Chapter 3 The Third Dimension: Motion On A Segment
In the third dimension of awareness, mankind became aware that time can interact with space. Just as it is 'light' that enables time and space to interact throughout the universe, mankind became aware that, just as his space exists and his time exists, he exists, and that it is his consciousness that enables his space to flow through his time.
The cycle of nature that enabled mankind to become aware of the third dimension was the cycle of the day, just as for the second dimension.
In the third dimension of awareness, time again subdivided. The awareness of the 'not now', the past, subdivided from '1', a past, into '2', a past and a future. The past occurred 'before' the present, and the future will occur 'after' the present.
Both time and space in the third dimension of awareness can be symbolized by the geometric bi-directional line segment. The point at the middle of the segment represents the point of the here and now, the present. In the '2'nd dimension of awareness, as mankind looked forward, 'before' himself in space, beyond the point of the here, he looked forward, 'before' himself in time, into time that has flowed into the past. In the '3'rd dimension of awareness, as mankind learned to look backward, 'after' himself in space, behind the point of the here, he learned to look backward, 'after' himself in time, into time that will flow from the future. Notice that the word 'after' is used in English both for 'in back' in space and 'in the future' in time.
3.1 Language In The '3'rd Dimension
As there was awareness of a past and a future, there could be awareness of 'motion' between objects and attributes of nature. There could be awareness of motion 'from' the future 'to' the past, or 'from' the past 'to' the future. As well, there could be motion 'at' the present.
In the '3'rd dimension of awareness, two dimensional nouns were subdivided. In the '2'nd dimension, a 'man' was always a 'man'; for example, 'Joe' could not evolve into a 'woman'. In the '3'rd dimension, there could be motion 'to', 'at', and 'from' a noun. An example is the noun 'teacher'. A 'man' might not be a 'teacher', but he could change over time such that, as the future evolves into the present, he becomes a 'teacher'. As well, he could continue to change, such that as the present evolves into the past, he could become no longer a 'teacher'. A 'man' can be a 'teacher' for a segment of time.
Two dimensional, uni-directional, adjectives, such as 'young' and 'old', evolved into three dimensional adjectives that can modify a noun for a segment in time. Examples are 'hot' and 'cold'. An object can be 'hot', for example, and then it can be cold, after which it is possible to be 'hot' again, etc. Neither 'hot' or 'cold' is always '1'st, and each can evolve into the other, unlike the uni-directional flow from 'young' to 'old'.
In the '3'rd dimension of awareness, mankind developed the '3'rd type of word in language, the 'verb'. Three dimensional verbs, verbs of motion, are 'intransitive' verbs. There are '3' directions of motion, and therefore '3' forms of verbs. Motion can be 'at a point' in the present, 'to or from a point' in the past, or 'from or to a point' in the future. Examples include 'come to this point', 'go from this point', and 'sit at this point'.
In the '3'rd dimension of awareness, language developed another unit of meaning. The three dimensional unit of meaning is the 'clause'. Noun phrases could be combined with a verb to form a bi-directional segment. An example of the three dimensional unit of meaning, the 'clause', that is used in expressing the motion of the noun 'man' at a point on a segment is the clause 'man sits'.
In the second dimension of awareness, there was awareness of the 'ray'. In the third dimension of awareness, there was also awareness of the 'segment'. Two dimensional rays can interact on a three dimensional segment. The phrases 'big man' and 'little rock' are examples of 'phrases', the two dimensional unit of meaning. The three dimensional clauses 'big man goes to little rock', 'big man comes from little rock', and 'big man sits at little rock' are examples of two rays that are interacting on a segment. Notice that when the verb in a clause is spoken, one noun has already been spoken 'before', in the past, and the other noun will be spoken 'after', in the future. As the future evolves into the past, 'man' will be in motion 'to' the 'rock'.
The third dimension is the dimension of 'motion'. An object, or attribute, can be in motion 'at' the point of the now, 'from' a point in the future or in the past, or 'to' a point in the past or in the future.
Motion at the present is motion at the point before the eyes. Examples include 'Joe sits', 'Joe sleeps', etc., where the motion of Joe is at the position of the point before the eyes of the speaker.
Motion into the past is motion away from the point before the eyes, in the direction that people recognize as 'before'. As an object moves 'before' an observer, and as the object moves farther away from the observer in space, the object also moves farther away from the observer in time, into the observer's past. In other words, as an object moves in the direction of 'before' the observer, the more time that the object continues to move, the farther away that the object will be in space. The farther away that the object moves in space, the longer it will have been since that object was at the point before the observer's eyes, in the observer's present, and so the farther into the observer's past the object will have moved. An example is 'Joe goes to the rock', where Joe moves in the direction of 'before' (away from) the observer.
Motion into the future is motion toward the point before the eyes, in the direction that people recognizes as toward 'after'. As an object moves in the direction of 'after' an observer, and as the object moves closer to the observer in space, the object also moves closer to the observer in time, into the observer's future. In other words, as an object moves in the direction of 'after', toward the space after the observer, the more time that the object continues to move, the closer that the object will be to the observer in space. The closer that the object moves in space, the sooner it will be that the object is at the point before the observer's eyes, and so the object is moving such that in the future of the observer the object will be in the observer's present. The object is moving into the observer's future. An example is 'Joe comes from the rock', where Joe moves in the direction of 'after' (toward) the observer.
