Yin and Yang
We can’t speak of beauty without knowing ugliness.
We can’t speak of virtue without knowing vice.
We can’t speak of life without knowing death.
We cannot achieve without knowing failure.
We cannot find silence without knowing noise.
From The Tao Te Ching, Chapter 2 – trans. William Martin
The above lines from chapter two illustrate the essential duality of life. Everything gives rise to its opposite and nothing can exist separate from this paradox. Yin and Yang are inseparable. One part of Newton’s Law of physics echoes this theme, saying that, “for every force applied, there is an equal and opposite reaction force.”
The shadow side of our culture has been dominant for a long time; decades, perhaps centuries, but it has been well disguised. It has effectively masqueraded as progress, advancement, and freedom all the while being energized by greed, acquisition, oppression, and the plundering of the Earth’s resources. Now we have the opportunity to see the face and shape of this shadow and where our path has been leading us all along. In retrospect, it is no surprise. It is indeed “who we are.”
The blessing of this is that otherwise we would likely have continued to believe the masquerade. Now we have been unmasked and have been given the opportunity to discover what true power, authentic compassion, genuine freedom, and actual justice might be. Notice the Yin/Yang symbol above: In the middle of the greatest width of the dark always dwells the seed of light.
The eternal wheel will continue to turn. We will find the power of wisdom waiting within us as we watch idiocy have its day. We will find that our hearts are truly compassionate as we watch the opposite manifest in government. We will find that freedom will come from a return to community, simplicity, and mutual support rather than force of arms. And we will begin to live lives of justice in our everyday actions and relationships rather than receive it from our leaders.
Make no mistake. We are in for difficult times because we have all been asleep and waking up is hard to do. Misogyny, ignorance, and bigotry are a real and present part of this shadow. Women and non-white persons are rightfully worried for their safety, their dignity, and their civil rights. We must work together as people, businesses, and communities to insure that everyone is protected, valued, and insured of justice. True science is being framed as “just your opinion.” Literature is being replaced by twitters and tweets. Arts are being dismissed as impractical. Prejudice is replacing wisdom. We must work together to teach our children and ourselves the power of science, literature, the arts, and the wisdom traditions.
Simplify. Open yourself to the needs of others. Cooperate in every way possible in schools and communities. Find new ways of sharing tools and resources, feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, healing the sick. Open your hearts in compassion. Refuse to cooperate with oppressive systems, rules, and attitudes. The wheel will turn so let’s start the momentum going.
Below is just a sample of the thousands of resources, inspiration, and support available to us in these times. I would be interested in knowing others that you have noticed. Let me know and I’ll share them in my next post. (email me at williaminshasta(at)gmail(dot)com)
Blessings to everyone and have a nice Day of Gratitude
Bill
Vegetarian Resource Group – I have become convinced that a diet that eliminates or greatly reduces animal products is an essential part of a new society for three primary reasons: compassion, environmental responsibility, and healthcare.
Rob Greenfield – Rob remains an archetypal example for young people. His values, energy, and commitment are the core values of a new society.
Uplift – This site gathers many positive articles from various wisdom traditions (including Taoism!) and is a good antidote to “news.”
Guitars in the Classroom – This organization is just one small example of the ways in which committed groups of ordinary citizens can impact the education of our young. Think of all the ways we might form “…. in the classroom” groups. (Art, science, poetry, woodwork, pottery, etc.)
