The Principle of Relativity: Understanding the Tao and the Interplay of Difference
In the vast universe, every living creature, no matter how small or insignificant, possesses a certain level of sensitivity and consciousness. This awareness allows them to perceive a hierarchy of beings above and below themselves. Take, for example, a fruit fly, which lives for only a few days. It is keenly aware of the myriad of tiny creatures, objects, and spores floating in the atmosphere, which often go unnoticed by human beings. The fruit fly criticizes these entities, deeming them inferior animals. Similarly, human beings encounter phenomena that surpass their intellectual capacity, just as a quasar lies beyond our comprehension. To truly grasp the essence of the Tao, the Chinese concept of the course of Nature, one must understand the principle of Relativity.
The Principle of Relativity: You Are in the Middle
Irrespective of your location, identity, or existence, you are always at the center. Picture yourself standing on the deck of a ship, observing the horizon. In every direction, the horizon extends to the same distance, creating a circular perception of centrality. This applies to everything in the world; each entity experiences a sense of being at the center. This feeling is accompanied by a natural inclination towards itself, a sensation of tension, and a heightened awareness of its own presence. Whether it be the individual human, the cells within the body, or even microscopic organisms within the bloodstream, each entity possesses a unique individuality. Despite being part of a greater whole, differentiation and individuality persist.
For instance, when you examine your body under a microscope, you'll find countless organisms engaged in various activities such as plots, games, and even consumption of one another. These internal conflicts are reminiscent of wars, fights, plots, and politics among humans. Paradoxically, these conflicts contribute to the overall health and functionality of the organism. Each entity, including us, retains its distinctive individuality. Just as a heart differs from a stomach or a kidney from a pituitary gland, a feeling of differentiation persists within the body, which operates as a cohesive unit.
At the core, every living being experiences itself as a center of tension and resistance. It perceives itself as an obstruction in its own path. Imagine the opposite scenario: waking up in the morning with a profound sense of transparency, where no barriers exist between your organism and the external world. You seamlessly blend into the fabric of existence. However, this state of pure transparency is not the ultimate goal, nor is it easily attainable.
The Taoist philosophy suggests that when clothes fit perfectly, you are unaware of their presence. Similarly, a well-fitting girdle, belt, or pair of shoes goes unnoticed. Likewise, the ideal form of a human being is unaware of their own existence. They effortlessly glide through life without impeding their own progress. This state of transparency is not achieved through a specific technique or practice, as it may initially seem. Instead, it is a natural progression from acknowledging and embracing the inherent blockages and vulnerabilities that define our existence.
The Value of Pain and Differentiation
Pain and differentiation play crucial roles in our perception of self. They affirm our presence by evoking a sense of vulnerability and individuality. People often engage in extreme measures to validate their existence. For instance, within Mexican Catholicism, the intense focus on blood and gore, as depicted in the imagery of Christ with contorted green faces, blood, and thorns, serves as a reminder of one's own existence. Pain and suffering become significant components of penances and trials. They provide a pathway to unity through the exploration of unique individual experiences.
Another example lies in the inherent differences between men and women. The fundamental dissimilarities between genders create an exciting arena for interaction. As men and women struggle to understand each other fully, a space emerges for something profound to occur. Differences matter because they define existence. Anything devoid of significance loses its existence. Thus, wherever differences arise, they encompass two inseparable sides: what it is and what it is not. The interplay between these two sides forms a unified whole.
The Interplay of Difference: Yin and Yang
Ancient Chinese thought extensively explored the interplay of difference, conceptualizing it through the philosophy of Yin and Yang. This philosophy revolves around the primary differences found in the universe: up and down, back and front, black and white, is and isn't, male and female, and positive and negative. Yin represents the shaded side, such as the north side of a mountain or the south bank of a river. Yang, on the other hand, symbolizes the sunny side or the south side of a mountain and the north bank of a river.
The Yin and Yang symbol, two dark and light interlocked fish, embodies the perpetual chase between these two forces. Just as we can never catch a glimpse of the back of our own heads, we can never entirely comprehend the workings of our conscious ego. The philosophy suggests that the mystery of existence lies not only within ourselves but also within the concept of God. The presence of Yang, the conscious, bright, and intelligent side, depends on the coexistence of Yin, the inexplicable, dark, and elusive counterpart.
As individuals, our conscious attention resides in our Yang side. It encompasses our knowledge, information, and know-how. Simultaneously, our Yin side, which we don't fully grasp, allows our Yang side to function. This intricate interplay of Yin and Yang mirrors the broader interplay of existence. Our consciousness and the universe's phenomena, such as the sun shining, stars twinkling, wind blowing, and ocean waves crashing against cliffs, are similarly entwined. We may not control these external forces, but their presence is essential for our own sense of identity and existence.
The principle of Relativity, rooted in the Taoist understanding of the interplay of difference, illuminates the profound nature of our existence and the interconnectedness of all beings and phenomena. As we embrace our individuality and vulnerability, we begin to comprehend the intricate dance of Yin and Yang that shapes our reality.
