The Power of Yin

By Karen Abler-Carrasco
WSFS Mentor & Instructor

 

The Tao Teh Ching says,

“What is in the end to be shrunken,
Begins by being first stretched out.
What is in the end to be weakened,
Begins by being first made strong.
What is in the end to be thrown down,
Begins by being first set on high.
What is in the end to be despoiled,
Begins by being first richly endowed.

Herein is the subtle wisdom of life:
The soft and the weak overcomes the hard and strong.

Just as the fish must not leave the deeps,
So the ruler must not display his weapons.” *

 

This describes the power of Yin; the strength hidden in the yielding form, the inevitable return to earth of all upward growing things. The destination of all forms and structure is a return to the formless, the dark, the mystery…the home of Yin, where all the surging potential of new life rests and is rebuilt.

 

The fish who hides below is not caught in the flash of light near the surface, and lives longer. The ruler who appears modest in possessions and moderate in strength does not incur jealousy nor evoke fear, and rules a balanced kingdom longer.

 

Thus the qualities of Yin prevail, and bring balance and harmony to the whole. In this year of the Yin Wood Sheep, we are offered a stronger awareness of how quiet Yin moves on the edges of our perception, subtly yet inexorably bringing a corrected balance to our rushing lives, if we have the wisdom to allow it. Let’s make some generous space in our daily routines this year to study and practice her valuable and eternal qualities.

 

 

*From the John C.H.Wu translation of the Tao Teh Ching, Lao Tzu, Chapter 36. Shambhala Publications, 1961.