3.2 Chinese In The '3'rd Dimension
In the third dimension of awareness, the 1 (of the Tao) gave rise to 2. With awareness of the '3'rd dimension, the '2'nd dimension subdivided into '2'. The '3'rd dimension symbolizes an awareness of '2' subdivisions into '2'. The number '2' with '2' subdivisions can be symbolized mathematically as '22 ', and as '22 = 4', in the '3'rd dimension there is awareness of '4'. The '2'nd subdivision of the unity of the Tao was the subdivision of '2' into '4'. Mankind (each person) now became aware that it is his consciousness that determines his 'reality', his awareness of how objects in space around him change over his time. In the '3'rd dimension, there is awareness of 'me'. The '3' of the '3'rd dimension symbolize Yang, Yin, and 'Mankind' ('me'). Mankind enables Yang and Yin to interact, in what is known as 'consciousness'.
In the second dimension, speakers of Chinese were only aware of a uni-directional flow of space into time and time into space. In the third dimension of awareness, there is a subdivision of the '1' (Yang) direction into '2' (Yin) directions. In the second dimension, space and time were a ray, a ray of '2' points in space, the here and the there, and '2' points in time, the present and the past. In the third dimension, space and time subdivided again. Space subdivided into a 'there' that cannot be seen (Yin) as well as a 'there' that can be seen (Yang). Time subdivided into a future (Yin), which cannot be seen, as well as a past (Yang), which can be seen. In the third dimension of awareness, mankind was aware of the 'after' ('behind') as well as the 'before' in space and in time, of a there 'after' me in space where 'I' cannot see it as well as a there before me in space where 'I' can see it, and of a past 'before' me in time as well as of a future 'after' me in time; mankind was aware of the bi-directional line segment as well as the uni-directional ray segment. Mankind himself symbolizes the present, the now. It is in the present of mankind that the Yin of the future evolves into the Yang of the past.
The '3'rd dimension symbolizes '3', and as each subdivides into Yang and Yin, '3' dimensional awareness is a '6' stage cycle (3 x 2 = 6). 'I' am aware of motion at the point of the present. Whether or not 'I' am aware of it, this motion has a past, 'before' it came to be at the point of the present. The past of this motion evolved into my future (stage 1), from where it evolved into my present, here and now (stage 2). Once the motion is no longer in the present, it has evolved into my past (stage 3). In order to be aware of time other than at the point of the present, my past (stage 3), what 'I' have experienced 'before', must again evolve into my future (stage 4). From the future (stage 4), it will then evolve again into the present (stage 5). The '2'nd (Yin) time that the motion enters my present, the '2'nd time that 'I' have an experience, 'I' have a greater awareness of it, as 'I' was aware of it 'before', in the past. Upon completion of the motion that has evolved into my present for the '2'nd time, it then evolves again into the past (stage 6). There is Yang and Yin, and there is time and space, and there are '2' halves of this cycle, beginning with each of the '2' hands. In one of these half cycles, 'I' am aware of the future (stage 1) before it evolves into the present, in which case 'I' am not aware of my past (stage 6) after it evolves out of my present. In the other half of the cycle, 'I' am not aware of the future (stage 1) before it evolves into the present, in which case 'I' am aware of the past (stage 6) as it evolves out of my present. The future and the past, one will be light and the other will be dark, as one will be Yang and the other will be Yin. And yet, as 'I' have '2' hands, 'I' can be aware of both my future and my past.
How did ancient mankind symbolize the '3' distinctions of the '3'rd dimension on the hands? Below (Yin to) the thumb, the '2'nd (Yin) finger of each hand to be used is the index finger. Instead of using '1' (Yang) thumb, as in the second dimension, in the third dimension '2' (Yin) fingers are used, the thumb and the index finger.
As with the second dimension, the cycle of nature that enabled awareness of the third dimension was the cycle of light and darkness. In the second dimension, there were '2' distinctions of time in the cycle of light and darkness, light (Yang) and darkness (Yin). In the third dimension, each of these distinctions subdivides. Light (Yang) subdivides into a '1'st (Yang) stage of growth, where light (Yang) is increasing (Yang) but remains less than (Yin to) darkness (Yin), and a '2'nd (Yin) stage of growth, where there is more (Yang) light (Yang) and less (Yin) darkness (Yin). Darkness (Yin) subdivides into a '1'st (Yang) stage of growth, where darkness (Yin) is increasing (Yang) but remains less than (Yin to) light (Yang), and a '2'nd (Yin) stage of growth, where there is more (Yang) darkness (Yin) and less (Yin) light (Yang).
In order to be aware of these '4' distinctions of Yang and Yin, of light and darkness, it is necessary to be aware of not only the maximum point of Yang (which is the minimum point of Yin), the point of the sun in the sky at noon, and the minimum point of Yang (which is the maximum point of Yin), the point of midnight, but it is also necessary to be aware of the midpoints as well. There are '2' (Yin) midpoints, known as 'sunrise' and 'sunset'. When the sun is highest in the sky at noon, it is at maximum Yang, and Yin is correspondingly at its minimum. Once Yang reaches its maximum, it can only evolve into Yin; light can only evolve into darkness. Sunset is the point in the cycle of the day where Yang has decreased and Yin has increased to the point that darkness (Yin) has become equal to light (Yang). Sunset is at the point of the present during the cycle of the day when there is as much light in the past as there is darkness in the future. 'Midnight' is the name of the point during the cycle of the day where darkness (Yin) is at its maximum and light (Yang) is at its minimum. Once Yin reaches its maximum, it can only evolve into Yang; darkness can only evolve into light. Sunrise is the point in the cycle of the day where Yin has decreased and Yang has increased to the point that light (Yang) has become equal to darkness (Yin). Sunrise is at the point of the present during the cycle of the day when there is as much darkness in the past as there is light in the future.
