When one studies the I Ching one cannot help but be introduced to the symbol of the "yin and yang" which is enclosed within a "perfect circle." In our understanding of that symbol it has become known:
"End and beginning are connected in a seamless cycle, so that above and below make a perfect circle. Examine the patterns of dragon and tiger [constellations of the eastern and western sky]. Plot their revolutions with regard to the seven regulators [the sun, the moon, and the five planets]."
Every myriad thing of the Earth and Man are composed of a beginning and an end. The life cycle much like constellations, the sun and moon, the flow of blood and the cycles of chi are patterns that are reflected by one another that are plotted by the Tao and if we allow it to guide us then we connect and live contently.
The symbol of the Yin and Yang are encompassed/enclosed by the perfect circle! The sun is a perfect circle of light. The moon is a perfect circle of subdued light for the darkness. The Earth is also a perfect circle where Man resides.
The Tao as the totality of Being is drawn as a circle. Also, the circle, as in Greek philosophy, is regarded as the embodiment of perfection in that nothing can be added to it.
End and beginning are connected in a seamless cycle, so that above and below make a perfect circle. Examine the patterns of dragon and tiger [constellations of the eastern and western sky]. Plot their revolutions with regard to the seven regulators [the sun, the moon, and the five planets].
As for the grinding of the circle and square [Heaven and Earth] against one another, the mutual opposition between hard and soft [yang and yin]; by rule, abundance enters decline and what ends is born again. There is filling up; there is emptying out. If flows or stops; there is not constancy.
Bibliography:
Nylan, Michael. "The Elemental Changes: The Ancient Chinese Companion to the I Ching." Albany NY, State of NY Press. 1994
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