as well as a method for studying changes of natural phenomena.
The 5 Elements Theory is a major component of thought within TCM or traditional Chinese medicine. These elements have corresponding relationships within our environment as well as within our own being specifically the internal organs and emotions connected to them.
Tai Chi, bagauzhang and qigong are all methods of exercise that also embody the philosophy of the 5 Elements, while also increasing the flow of energy ( and blood flow) throughout the internal organs improving health and well-being.
The following is a very basic explanation of the The Meaning of the 8 Trigrams and Bagua. There are many books and resources that go into greater depth regarding these ancient concepts of balance and harmony.
The four phases that are generated by the two poles (yin pole, yang pole) are represented by Metal, Wood, Water and Fire. They also assume the manifestation of four strengths: greater yang, lesser yang, greater yin and lesser yin. The four phases yield the eight trigrams. Heaven-Lion, Earth-Unicorn, Thunder-Dragon, Wind-Phoenix, Water-Snake, Fire-Hawk, Mountain-Bear and Lake-Monkey. The Zhou Yi also represented the above derivation with symbols. The straight line represents the Yang phase and a broken line represents the Yin phase.
The following diagrams will help you see the progression of the development of the Eight Trigrams.
This concept then translates into the graphical representation of the bagua, or eight- sided figure as shown below.
One on one instruction is often the best option for learning more about these concepts. If interested in learning more, contact me at 407-234-0119 or info@MindAndBodyExercises.com
Yin and Yang – a very old concept that has been studied for thousands of years by many cultures.
Every thing exists in a state of constant change, balance and relevance. What works at one moment, does not a moment later. What appears one way, is seen completely different from another perspective. Without the mind, there is no body. Daytime transforms into nighttime. And so the cycles continue.
Deep wisdom and lessons can be learned from such a simple law of nature.
United Martial Arts Association 