User:Hiiambradkim/Yin-yang wu xing theory

Diagram of cyclical interactions among the elements of Wuxing and Yin-yang.

Yin Yang Wuxing Theory refers to the metaphysical theory in Chinese Philosophy that combines Wuxing with yin and yang.

Concept

The theory postulates that all observable phenomena in the universe manifest themselves in the bipolarities of yin and yang (ex: below-above, high-low, male-female). The two polars are both complementary and antagonistic. The movement and direction of the universe is determined by the expansion-and-contraction cycle of yin and yang, which in itself is driven by interaction with the Four Energies (life, aging, ailment, death) and manifest in five distinct phases or ways. The creation and destruction of all materials in the universe can be explained through the dynamic interaction of the five ways within the cycle of yin and yang.

Components

Wuxing

Wuxing refers to the five elements of wood, fire, metal, earth and fire, the earliest known record of its usage can be found in the Book of Documents and the Nine Tenets Decree. In Book of Documents, the five elements are listed as water, fire, wood, metal and earth, along with a description of each element's distinct traits and flavors.

문헌상에서 가장 먼저 보이는 것은 《상서(尙書)》〈홍범(洪範)〉이다. 거기에서는 오행으로서 수·화·목·금·토가 이 순으로 열거되며, 각각의 성질이나 맛이 기억되고 있다. 홍범에서는 오행 또한 정지하고 있는데, 전국기의 음양가 추연은 이를 역사의 장에 적용해서 왕조의 교대에 대해서 이론을 세웠는데, 모든 오덕(오행의 힘) 시종(순화의 뜻)설이다. 그에 의하면 각 왕조는 각각 오행중 하나가 부여되며, 명운이 다 되면 신왕조로 바뀌는데 그 교대는 필연적인 이법에 따라서 순서가 정해진다. 이 순환은 불에 이기는 것은 물, 물에 이기는 것은 흙의 순서이므로, 이를 오행상극이라고 한다.

Impact

Once central to the philosophy and ethos of the East Asian kingdoms (Korea, China, and Japan), the legacies of the Yin-yang Wuxing theory can be found in many aspects of life to this day. During the late Joseon Dynasty, the teachings of the theory became increasingly popular among the common class, effectively serving as the ideological driving force behind a number of civil insurgencies and uprisings, most notably Honggyeongrae Rebellion. Today, the lasting legacies of Yin-Yang Wuxing Theory can be found in the academic fields of sexology, as well as Feng Shui and the True Wei Theory. [[Category:Taoist philosophy]] [[Category:Onmyōdō]]