In all Yang, there is Yin, and in all Yin, exists Yang. As an example, Darth Vader has the seed of goodness, and Luke has the potential to follow his father to the dark side.

There is a black dot in the white spiral and a white dot in the black spiral – these small circles remind us that everything contains the seed of its opposite, and that nothing is absolute. The white swirl, the Yang, represents the sun, growth, and passion. The black swirl, the Yin, is associated with femininity, receptivity, and the moon. The Yin Yang symbol is a circle with two teardrop-shape swirls. In yoga, the combination of active (Yang) and receptive (Yin) practices is essential in order to create overall balance. The movement of these energies is described as the perpetual cycle of Chi.Īlthough they are described as polar opposites, they are completely dependent on one another, with one dissolving into the other in a pattern of constant transformation. Yang is depicted by the white teardrop shape, and has an upward energy like the inhale breath. The color black symbolizes the inner, intuitive sense of understanding the intricacies of life.Īs Yin energy also moves inward, it transforms into Yang energy, ruled by the sun, which then rises and moves outward. Yin energy moves downward, like exhaling breath, and is depicted by a black upside-down teardrop shape in the Yin Yang symbol. Governed by the moon, Yin energy is restorative and receptive. Everything is both cyclical and constant, revolving in an infinite cycle of energy, or Chi (Qi). The basic philosophy of Yin and Yang is that everything in the universe exists in opposition. Let’s take a closer look at the Yin Yang symbol, its meaning, the philosophy behind it, and how we can apply its lessons to our yoga practice.

Attributed to Taoism, the Yin Yang symbol and its meaning dates back to ancient China. These opposites form the foundation of yoga, and are most often referred to as Yin and Yang. It is commonly represented by the yin-yang symbol, a circle made up of black and white swirls, each containing a spot of the other. Darkness and light, inhales and exhales, expansion and contraction – these are all vital components of life. Yin-yang refers to a concept originating in ancient Chinese philosophy where opposite forces are seen as interconnected and counterbalancing.

What does a yin and yang symbol mean