The Art of Harmony: Mastering the Law of Yin and Yang in Kung Fu

The Law of Harmony in Tai Chi is based on the concept of Yin and Yang, which are two opposing but complementary forces. When practicing Tai Chi, it is important to be in harmony with the opponent's force and not oppose it directly. Instead, one should use a lesser force to complete the opponent's movement and guide them in the desired direction.

Yin and Yang are opposing but complementary forces in the universe. In t'ai chi, these forces are represented by the concepts of softness and hardness, and the practitioner seeks to balance these qualities in their movements and actions.

The Law of Harmony expresses how the Yin-Yang concepts are applied in Tai Chi. According to this, one should cooperate with the might and might of the opposition rather than rebel against it. This implies that nothing outside of what comes naturally or spontaneously should be done; the key is avoiding any strain. In other words, B must not employ positivity (Yang) against positivity (Yang) when opponent A uses strength (Yang) against him; instead, B must submit to A with the softness (Yin) and guide A in the direction of his own force, negativeness (Yin) to positivity (Yang). When A's strength reaches its peak, the positiveness (Yang) will turn into negativeness (Yin), allowing B to catch him off guard and launch a powerful attack (Yang).

For example, if someone (A) applies strength against you (B), you shouldn't try to oppose that force or give way entirely to it. These are both extreme reactions that can lead to a struggle or conflict. Instead, you should use a smaller force to assist the person's movement and guide them in the direction you want them to go. Because B seamlessly and constantly integrates his movement into that of A without struggling or resisting, the entire process does not feel forced or unnatural.

By applying the Law of Harmony in Tai Chi, you can defend yourself without fighting or struggling. Tai Chi practitioners can defend themselves by following their opponent's movement and not opposing it.

This can ultimately lead to defeating your opponent, as they will be unable to overcome your resistance.

The Law of Harmony could be applied to everyday life. I encourage you, students, to cultivate inner peace and balance to better navigate the challenges and conflicts that arise in life. Practicing the principles of the Law of Harmony could cultivate a sense of balance and harmony within themselves and with the world around them, leading to a more harmonious and fulfilling life.