Core
Cosmos/Cosmology Cont'd
Chinese cosmology developed more as a
philosophical explanation rather than religious, as the other concepts did. “It begins by saying that the universe was
originally chaos, and after a period of time broke into two dynamic forces, yin
and yang.” This concept of duality of two interacting, complementary
energies underlies all Chinese culture, according to Moring.
It develops in accordance with a rotating cycle;
when one has reached its peak then the next begins. Within the black and white
symbol of ying and yang the opposite color is present in the other. The
encompassing circle divides the two colors by curved shapes, not as a division
but as fluid. The emphasis is on complementary: exhale/inhale,
positive/negative, up/down, earth/heaven. It is recognized as a fundamental
duality that orders the universe.
Without recognizing the underlying principles, a
first impression might see it as opposites. However, even though opposites
often do attract, and work extremely well in romance literature, they also have
the potential to destroy. Think of it in terms of marriage or business
collaboration where as opposites using their gifts and talents they blend into
a harmonious whole, whereas if they use their abilities against each other they
undermine and break.
It’s interesting that most cultures include
folktales that include the need for harmony and the dangers of imbalance
regardless of cosmology foundations, such as the European fairy tale of the
Snow Queen where winter rules the land. The sense of nature being out of
balance when mankind is out of balance is a common motif as well. Romans 8:22
in the New Testament describes the plight of nature, “that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to
corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know
that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together
until now.”
The duality of yin and yang presents an example
of a harmony similar to a dance.
Exercise:
Choose one natural phenomena that your world experiences. Perhaps
it would be a seasonal aspect such as a short summer in an arctic environment
or a monsoon in a hot climate. Write up one aspect of it as a season of struggle,
at war within itself. Then write it up as season of a harmonious cycle.
Share:
What differences did you notice in your use of language?
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