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Introduction
Yin and Yang are often mischaracterized in Western pop culture as static opposites—good vs. evil, light vs. dark. In authentic Chinese Metaphysics, however, they represent a theory of relativity and interdependence that predates Einstein. This article explores Yin and Yang not as absolutes but as relative states defined by the concept of 'Dependent Origination.' Using the logic of Master Joseph Yu and the textual analysis of Michael Paton, we examine how these forces create balance in an environment through dynamic interaction rather than static equality. We demonstrate that true Feng Shui mastery lies in managing the relative flux between these polarities.
1. Beyond Dualism
The Western mind is conditioned to think in dualities: absolute good against absolute evil, true against false. This binary logic fails when applied to Yin and Yang. As stated in the Feng Shui Correspondence Course - Intermediate Level, Yin and Yang are "opposite concepts" that together form a "neutral entirety" (0 = 1 + -1) (Yu, 2021a, p. 5). They are not opposing armies; they are the two sides of a spinning coin.
Yin and Yang are defined purely by comparison. Nothing is Yin or Yang in isolation. A candle is Yang compared to a piece of ice, but Yin compared to the Sun. This relativity is the cornerstone of logical Feng Shui. To say a house is "Yin" is meaningless unless we ask: "Relative to what?" Relative to a busy street? Relative to a nightclub? Or relative to a tomb?
2. The Principle of Dependent Origination
The concept of Dependent Origination (arising from Buddhist philosophy but integral to the logic of Chinese Metaphysics) elucidates the mechanism of Yin and Yang. It states that nothing exists independently; everything relies on the existence of its opposite to define it.
In Joseph Yu’s teachings, this is exemplified by the emergence of Tai Ji from Wu Ji. "Something" (Yang) cannot exist without "Something Else" (Yin) (Yu, 2021a, p. 5). If you build a mountain (Yang/Protrusion), you inevitably create a valley (Yin/Depression) beside it. You cannot have the mountain without the valley. They arise mutually.
In Feng Shui application, this implies that we cannot simply "add Yang" to cure a "Yin" problem. We must understand the ecosystem of relationships. If a room is too dark (Yin), adding a bright light (Yang) creates a relationship between the light and the darkness. It does not "destroy" the darkness; it transforms the state of the room relative to human perception.
3. Relativity in the Environment: Active vs. Passive
The Level 1 Fundamentals describes Qi behavior in relative terms: "The vibrant Qi... rises to above" (Yang) while "soft Qi... descends to accumulate" (Yin) (Yu, n.d.-a, p. 3).
Yang (The Facing): In a house, the side with the most activity (street, light, movement) is the Facing side (Yang) (Yu, n.d.-b, p. 14). It is relative. If the front has a small road but the back has a raging ocean or a busy highway, the back becomes the active Yang side relative to the front.
Yin (The Sitting): The side with stability and stillness (mountain, quiet) is the Sitting side (Yin) (Yu, n.d.-b, p. 14).
This relativity challenges the rigid rules of "Front Door = Facing." If the back of the house admits more light and wind (Heaven Qi) and has more human activity (Man Qi), logic dictates it acts as the functional Yang face, regardless of architectural intent.
4. Dynamic Balance: The Mechanism of Transformation
Michael Paton’s review of the Book of Burial highlights that "Qi flows where the earth changes shape" (Paton, 2013). The change of shape—from high to low, from jagged to smooth—is a play of Yin and Yang.
The Enhancing Cycle: Water (Yin/Winter) enhances Wood (Yang/Spring). This is not one destroying the other, but a transfer of resources.
The Controlling Cycle: Metal controls Wood. This is often viewed negatively, but Joseph Yu reframes it: "Wealth is what you control" (Yu, 2001, p. 2-4). Control is necessary for utility. A knife (Metal) carves wood into a useful tool. Without the "control" (Yin restriction) of the wood’s growth (Yang expansion), the wood remains wild and unusable.
Balance in Feng Shui is not 50/50. It is Dynamic Equilibrium. A bedroom requires more Yin (for sleep), while an office requires more Yang (for productivity). A "balanced" bedroom that is 50% bright light and loud noise would be a disaster for health. Therefore, balance is relative to function.
5. Application: Identifying the Relative State (1 and 0)
Advanced Feng Shui applies this theory through the concept of the "Holy 1" (Zheng Shen) and "Holy 0" (Ling Shen) described in Level 3 and Advanced Level courses (Yu, n.d.-b, p. 6; Yu, 2001, p. 10-1).
Holy 1 (Zheng Shen): This is the location of the Ruling Star (Yang/Time). In Period 8, this was the Northeast. To balance this Yang force, it requires a Yin form (Mountain).
Holy 0 (Ling Shen): This is the opposite sector (Southwest in Period 8). To balance this Yin sector, it requires a Yang form (Water).
This demonstrates the "Theory of Relativity" in practice: A location defined as Yang by Time (Zheng Shen) needs a form defined as Yin (Mountain) to achieve balance. If you place Yang Water in a Yang Time sector, you create an overdose of Yang, leading to disaster (Yu, n.d.-b, p. 7). This contradicts simplistic "Water equals Wealth" notions. Water only equals wealth when placed in a relative Yin sector that needs Yang activation.
6. Dynamic Interaction in Star Combinations
The relativity is further explored in Level 4 - Flying Stars Advanced through Star Combinations (Yu, n.d.-c). A star is not inherently "good" or "bad"; its nature changes relative to the Period (Time).
Star 1 and Star 4: Star 1 (Water) feeds Star 4 (Wood). Relative to each other, they are harmonious (Romance/Intelligence).
Star 2 and Star 3: Star 3 (Wood) controls Star 2 (Earth). This is a "Bullfight" combination (Yu, n.d.-c, p. 30). The relativity here is antagonistic.
Relativity of Cures: We use Fire to cure the 3-2 conflict. Fire weakens the Wood (3) and enhances the Earth (2). It acts as a relativistic bridge, changing the relationship from conflict to support.
7. Conclusion
Yin and Yang are the theory of relativity for the metaphysical world. They teach us that reality is constructed through relationships, not isolated facts. By understanding Dependent Origination—that the existence of the observer defines the observed, and the existence of the shadow defines the light—we move away from superstitious prescriptions (e.g., "red brings luck") toward a logical manipulation of environmental variables. We do not "fix" a house; we adjust its relative relationship to the environment to support the specific needs of the inhabitants.
References
Paton, M. (2013) Five Classics of Fengshui: Chinese Spiritual Geography in Historical and Environmental Perspective. Leiden: Brill.
Yu, J. (n.d.-a) Level 1 Fundamentals. Qi Planning.
Yu, J. (n.d.-b) Level 3 Flying Stars Fundamentals. Qi Planning.
Yu, J. (n.d.-c) Level 4 - Flying Stars Advanced. Qi Planning.
Yu, J. (2001) Feng Shui Correspondence Course - Advanced Level.
Yu, J. (2021a) Feng Shui Correspondence Course - Intermediate Level.
Yu, J. (2021b) Feng Shui Correspondence Course - Elementary Level.
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