The Principle of Yin and Yang: Why the Invisible Matters Most

Look closely at a tree. The trunk and branches reach toward the sky, visible to all. Yet the roots, buried deep in the earth, are what truly sustain the entire tree. In life, it is often the same. The more hidden, the more reserved, and the more relaxed something is, the more important it becomes. This is the foundation of the principle of yin and yang, as shared by Venerable Thich Chan Quang in his dharma talk on this subject.

What Are Yin and Yang? The Essence of All Things

In the universe, everything has two aspects. One side is exposed and easily seen, called yang. The other side is concealed and difficult to see, called yin. Venerable Chan Quang explains that yin is the hidden interior, while yang is the outward manifestation. When we look at a person, their face and appearance are yang. However, their inner mind, character, and hidden depths are yin. Similarly, tree roots, house foundations, the back of the body, or anything from the navel downward—these less visible parts belong to yin.

The Invisible Is What Truly Matters

Many people mistakenly believe that appearances and showiness are decisive. In reality, what is easily seen is merely the surface. It is the hidden aspect that creates true essence and stability. Remember the teacher’s words: whatever is hard to see is what matters most, while what is easy to see is not important. This explains why talented people often speak little, wealthy people keep their money in safes, and wise individuals know how to guard themselves. If you meet someone who remains smiling despite harsh insults, do not assume they are weak. They may be a saint who has cultivated equanimity, or someone with enough strength to refrain from reacting. Either way, their discretion makes them formidable, for they hold an invisible power within.

Humility to Receive Blessings from Heaven and Earth

There is a natural law: water always flows from high places to low places. Therefore, because the sea is lower than a hundred rivers, it becomes the place where all waters gather. The teacher teaches that Lao Tzu asked why the sea is the king of a hundred rivers. The answer is simple: because the sea is lower, all rivers flow into it. This is the principle. Applied to daily life, when we practice humility and lower ourselves, we become the "low ground" that receives all blessings. Not only does love and affection flow toward us, but the talents and merit of others naturally spread to us as well. This is the principle of yin and yang within cause and effect (karmic law) and ethics: the more we give, the more we receive.

Exhaling More – Yin-ifying the Body

The human body also follows the laws of yin and yang. During practice, if we make ourselves "yin"—that is, empty and relaxed—the energy of the universe will fill us. One method is "yin-yang qigong," which involves exhaling slowly and for five times longer than inhaling. The teacher explains that exhaling is yin. By practicing this, we yin-ify our bodies, making them empty so that universal energy can fill them again. The first results are better sleep, improved appetite, and mental clarity. Over time, chronic illnesses diminish, and after several years, practitioners may develop internal strength. Interestingly, when we relax our whole body, we also receive force from heaven and earth. Before undertaking important tasks, stand still, breathe, and relax; the effectiveness will increase unexpectedly.

Letting Go and Giving – The Key to Inner Strength

The principle of yin and yang applies not just to physical exercises, but to daily actions. When we practice generosity and help others, we make ourselves "yin." This causes heaven and earth to fill us back up. The teacher emphasizes that giving away money is an act of yin. Heaven and earth pour back into us. This is why those who give generously and help many others inevitably become wealthy. Similarly, when we sit in meditation without thinking, we enter a state of yin. At that moment, wisdom is no longer mere human cleverness, but the clarity of heaven and earth flowing into us. Do not fear becoming "empty" and silent. This is the way to master emotions and receive a far greater source of energy.

Try applying this starting today. Be a little more humble, exhale a little deeper, give a little more, and let go a little more. You will find life becoming lighter, and good things will begin to come to you naturally. This is the teaching of the venerable masters, and it is the message of the yin and yang principle in both daily life and spiritual practice.