Edward Esko Yin-Yang Primer.pdf

Edward Esko

Yin Yang Primer

A GUIDE TO THE UNIFYING PRINCIPLE OF

HEALTH, PEACE, AND FREEDOM

Yin Yang Primer

Chapter One: Commonality & Difference

“ An understanding of commonality and difference is essential not

only in personal health, but in world peace. In order to realize

world peace, we must unite behind the factors all human beings

share, while respecting the endless diversity of human

experience.”

All things share the same essential nature. Let us take as examples

a pencil, desk, book, and plant. Each exists within time and space;

they have this in common.

Since they exist here and now, on earth at the present time, they

share a tiny segment of the infinity of time and space. They have a

form, and that form is defined by shape, size, color, weight,

density, and other characteristics.

These objects are composed of elements. Elements are formed by

the union of electrons, protons, and other pre-atomic particles. Pre-

atomic particles are made up of energy. They are not solid. As a

Buddhist sutra states, “form is emptiness, and emptiness form.”

Everything is ultimately energy. The atoms that make up each

object are in a constant state of motion. Each object ultimately

changes. All things are ephemeral, existing for a brief moment

within the endless ocean of time.

Attributes such as these are common to all things, from galaxies to

atoms, stars to cells, mist to ice crystals, and elephants to bacteria.

All things share a common origin the universe and pass through a

life cycle defined by a beginning, middle, and end, followed by a

new beginning in a different form. Everything is changing.

At the same time, no two things are identical. Each thing or being

is a unique manifestation of the universe. Perfect “sameness” does

not exist, nor does perfect symmetry.

To prove this to yourself, stand in front of a mirror with a blank

piece of paper. Cover the right half of your face and look closely at

the left. Then cover the left and observe the right. You may be

shocked to see how different each side of your face is.

Things exist within time and space, yet no two things occupy the

same position in time and space. While all physical objects are

made of atoms and molecules, the number and combination of

atoms and molecules in each is unique.

Let us return to the pencil, desk, book, and plant. We see that

although they have color, texture, shape, density, and weight, these

attributes are different in each. Although they are produced by

elements found on earth, the elements that comprise each are

different.

The process in which each came into being is also unique. The

pencil, table, and book are man made, while the plant is created by

nature. Each man made object is made of wood, yet each is made

of wood from a different tree. Each object has a use, yet each is

used differently. Each has value, the value of each is different.

Human beings are perfect examples of the principle of

commonness and difference. If we compare two people, we see

they look alike and move in a similar way. People share functions

such as breathing, eating, discharging waste, sleeping, and

reproduction.

They have a similar life cycle, beginning with birth, proceeding

through growth, maturity, old age, and ending at death. They have

a mother, father, and ancestors stretching back through time.

Moreover, if we compare two people, we see they share a common

environment within a common time period. They have been

exposed to the values, concepts, and lifestyles that characterize

civilization. They have read many of the same books, seen the

same movies, watched the same television programs, and eaten the

same foods.

All people have physical needs for food, clothing, shelter, activity,

and rest, and emotional needs for love, acceptance, and friendship.

Everyone has a physical and spiritual nature. We all seek

happiness and fulfillment.

At the same time, each person is unique. Each is born at a different

time and in a different place, and each has a different size, weight,

body build, hair color, and genetic makeup. Everyone’s face is

unique to him or her, as are facial expressions and mannerisms.

Although we share basic functions, each of us has individual

appetites and preferences. Each person breathes in a different way,

pursues a different type of activity, and needs a specific amount of

rest.

Although the pattern of life is potentially the same for everyone,

the way this pattern plays out differs from person to person.

We share a common environment, yet each of us occupies a

different part of that environment. Time and space are unique to

each individual. Although we have the same sense organs, each of

us perceives the environment from our own perspective.

Everyone has a life dream, but that dream is highly personal.

Our dream is the result of the influence that each of us receives

from our family background and environment. And although the

pursuit of happiness is common to everyone, we all have our own

definition of happiness.

We can sum up by saying, “although we are all in the same boat,

each passenger in the boat is different.”

Our discussion now brings us to principles which express the truth

of commonality and difference:

Commonality:

1. Everything is a manifestation of one infinite universe. (All

beings and things share a common origin, the universe itself.)

2. Everything changes. (Nothing is static. The universe is infinitely

dynamic. All beings and things are constantly changing, they go

through a process of creation, existence, and dissolution. Change is

the only constant.)

3. What has a beginning has an end. (Nothing is permanent; all

beings and things eventually change form and emerge as

something new. This process is without beginning or end.)

Difference:

4. There is nothing identical. (Even though all beings and things

share a common origin and process of change, everything

continually appears, changes form, and reappears in a way that is

unique.)

An understanding of commonness and difference is essential not

only in creating personal health, but in creating world peace. In

order to realize world peace, we must unite behind the factors all

human beings share, while respecting the endless diversity of

human experience.

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