In order to orient to time in the third dimension, the hands are positioned as for orienting to time in the second dimension. In the '2'nd dimension, the '1'st (Yang) subdivision into space and time, there is '1' (Yang) point to begin the cycles of space and time. In the '3'rd dimension, the '2'nd (Yin) subdivision of space and time, there are '2' (Yin) points to begin the cycles of space and time.
As time is Yin, the right (Yin) hand, which points to the southeastern (Yang) quarter of the sky, becomes active (Yang) '1'st (Yang). The '1'st (Yang) motion (Yang) that 'I' see in the cycle of the day is 'sunrise'. Sunrise is the point in the cycle of the day when 'I' am between darkness (Yin) and light (Yang).
At sunrise, the fingers of the right (Yin) hand become active (Yang). The index finger extends (Yang) toward the point on the horizon of the east (Yang), the point of the sunrise. The thumb is also active (Yang), and extends (Yang) toward the point of the sunrise in the east (Yang), such that it touches the middle bone of the index finger. The middle bone symbolizes the present, the 'now', and the motion 'now' is the sunrise, to which both (Yang) fingers are pointing. Both fingers are active at the point of the present, as it is here, now, that Yang evolves into Yin and Yin evolves into Yang. (Photo 3.2-1)
Photo 3.2-1
The motion (Yang) continues through the cycle of the day. The next finger position symbolizes noon, the point of maximum Yang and minimum Yin during the cycle of the day. The index finger is outside of (Yang to) the thumb, and so is active (Yang) '1'st (Yang). The thumb was '1'st (Yang) in the second dimension, and this is the '2'nd (Yin) time that the thumb is used. The thumb is therefore Yin, and the index finger, for which this is its '1'st (Yang) use, becomes active (Yang) '1'st (Yang). The index (Yang) finger extends (Yang) outward (Yang) and upward (Yang), with all (Yang) bones pointing in '1' (Yang) direction. The thumb is still (Yin) '1'st (Yang), and so the thumb moves closer (Yin) to the hand, the bones of the thumb bend in '2' (Yin) directions, the distal bone of the thumb points downward (Yin), and the thumb touches the near (Yin) bone of the index finger, the proximal bone. (Photo 3.2-2)
Photo 3.2-2
'I' became aware of the light (Yang) of the day at the point of sunrise. As time has passed, that here and now has moved into the past, and has become part of the there and then. This '1'st (Yang) change in finger position symbolizes what will be my past, at noon.
The next finger position symbolizes midnight, the point of maximum Yin and minimum Yang during the cycle of the day. The Yang finger becomes Yin and the Yin finger becomes Yang. The index finger becomes Yin, and extends less far (Yin) and points rearward (Yin) and downward (Yin), with the bones pointing in different (Yin) directions. The thumb becomes more (Yang) active, and extends fully (Yang), such that it touches the far (Yang) bone of the index finger, the distal bone. Yin symbolizes the future. The future (Yin) is dark (Yin), and 'I' cannot see it, although 'I' can be aware that it will evolve into the present. The index finger is bent (Yin) and is not clearly visible because of the thumb, as the future (Yin) is dark (Yin). (Photo 3.2-3)
Photo 3.2-3
The last awareness of motion in the cycle of the day is at sunset, where day evolves into night. The index finger and the thumb are both relaxed (Yin), such that the bones of the thumb are bent in '2' (Yin) directions and point downward (Yin) and the bones of the index finger are bent in different (Yin) directions and point toward the west (Yin), and such that the thumb touches the middle bone of the index finger. (Photo 3.2-4) The middle bone symbolizes the present, the 'now', and the motion 'now' is to the sunset (Yin), to which the index finger is pointing. At this '2'nd (Yin) point of the here and now in this cycle, 'I' am aware not only of this point of the 'now', but also of the '1'st (Yang) point of the 'now', 'before' in this cycle. 'I' am aware of time in the past and future.
Photo 3.2-4
When sunset is in the present, 'now', the light that has gone 'before' (Yang) 'now' in time is symbolized by the Yang index finger. When the index finger was Yang, the thumb was Yin, and so the thumb touched the proximal (Yin) bone of the index finger. The Yang index finger was active (Yang) '1'st (Yang), symbolizing that there was light (Yang) in the past (Yang). The Yang index finger symbolizes noon, and when sunset is at the point of the 'now', noon is in the past. The darkness (Yin) that will come 'after' (Yin) 'now' in time is symbolized by the Yang thumb. When the thumb was Yang, the index finger was Yin, and so the thumb touched the distal (Yang) bone of the index finger. The thumb was active '2'nd (Yin), symbolizing that there will be darkness (Yin) in the future (Yin). The Yin thumb symbolizes midnight, and when sunset is at the point of the 'now', midnight is in the future.
There are '4' points in the '3' dimensional cycle of the day. At the '1'st (Yang) point, both fingers are the same (Yang), extended (Yang). At the '2'nd (Yin) point, the fingers are different (Yin); the index finger (Yang) is extended (Yang), and the thumb (Yin) is relaxed (Yin). The '2'nd (Yin) half of the cycle is symmetrical. In the '1'st (Yang) half of the '2'nd (Yin) half of the cycle, the fingers are different (Yin); the thumb (Yin) is extended (Yang), and the index finger (Yang) is relaxed (Yin). In the '2'nd (Yin) half of the '2'nd (Yin) half, both fingers are the same (Yang), relaxed (Yin). The index finger is extended (Yang) in the '1'st (Yang) half, and is relaxed (Yin) in the '2'nd (Yin) half. The thumb is Yin, and so extends (Yang) in the '1'st (Yang) half of each half, and relaxes (Yin) in the '2'nd (Yin) half of each half. Notice that the thumb has '2' positions, and the index finger has '4' positions.
