Duality, this is the absolute of nature. If you look you will always see both sides of the coin that is nature. Not the nature you think from a western point of view, i.e. animals, plants and human beings - Oh my!
Nature as perceived through the ancient classics, i.e. I Ching, Tao Te Ching and the Analects, etc.
Balance is the meaning of life. Since yin-yang are always in flux our goal is to reduce that flux to its minimum creating an equilibrium/balance in all things.
No where else have I encountered this law more so than in the martial arts. It becomes apparent when you study the underlying foundation of principles that are martial systems.
If one or the other complementary principles does not achieve its equal of the other in practice and training it will not create the balance necessary in application to result in success.
Often this concept along with principles are left to the pure physical and the resulting high one receives in achieving the mere physical.
It is only when you create the one wholehearted whole of a martial art that you encounter a true high that is.
What you get when you leave out the yin of the duality of yin-yang is an abomination that can be either good or evil depending on the person or persons involved.
One of those life long endeavors often alluded to in martial arts disciplines is the one achieved through the more esoteric aspects that are difficult. This is what makes true martial budo most difficult.
You can achieve the physical with ease but to achieve the whole of the one that is martial discipline is something rare - even when you hear that millions practice what they believe to be martial arts.
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