Yin and yang viewed as parts of an oneness that is expressed in the Tao. The term "dualistic-monism" or dialectical monism has been coined in an attempt to express this fruitful paradox of simultaneous unity and duality. Yin and yang can be thought of as complementary (rather than opposing) forces that interact to form a dynamic system in which the whole is greater than the assembled parts. According to this philosophy, everything has both yin and yang aspects (for instance, shadow cannot exist without light). Either of the two major aspects may manifest more strongly in a particular object, depending on the criterion
Yin and yang sun ④ in relief ⑤ open; overt ⑥ belonging to this world ⑦ [linguistics] masculine ⑧ south side of a hill ⑨ north bank of a river The compound "yin-yang" 陰陽 or 阴阳 means "yin and yang; opposites; ancient Chinese astronomy; occult arts; astrologer; geomancer; etc.". The sinologist Rolf Stein etymologically translates Chinese "yin" 陰 "shady side (of a mountain)" and "yang" 陽 "sunny side (of a mountain)" with the uncommon English geographic terms "ubac" "shady side of a mountain" and "adret" "sunny side of a mountain" (which are of French origin)... Many Chinese place names or toponyms contain the