Once the right (Yin) hand has completed the '1'st (Yang) half of the three dimensional cycle of time (Yin), the left (Yang) hand becomes active (Yang) and the right (Yin) hand becomes still (Yin). How does the active (Yang) hand become still (Yin)? The thumb (Yin) relaxes (Yin) '1'st (Yang). The thumb relaxes (Yin) downward (Yin) onto the middle finger. The index (Yang) finger relaxes (Yin) '2'nd (Yin), across the thumb, such that the index finger points to the tip of the nose, the 'I'. (Photo 3.2-5)
Photo 3.2-5
The right (Yin) hand completes its cycle at sunset, and therefore it is at sunset that the left (Yang) hand, which points to the southwestern (Yin) quarter of the sky, becomes active (Yang). At sunset, the darkness (Yin) of the future (Yin) is evolving into the present. Just as the Yin hand began with Yang, the Yang hand begins with Yin.
The left (Yang) index finger extends (Yang) toward the point on the horizon of the west (Yin), the point of the sunset. The thumb is also active (Yang), and extends (Yang) toward the point of the sunset in the west (Yin), such that it touches the middle bone of the index finger. The middle bone symbolizes the present, the 'now', and the motion 'now' is the sunset, to which both (Yang) fingers are pointing.
The next finger position symbolizes midnight, the point of maximum Yin and minimum Yang during the cycle of the day. The Yin finger becomes Yang and the Yang finger becomes Yin. The index finger, which was active (Yang) '1'st (Yang) with the '1'st (Yang) hand, becomes still (Yin), and extends slightly (Yin) and points rearward (Yin) and downward (Yin), with the bones pointing in different (Yin) directions. The thumb, which was still (Yin) '1'st (Yang) with the '1'st (Yang) hand, becomes active (Yang), and extends fully (Yang), such that it touches the far (Yang) bone of the index finger, the distal bone. As Yin is '1'st (Yang) with the '2'nd (Yin) hand, this symbolizes the past. In this left hand half of the cycle, the past (Yang) is dark (Yin), as 'I' cannot see it, although 'I' can be aware that it did evolve into my present. The index finger is bent (Yin) and is hard to see, as the past (Yang) is dark (Yang).
The next finger position symbolizes noon, the point of maximum Yang and minimum Yin during the cycle of the day. The index finger extends (Yang) outward (Yang) and upward (Yang), with all (Yang) bones pointing in '1' (Yang) direction. The thumb relaxes (Yin), and moves closer (Yin) to the hand, the bones bend in '2' (Yin) directions, the distal bone of the thumb points downward (Yin), and the thumb touches the near (Yin) bone of the index finger, the proximal bone.
The last awareness of motion in the '2'nd (Yin) half of the cycle of the day is at sunrise, where night evolves into day. The index finger and the thumb are both relaxed (Yin), such that the bones of the thumb are bent in '2' (Yin) directions and point downward (Yin) and the bones of the index finger are bent in different (Yin) directions and point toward the east (Yang), and such that the thumb touches the middle bone of the index finger. The middle bone symbolizes the present, the 'now', and the motion 'now' is to the sunrise (Yang), to which the index finger is pointing. At this '2'nd (Yin) point of the here and now in this cycle, 'I' am aware not only of this point of the 'now', but also of the '1'st (Yang) point of the 'now', 'before' in this cycle. 'I' am aware of time in the past and future.
When sunrise is in the present, 'now', the darkness that has gone 'before' (Yang) 'now' in time is symbolized by the Yang thumb. When the thumb was Yang, the index finger was Yin, and so the thumb touched the distal (Yang) bone of the index finger. The thumb was active (Yang) '1'st (Yang), symbolizing that there was darkness (Yin) in the past (Yang). The Yang thumb also symbolizes midnight, and when sunrise is at the point of the 'now', midnight is in the past. The light (Yang) that will come 'after' (Yin) 'now' in time is symbolized by the Yang index finger. When the index finger was Yang, the thumb was Yin, and so the thumb touched the proximal (Yin) bone of the index finger. The index finger was active '2'nd (Yin), symbolizing that there will be light (Yang) in the future (Yin). The Yang index finger also symbolizes noon, and when sunrise is at the point of the 'now', noon is in the future.
Once the left (Yang) hand has completed the '2'nd (Yin) half of the three dimensional cycle of time (Yin), the right (Yin) hand again becomes active (Yang) and the left (Yang) hand again becomes still (Yin), and the cycle of the day repeats.
The '1'st (Yang) half of the three dimensional cycle of time begins at sunrise. The past (Yang) is dark (Yin), and there was no awareness of light (Yang) until it evolves into the present, now, at sunrise. This motion then evolves into the past. At the point of sunrise, darkness is in the past, and light is in the future. The light of the future evolves into the past, and noon symbolizes the past. The past evolves into the future, and the darkness that was in the past evolves into the future, at midnight. When next awareness evolves into the present, at sunset, noon is in the past and midnight is in the future. This is just as at sunrise, except that the future has evolved into the past and the past has evolved into the future; the past that was darkness at sunrise is light at sunset, and the future that was light at sunrise is now darkness.
