I’ve always enjoyed the ancient Chinese symbol of Yin - Yang as it helps my understanding of how things work. The outer circle represents “everything” or “truth,” while the black and white shapes within the circle represents the interaction of two energies, called “yin” (black) and “yang” (white). They are not completely black or white, just as things in life are not completely black or white. One cannot exist without the other.
The shape of the yin and yang sections of the symbol, actually gives you a sense of the continual movement of these two energies, causing everything to happen within the whole. The symbol promotes the concept of “unity in duality”, which is the underlying the nature of the Cosmos.
Vacationing on the Big Island of Hawaii was an experience of Yin - Yang. To journey to the Big Island is to discover balance.
V/blogging at DeafRead, DVTV or other online chatrooms can be said to be an experience of Yin-Yang. One can see an example of this from Deb Ann’s post about her experience over time as part of the online deaf community. While there are times of doubt, confusion and turmoil within the d/Deaf community, there are equally times when we experience growth, peace and cohesiveness.
Wikipedia points out that the principle of dichotomy is alive in other philosophies as well. They are seen in examples of Indian philosophy with its distinct dualistic strand, known as Samkhya, and in the supernatural dualism between Gnosticism and Zoroastrianism, which attempt to explain suffering in this world.
But my favorite example of the dichotomy principle comes from Indonesia’s national motto: “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika”, which translates as “Unity in Diversity.” This quote comes from an Old Javanese poem. The idea is similar to yin - yang philosophy. Literally it means ‘In pieces, yet One.’
This poem is noteworthy as it can also be used to promote tolerance among the diverse population of d/Deaf people within the whole of the deaf community. The full stanza of this poem reads:
Rwâneka dhâtu winuwus Buddha Wiswa,
Bhinnêki rakwa ring apan kena parwanosen,
Mangka ng Jinatwa kalawan Siwatatwa tunggal,
Bhinnêka tunggal ika tan hana dharma mangrwa.
Translation (with a Deaf / deaf addendum)
· It is said that the well-known Buddha (Deaf) and Shiva (deaf) are two different substances.
· They are indeed different, yet how is it possible to recognize their difference in a glance,
· since the truth of Buddah (Deaf) and the truth of Shiva (deaf) is One.
· They are indeed different, but they are of the same kind, as there is no duality in Truth.
(This translation is based, with minor adaptations, on the critical text edition by Dr. Soewito Santoso.)
Perhaps our d/Deaf community can model itself after the Indonesian nation. Across its many islands, Indonesia consists of distinct ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups. As a self-proclaimed “unitary nation,” Indonesia has developed a shared identity as seen in their national motto, “Bhinneka tunggal ika” (”Unity in Diversity”). Their diversity shapes their country, just as the yin-yang parts coming together in its symbol give shape to the whole.
We in the deaf community (i.e.: Deaf, deaf, hard of hearing Late-deafened, Deaf-blind, etc.) are “many, yet one.”
The main point in the poem’s translation is that there is unity in duality because there is no duality in truth. Profound! So “his truth” as a Deaf person and “her truth” as a deaf person are both true. They are both real. There is no difference. Truth is what shapes the circle, and in this circle, this cosmos, we are One.
‘In pieces, yet One.’ I like that hehe very poetic. I once thought of getting a yin and yang tattoo but I decided not to at the last minute. I’ve always loved the whole yin and yang life perception. Cool pics and Good bloggin’ as usual.
Left by Roberto on August 24th, 2008
I see you are enrapted with sea turtles, from noticing the ads on your website :o)
Yup, I read a lot about duality and I see that it can be used against unity also (using “vs” as an example… like man vs. woman, white vs black, Christianity vs Judaism, etc., as in “opposites” which could be interpreted negatively by some people.) I see it depends on the perception… yin/yang as unity.
Good blog.
Left by Karen Mayes on August 25th, 2008
Thank you,LaRonda! My heart has been blossoming much more while reading your post! Awesome well-written and beautiful said!
Really, it is perfect example in Deafread and DeafVideo TV. Yin and yang even depends on each other
It needs to represent enlightenment and ignorance, RESPECTIVELY in a good way. Nevertheless, We from two forces in one universe still need each other for a reason. I like the quote, “many, yet one” for Deaf community.
*waving in ILY*
Left by Deb Ann on August 25th, 2008
I’m with Roberto that your post is poetic. *winks*
Left by Deb Ann on August 25th, 2008