The goku-i exudes essence that is duality represented by the yin and yang symbol. Most are not aware that although the symbol is presented in a flat two dimensional form the meaning is actually a three dimensional representation of yin-yang that is spiral and helical in its constant changes from one end of the spectrum to the other. This is why you see the spiral and helix in all life, the universe itself.
The spiral is a two-dimensional structure; the helix is its three-dimensional extension into space: the periphery near to and the center far from the eye, center is dense, movement is from periphery to the center, all things begin at the periphery and move toward the center, and it consists of six or seven coils; ea coil = a stage in life.
The microcosmic universe experienced in martial art practice and training is meant to be more than the dual dimension of the physical and mental as represented by yin-yang. The goku-i is meant to reach toward a third form that is often spoken of as spirit where this spirit connects the two, physical and mental, into a more holistic form as we see in the three-dimensional extension into space. This is the essence to the ancient classic teachings.
To explain would take a book, i.e. ergo the "Looking-Glass God" by Nahum Stiskin. In a nutshell the dualistic monism of reality being represented as yin and yang can be symbolized by both a spiral and the helix as denoted in the first paragraph. Apparently this spiral/helix representation is in every phenomena, thing and being so it would go that looking at our martial systems there should be some form of the spiral/helix present if things are as they should be.
I believe that in all martial systems we have duality in a yin and yang form. Fundamentally martial systems are both "hard and soft" which is duality in a monistic fashion, i.e. a system of both hard and soft is "one" system and as an example the Okinawan system of "Goju" demonstrates that at least in its name.
The spiral in this case, martial systems symbolism, would be practice of both the physical and the spiritual where the physical is yang and the spiritual is yin and the goal is to find both extremes and join them holistically into one so the fluctuation remains closer to the center realizing that neutrality is impossible but the ebb and flow from that neutral point is of importance.
The helical aspects comes from the symbolization of the practice of martial systems toward progress. We travel a path toward proficiency and enlightenment which puts us in a forward motion while the practice of the physical and spiritual ebb and flow across the center causes us to spiral around the path creating a spiral and helical effect.
I am reading this book, The Looking-Glass God," for the fourth time and find new facts and such at every read. It is well worth the effort to find a copy to read and study.
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