The '2'nd (Yin) half of the three dimensional cycle of time begins at sunset. The past (Yang) is light (Yang), and there is awareness of light (Yang) before it evolves into the present, now at sunset. At the point of sunset, light is in the past, and darkness is in the future. The darkness of the future evolves into the past, and midnight symbolizes the past. The past evolves into the future, and the light that was in the past evolves into the future, at noon. When next awareness evolves into the present, at sunrise, midnight is in the past and noon is in the future. This is just as at sunset, except that the future has evolved into the past and the past has evolved into the future; the past that was light at sunset is darkness at sunrise, and the future that was darkness at sunset is now light. In the '1'st (Yang) half of the cycle, 'I' could see my future, and then 'I' could see my past. In the '2'nd (Yin) half of the cycle, 'I' could see my past, and then 'I' could see my future. In the third dimension, 'I' am aware of both a past and a future in time.
In order to orient to space in the third dimension, the hands are positioned as for orienting to space in the second dimension. As space is Yang, the left (Yang) hand, which points to the southwestern (Yin) quarter of the earth, becomes active (Yang) '1'st (Yang). The '1'st (Yang) very noticeable change in motion (Yang) that 'I' see in space on this part of the earth is at the point of the west. The west is the point of the sunset, and is the point on the earth where 'I' am between the motion (Yang) of light (Yang) and the stillness (Yin) of darkness (Yin).
When 'I' look to (become aware of) motion in the west, the fingers of the left (Yang) hand become active (Yang). The index finger extends (Yang) toward the point on the horizon of the west, the '1'st (Yang) point in the '1'st (Yang) half of this cycle. The thumb is also active (Yang), and extends (Yang) toward the point of the west, such that it touches the middle bone of the index finger. The middle bone symbolizes the 'here', and the motion 'here' is in the west, to which both fingers are pointing. (Photo 3.2-6)
Photo 3.2-6
The motion (Yang) of light (Yang) on the earth is decreasing (Yin), because the left (Yang) hand points to the Yin half of the earth. The next finger position symbolizes the north. As the left (Yang) hand points to the Yin half of the earth, Yin is '1'st (Yang). The thumb is inside (Yin to) the index finger, and is therefore active (Yang) '1'st (Yang). The thumb (Yang) extends (Yang) outward (Yang), with all (Yang) bones pointing in '1' (Yang) direction. The index (Yin) finger is still (Yin) '1'st (Yang), and so the index finger moves closer (Yin) to the hand, the bones bend in different (Yin) directions, the distal bone of the index (Yin) finger points rearward (Yin) and downward (Yin), and the thumb touches the far (Yang) bone of the index finger, the distal bone. (Photo 3.2-7)
Photo 3.2-7
Awareness begins at the point of the here and now. As objects in space move, that 'here' and now becomes part of the there and then. This '1'st (Yang) change in finger position symbolizes the past (Yang).
The next finger position symbolizes the south. The Yang finger becomes Yin and the Yin finger becomes Yang. The index finger becomes more (Yang) active, and extends fully (Yang), outward (Yang) and forward (Yang). The thumb becomes relaxed (Yin), and extends less far (Yin), with the bones pointing in '2' (Yin) directions, such that it touches the near (Yin) bone of the index finger, the proximal bone. Yin symbolizes the future. The future (Yin) is 'there' (Yin), such that 'I' can see things 'there'. (Photo 3.2-8)
Photo 3.2-8
The last awareness of motion in the cycle of space on the earth is in the east, where the 'there that I cannot see' evolves into the 'there that I can see'. The index finger and the thumb are both relaxed (Yin), such that the bones of the thumb are bent in '2' (Yin) directions and point downward (Yin) and the bones of the index finger are bent in different (Yin) directions and point toward the east (Yang), and such that the thumb touches the middle bone of the index finger. The middle bone symbolizes the present, the 'now', and the motion 'now' is to the sunrise (Yang), to which the index finger is pointing. At this '2'nd (Yin) point of the here and now in this cycle, 'I' am aware not only of this point of the here, but also of the '1'st (Yang) point of the here, 'before' in this cycle. 'I' am aware of space there that 'I' can see 'before' me, and there that 'I' cannot see 'behind' me. (Photo 3.2-9)
Photo 3.2-9
When the east is in the present, 'here', the stillness that was 'before' (Yang) 'here' in space is symbolized by the Yang thumb. The thumb was active (Yang) '1'st (Yang), symbolizing that there was stillness (Yin) in the past (Yang). The Yang thumb also symbolizes north, and when east is at the point of the here, north is in the past, 'before' 'here', 'there where 'I' cannot see anything, as it is still'. The motion (Yang) that 'I' will see 'after' (Yin) 'here' in space, in the south, is symbolized by the Yang index finger. The index finger was active '2'nd (Yin), symbolizing that there will be motion (Yang) in the future (Yin). The Yin index finger also symbolizes south, and when east is at the point of the 'now', south is in the future, 'after' 'here', 'there' where 'I' can see things, as there will be motion.
Once the left (Yang) hand has completed the '1'st (Yang) half of the three dimensional cycle of space (Yang), the right (Yin) hand become active (Yang) and the left (Yang) hand becomes still (Yin).
The left (Yang) hand completed its cycle in the east, and it is in the east that the right (Yin) hand, which points to the southeastern (Yang) quarter of the earth, becomes active (Yang). In the east, the motion (Yang) of the future is evolving into the present. Just as the Yang hand begins with Yin, the Yin hand begins with Yang.
When 'I' look to (become aware of) the motion of the east, the fingers of the right (Yin) hand become active (Yang). The index finger extends (Yang) toward the point on the horizon of the east (Yang), the '1'st (Yang) point in this half of this cycle. The thumb is also active (Yang), and extends (Yang) toward the point of the east, such that it touches the middle bone of the index finger. The middle bone symbolizes the 'here', and the motion 'here' is in the east, to which both fingers are pointing.
