Yin and yang whose fusion in physical matter brings the phenomenal world into being. Also "attrib". or as "adj"., and "transf". Cf. yang. b. "Comb"., as yin-yang, the combination or fusion of the two cosmic forces; freq. attrib., esp. as yin-yang symbol, a circle divided by an S-shaped line into a dark and a light segment, representing respectively "yin" and "yang", each containing a 'seed' of the other. yang (jæŋ) Also Yang. [Chinese "yáng" yang, sun, positive, male genitals.] a. In Chinese philosophy, the masculine or positive principle (characterized by light, warmth, dryness, activity, etc.) of the two opposing cosmic forces into which
Chinese sun and moon mirrors respond with fire: the pure essence of "yang". When placed before the moon—the ultimate "yin" 陰 phenomenon in the world—they respond with water: the pure essence of "yin". Thus mirrors offer the paradigm for "proper responsiveness": they reflect the true essence of the ultimate "yin" and "yang"—the alpha and omega of phenomena in early Chinese cosmology." (Carr and Ivanhoe 2000: 56) Erin Cline says the early Chinese attributed mirrors to have a mysterious power and great religious significance. The ceremonial bronze "fusui" 夫遂 and "yangsui" 陽燧 mirrors were seen as active, responsive objects because they could be used to produce