The
symbol to the right represents Kung Fu. It is a black and white circle (called
T'ai Chi Tou, the symbol of T'ai Chi Ch'üan)
surrounded by five yellow plum flower petals (Mei Hua, the symbol
of Shaolin Ch'üan).
The T'ai Chi symbol represents the union of Yin and
Yang, which are the two fundamental principles of nature. Yin-Yang theory is very
ancient and Chinese philosofers used it to explain the origin of the universe.
At first Yang denoted the sun brightness, while Yin the lack of brightness, i.e.
shade.
Subsequently Yang and Yin were considered two natural principles or forces: Yang
was the male principle, positive; Yin was the female principle, negative. Moreover
Yang represented light, warmth, dryness, hardness, activity..., while Yin represented
darkness, cold, moisture, softness, passivity...
According to Chinese mind, all the phenomena of the universe are the resultant
of the combination and the interaction of Yin with Yang. Yin cannot exist without
Yang and Yang cannot exist without Yin. The two principles are inseparable like
the poles of a magnet.
The union of Yin and Yang is called T'ai Chi,
i.e. "ultimate pole" or "first principle". In the T'ai Chi symbol, the black area
represents Yin, the white area Yang. The black and white points which are in the
two areas indicate that Yin and Yang are not absolute, but there is always some
Yin in Yang and vice versa.
The circumference symbolizes the ciclic evolution of nature; the armony between
the opposites is shown by the equality of the measures of the two areas of different
colors.
The bright side is to the right, the dark side is to the left, because the sun
rises in the East. In this case T'ai Chi Tou symbolizes the world. The S-shaped
subdivision between the fields causes the perimeters of Yin and Yang to be the
same as the perimeter of the whole circumference.
The graphic representation of T'ai Chi has also become
the symbol of martial arts in general and of Tai Chi Ch'üan in particular. All
Kung Fu movements are circular as the diagram lines. During the execution of techiniques
and fights there is a continual alternation of Yin and Yang. For example the forward
foot is Yang, the backword foot is Yin, but when we take a step forward Yang becomes
Yin and vice versa.
The foot sustaining the most of the body weigth is Yang, the other is Yin; as
soon as the weigth moves from one foot to the other, Yang becomes Yin and vice
versa.
When we are tight we are Yang, when we relax we become Yin.
The visible parts of our body are Yang, the invisible ones are Yin. For example,
during a fight the opponent sees my rigth fist (which is Yang, because it is visible)
and parries, but he does not see my left fist (Yin), that hits him. But as soon
as the left fist reaches the target it becomes Yang, while the rigth fist changes
into Yin.
The five yellow petals of the plum flower (Mei Hua) represent Shaolin. But they also represent the five elements (wu hsing), originated by the interaction of Yin and Yang. The elements are symbolized by wood, fire, earth, metal and water. For a deeper discussion consult the Bibliography.