The motion (Yang) of light (Yang) on the earth is increasing (Yang), because the right (Yin) hand points to the Yang half of the earth. The next finger position symbolizes the south. As the right (Yin) hand points to the Yang half of the earth, Yang is '1'st (Yang). The index finger is outside (Yang) of the thumb, and is therefore active (Yang) '1'st (Yang). The index finger extends (Yang) outward (Yang) and forward (Yang), with all (Yang) bones pointing in '1' (Yang) direction. The thumb (Yin) is still (Yin) '1'st (Yang), and so the thumb moves closer (Yin) to the hand, the bones bend in '2' (Yin) directions, and the thumb touches the near (Yin) bone of the index finger, the proximal bone.
The next finger position symbolizes the north. The Yang finger becomes Yin and the Yin finger becomes Yang. The index finger becomes relaxed (Yin), and extends less far (Yin) and points rearward (Yin) and downward (Yin), with the bones pointing in different (Yin) directions. The thumb becomes more (Yang) active, and extends fully (Yang), such that it touches the far (Yang) bone of the index finger, the distal bone. Yin symbolizes the future. The future (Yin) is there (Yin), in the dark (Yin), such that 'I' cannot see things 'there', although 'I' can be aware that there must be things 'there'.
The last awareness of motion in the cycle of space on the earth is in the west, where the 'there that I can see in the past' evolves into the 'there that I cannot see in the future'. The index finger and the thumb are both relaxed (Yin), such that the bones of the thumb are bent in '2' (Yin) directions and point downward (Yin) and the bones of the index finger are bent in different (Yin) directions and point toward the west (Yin), and such that the thumb touches the middle bone of the index finger. The middle bone symbolizes the present, the 'now', and the motion 'now' is to the west (Yin), to which the index finger is pointing. At this '2'nd (Yin) point of the here and now in this cycle, 'I' am aware not only of this point of the here, but also of the '1'st (Yang) point of the here, 'before' in this cycle. 'I' am aware of space there that 'I' can see behind me, and there that 'I' cannot see 'before' me.
When the west is in the present, 'here', the motion that was 'before' (Yang) 'here' in space is symbolized by the Yang index finger. The index finger was active (Yang) '1'st (Yang), symbolizing that there was motion (Yang) in the past (Yang). The Yang index finger also symbolizes south, and when west is at the point of the here, south is in the past, 'before' 'here', 'there where 'I' can see things, as there is motion'. The stillness (Yin) that 'I' will see 'after' (Yin) 'here' in space, in the north, is symbolized by the Yin thumb. The thumb was active '2'nd (Yin), symbolizing that there will be stillness (Yin) in the future (Yin). The Yin thumb also symbolizes north, and when west is at the point of the 'now', north is in the future, 'after' 'here', 'there where 'I' cannot see things, as it will be still'.
Once the left (Yang) hand has completed the '1'st (Yang) half of the three dimensional cycle of space (Yang), the left (Yang) hand again become active (Yang) and the right (Yin) hand again becomes still (Yin).
Time is Yin, and the cycle of time begins when darkness (Yin) evolves into light (Yang). Space is Yang, and the cycle of space begins when motion (Yang) evolves into stillness (Yin). At the '2'nd (Yin) point of the here in the '1'st (Yang) half of the cycle of space, 'I' see each object in space approach me, such that in my future they will be 'here', in my present. As they continue to move in this same direction, they move 'behind' me, such that 'I' can no longer be aware of them. The future was light. Once they enter my past, they become dark. At the '2'nd (Yin) point of the here in the '2'nd (Yin) half of the cycle, 'I' cannot see when objects approach me from 'behind', such that in my future they will he 'here', at the point of the present, as the future (Yin) is dark (Yin). Only as the objects enter my present do 'I' become aware of them. As they continue to move before me in space, into my past, the more 'before' me they become in space the more 'before' in time that they were in my present. The past (Yang) is light (Yang), and 'I' see them move into my past. In a complete cycle of space, 'I' am aware of both 'before' and 'behind' me in space.
Whereas in the '1'st (Yang) subdivision of the unity of the first dimension, into the second dimension, the bones flowed in '1' (Yang) direction, in the '2'nd (Yin) subdivision, into the third and subsequent dimensions, the bones flow in '2' (Yin) directions. Instead of the either/or distinction of the second dimension, either extended/flexed (Yang) or relaxed (Yin), the cycle of the day is in motion, and the thumb is in motion in '2' directions along the segment of the index finger as it symbolizes Yang evolving into Yin and Yin evolving into Yang. The third dimension is the dimension of motion. The thumb is constantly in motion from one bone to the next of the index finger throughout this cycle. The '3' dimensional type of word of language, the 'intransitive' verb, symbolizes '3' distinctions in motion, motion 'to' the here and now, motion 'at' the here and now, and motion 'from' the here and now. The cycle begins when there is motion (Yang), and the hand becomes active (Yang). The motion moves 'to' the point of awareness of the here and now, the middle bone, the present. The '1'st (Yang) motion (Yang) is motion 'to' me, as my future evolves into my present. Motion in the present (objects, ideas, experiences, etc.) continues until it ends. The thumb touches the middle bone of the index finger as long as the motion continues.
The motion that evolved 'to' my present, and 'to' here, and which has completed its motion 'at' the present, 'at' here, then moves 'from' my present, 'from' here, into the past.
