The Basic Theory of Yin and Yang In the Art of Gung Fu
The basic structure of Gung Fu is based on the theory of Yin/Yang, a pair of mutually complementary forces that act continuously, without cessation, in this universe. This Chinese way of life can be applied to anything, but here we are interested in its relationship to the art of Gung Fu. the black part of the circle is called Yin. Yin can represent anything in the universe as: negativeness, passiveness, gentleness, insubstantiality, femalness, moon, darkness, night, etc. The other complementary part of the circle is Yang, which represent positiveness, activeness, firmness, substantiality, maleness, sun, brightness, day, etc.
The common mistake most people
make is to identify this Yin/Yang symbol, T'ai-Chi, as dualistic;
that is Yang being the opposite of Yin, and vice versa. As long
as we separate this "oneness" into two, we won't
achieve realization. Actually, all things have their
complementary part; it is only in the human mind and his
perception that they are being separated into opposites. The sun
is not the opposite of the moon, as they complement and are
interdependent on each other, and we cannot survive without
either of them. In a similar way, a male is but the complement of
the female; for without the male, how on earth do we know there
is female, or vice versa. The "oneness" of Yin/Yang is
necessary in life. If a persona riding a bicycle wishes to go
somewhere, he cannot pump on both the pedals at the same time or
not pumping on them at all. In order to move forward, he has to
pump one pedal and release the other. So the movement of going
forward requires this "oneness" of pumping and
releasing. Pumping then is the result of releasing, and vice
versa; each being the cause of the other.
In the Yin/Yang symbol there is a white spot on the black part,
and black spot on the white one. This is to illustrate the
balance in life, for nothing can survive long by going to either
extremes, be it negativeness or positiveness. Therefore, firmness
must e concealed in gentleness, and gentleness firmness, and that
is why a Gung Fu man must be pliable as spring. Notice that the
stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or will
bend with the wind. So in Gung Fu, or any other system, one must
be gentle yet not giving away completely; be firm yet not hard,
and even if he is strong, he should guard it with softness and
tenderness. For if there is no softness in firmness, he is not
strong; in a similar way, if one has firmness concealed in
softness, no one can break through his defense. This principle of
moderation provides a best means of preserving oneself, for since
we accept this existence of the oneness (Yin/Yang) in everything,
and do not teat it dualistically, we thus secure a state of
tranquillity by remaining detached and not inclining to either
extreme. Even if we do incline on one extreme, be it negative or
positive, we will flow with it in order to control it. This
flowing with it without clinging is the true way to get ride of
it.
When the movements in Yin/Yang flow into extremes, reaction sets
in. For when Yang goes to the extreme, it changes to Yin; and
when Yin (activated by Yang) goes to the extreme, it returns back
to Yang (that is why each one is the result and cause of the
other.) For example, when one works to the extreme, he becomes
tired and has to rest (from Yang to Yin). This incessant changing
of Yin/Yang is always continuous.
The application of the theory of Yin/Yang in Gung fu is known as
the Law of Harmony, in which one should be in harmony with, and
not against the force of the opponent. Suppose A applies strength
on B, B shouldn't oppose or gives way completely to it. For these
are but the two extreme opposites of B's reaction. Instead, he
should complete A's force, with a lesser force, and lead
him to the direction of his own movement. As the butcher
preserves his knife by cutting along the bone and not against it,
a Gung Fun man preserves himself by following the movement of his
opponent without opposition or even striving (Wu-Wai,
spontaneous, or spirit action). This spontaneous assisting or A's
movement as he aims it will result in his own defeat.
When a Gung fu man finally understood the theory of Yin/Yang, he
no longer "fusses" with so-called
"gentleness" or "firmness"; he simply does
what the movement requires him to do. In fact, all conventional
forms and techniques are all gone, his movements are those of
everyday movements. He doesn't have to "justify"
himself like so many other masters have, claiming his spirit or
his internal power; to him, cultivation of martial art in the
long run will return to simplicity, and only people of half-way
cultivation justify and brag about themselves.
Bruce Lee,
Oakland, California, USA
Taken from; "Chinese Gung Fu" The Philosophical Art of Self-Defense by Bruce Lee
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