From the past, the motion again evolves into my future, as symbolized by the motion of the thumb from the '1'st (Yang) bone to the '2'nd (Yin) bone. This time 'I' have awareness of that motion from an earlier point in time, the '1'st (Yang) time in the cycle, and so 'I' understand it better. The motion again evolves into my present 'to' the here and now. Once again the motion will be here, now, until it has completed, whereupon it will move 'from' here, 'from' the 'now', into my past. The '1'st (Yang) cycle of 'to', 'at', and 'from,' provided the basis for understanding the '2'nd (Yin) half of the cycle. The '1'st (Yang) half becomes part of my past. The '2'nd (Yin) half becomes part of the future, which will evolve into the present of the next half of the three dimensional cycle of space or time.
What can 'I' see in my future? Only what has evolved from the past. Only that which 'I' have experienced in the past can 'I' imagine as my future. When people look into their future, they can only 'see' what they have seen in their past. There can be different combinations, but the possibilities are based on the past, such as awareness that in the future there will be other cycles of light and darkness, etc. In the '3'rd dimension of awareness, 'I' can be aware of a future, based on my awareness of a past. That future that 'I' can 'see' evolves into my present, here, now. This is motion 'to' me. There can be motion that has evolved from the future 'to' me, which is in motion 'at' the present, but which has not yet completed, and so has not yet evolved into the past. This motion is motion 'at' the here and now. There are therefore '3' forms of intransitive verbs, which symbolize motion 'to', 'at', and 'from'. For example, 'go' symbolizes motion 'from' here, 'come' symbolizes motion 'to' here, etc.
The ancient Chinese became aware of the day as an unending, or infinite, cycle of nature. There was light, and then there was darkness, and then the cycle repeated. The day is based on the motion of the sun, which is Yang, and so the day is Yang. The '3'rd dimension is Yang, as '3' is an odd (Yang) number. Yang is infinite, and time is infinite, and the cycle of day is perceived as infinite. The cycle of the day, the cycle of light and darkness, continues without end. The number '3' therefore symbolizes all cycles of nature that appear to be infinite, cycles that have no end. They just continue, like the flowing cycle of the days. In the third dimension of awareness, the interaction of space with time was recognized to be infinite, as there was as yet no understanding of death, or of the end of the finite cycles of nature.
First there is darkness (Yin), which is stillness (Yin). No object in space (no motion in space) can be seen, as there is no light (Yang) by which to see it. Then, there is light (Yang). Light is motion (Yang). Objects, such as a bird, can be seen when there is light. Then, the bird flies away, such that it can no longer be seen. The light evolves into darkness, such that objects can no longer be seen. The light (Yang) evolves into darkness (Yin), motion (Yang) evolves into stillness (Yin), and something (Yang) evolves into nothing (Yin). There is still awareness of that bird, and of that light, but the awareness is of the past. There is a memory of light, and there is a memory of a bird, there is a memory of motion (Yang), even though that motion is now still (Yin). The motion (Yang) of the light and the bird is in the past (Yang).
Yet, when a person looks at his past, he is looking at his future. The light that is gone will return again in the future. The cycle of the day of which he is aware because he has experienced that cycle in the past can be recognized to occur again in the future. The types of objects that a person has experienced in the past are the types of objects that he will see in the future. What has been experienced in the past influences what can be experienced in the future. The Yin of the future evolves from the Yang of the past.
In the '1'st (Yang) half of the cycle, the past evolves into the future, which evolves into the present. The cycle of the day of which a person is aware from experiences in the past can be expected to occur again in the future, and so the past evolves into the future, from where it will evolve again into the present.
In the '2'nd (Yin) half of the cycle, the future evolves into the past, which evolves into the present. Once a person's past has evolved again into his future, he can become aware of a future. He can look into his future, and 'see' what will come. And what can be expected to occur in the future is what has occurred in the past. It can be expected that in the future there will be a continuous cycle of light and darkness because it has been so in the past. It can be expected that there might be bird for dinner in the future only once a person has experienced a 'bird' in the past and has experienced 'dinner' in the past. A person will not imagine in his future a cow for dinner until he has first experienced a 'cow', and so has that experience in his past. People can see in the future only combinations of what has been experienced in the past. Thus, to look to the future is to look to the past, and it is the past that again evolves into the present of mankind. The Yin of the future evolves into the Yang of the past.
3.3 English In The '3'rd Dimension
Among the ancient Greeks and Romans, awareness of the three dimensional interaction of mankind with time and space was expressed in the symbolism of '2' by the attributing of human gender to everything in nature. Therefore, the second and the third dimensions, both of which were based on the cycle of the day, were recognized by the ancient Greeks to be a single dimension of time and space, instead of distinct dimensions, as recognized by the ancient Chinese.
The ancestors of Greek, Latin, and English speakers also recognized the three bones of each finger as a means of becoming aware of the third dimension. However, as English evolved, it came to integrate the symbolism of the second dimension with that of the third dimension, such that the polarity of time and space also symbolizes the interaction of mankind with time and space, and so with the third dimension.
In English, the '2' dimensional ray and the '3' dimensional line are integrated into one dimension. Because they are integrated, there is no distinction, and so English only recognizes '4' dimensions, instead of '5'. Thus, what for Chinese is recognized as the third dimension is recognized as the second dimension in English. Geometry, which does not recognize the first dimension of language as a distinct dimension (zero dimension), considers this to be the first dimension, and not the third.
For the model of geometry, the cycle of the day is the first countable cycle of nature. This is considered to be the first dimension in geometry. How can the first dimension be symbolized? Look at the extended index finger. (Photo 3.3-1) It clearly suggests the '3' dimensional symbolism of a 'line'.
Photo 3.3-1
In the '2'nd dimension, the ancestors of the speakers of English were symbolically still only aware of a unity of one dimensional space-time, because the two dimensional finger signs could not be seen and so were not integrated into the language.
In the '3'rd dimension of awareness, there was the first symbolic subdivision of the unity into '2'. The '3'rd dimension symbolizes an awareness of '1' subdivision into '2'. The number '2' with '1' subdivision can be symbolized mathematically as '21 ', and as '21 = 2', in the '3'rd dimension there is awareness of '2'. These '2' correspond to Yang and Yin.
Whereas in Chinese the '3'rd dimension symbolizes '3' dimensional motion, and it is the '2'nd dimension that symbolizes '2' dimensional position, in English the '3'rd dimension does not yet symbolize '3' dimensional motion, but symbolizes '2' dimensional position; '3' dimensional motion is symbolized in the finger signs of the '4'th dimension.
Because English is 'older' than Chinese, and has evolved through more time, English has integrated the second dimension with the third dimension. English finger signs for the second dimension are symbolic of evolving from an orientation to space to an orientation to time. The two dimensional finger position of English is symbolized by facing toward the northeast to orient to time (Yang) and by facing toward the east to orient to space (Yin), feet together, arms fully extended (Yang) upward (Yang) toward the heavens (Yang), the giver of time (Yang). The thumbs are flexed (Yang) as well, as everything is Yang in this orientation to time (Yang). (Photo 3.3-2)
Photo 3.3-2
As the ancestors of the speakers of Chinese left Africa '1'st (Yang), Chinese evolved to its current orientation '1'st (Yang), in the second dimension. English evolved to its current orientation '2'nd (Yin), after Chinese. In Chinese, the center of the face, the center of the 'self', is at the tip of the nose, and the tip of the nose is symbolic of the 'I' in Chinese. The hands are held approximately one foot before the nose to observe time and space. In English, the center of the body, the center of the 'self', is the center of the chest, and the chest is symbolic of the 'I' in English. The center of the chest is located on the sternum, the vertical (Yang) segment (bone) that follows the vertical (Yang) midline of the body, where it crosses the horizontal (Yin) segment that is formed by the '2' (Yin) nipples. Just as it is common for speakers of Chinese to touch the tip of their nose to indicate their 'self', it is common for speakers of English to touch the center of their chest to indicate their 'self'. Because English evolved '2'nd (Yin), the position of the 'I' in English is below (Yin to) the higher (Yang) position for Chinese. As English has a better awareness of time, the hands reach a position approximately one and one half feet before the chest, as more 'before' in space symbolizes more 'before' in time.
As English has a primary orientation to time, English orients to time (Yang) '1'st (Yang). In the third dimension the unity ('1' direction is Yang) of the upper arms and the forearms subdivides into '2' (Yin). The forearms continue to point upward (Yang), and the upper arms point downward (Yin). Lower the elbows such that they touch the sides of the body.
In order to orient to time, the upper arms and the forearms are vertical (Yang) to the body. The '2' bones of the forearm are vertical to each other. Whereas with Chinese the active (Yang) finger of the base position of the second dimension is the thumb, with English the active (Yang) finger of the base position of the third dimension is the index finger. The wrists are held before the chest. The index fingers are extended (Yang). The thumbs are relaxed (Yin), and rest (Yin) on the middle fingers. The wrists are then fully flexed (Yang), such that each index finger points to and touches one side of the sternum at the point of the 'I' on the chest. The hands are held vertically (Yang), and the back of each bone of each index finger touches the back of the corresponding bone of the other index finger.
This is the 'base' position for the hands and arms to orient to time and space in the third and all subsequent dimensions. (Photo 3.3-3)
Photo 3.3-3
Just as with children as they age, English is older (more evolved) and has more experience with time than Chinese. Therefore, speakers of English hold their hands a greater distance away from the face in order to orient to a broader perspective in time and space (more 'before' the here of the eyes in space corresponds to more 'before' the now in time). Unlike speakers of Chinese, speakers of English do not symbolically observe their finger patterns of space and time constantly as they observe time and space. This is because English orients to the fourth dimension, and in the fourth dimension of awareness time is no longer a unity at the point of the now. There is therefore 'time' after observing time or space to then observe the patterns of space and time on the fingers. In terms of English grammar, there are verb 'tenses' that enable the expression of awareness of time. Existence in space and time need not be observed at the same time as the finger patterns are observed in order to be aware of both, because at a later point in time there will still be awareness of earlier points in time. The difference in time of observation enables a more organized awareness and understanding of earlier points in time, because multiple points in time can be considered at the same point in time, which enables each to be understood in relationship to the others.
Speakers of Chinese symbolically extend the index fingers in the '3'rd dimension, whereupon they count the '3' bones of each index finger. Speakers of English symbolically extend the index fingers in the '3'rd dimension, but the awareness that is symbolized is not the '3' bones, but the '2' index fingers. The '3'rd dimension is therefore symbolized by the number '2' in English.
When the ancestors of the speakers of English established this evolved system, they were already aware of '4' dimensions. Therefore, this symbolized a more integrated approach to finger symbolism.
In the '2'nd dimension, speakers of Chinese, who orient to the south, are aware of '2' 'points' in the '2' dimensional cycle of time, the day, the '2' points of noon (Yang) and midnight (Yin). In the '4'th dimension of awareness, when this '3' dimensional organization evolved, speakers of English, who face northeast to orient to time, were aware of '4' 'areas' in the sky by which to observe the '3' dimensional cycle of the day. The '4' areas are called herein 'dawn', 'morning', 'noon', and 'dusk'. These words will be defined in the next chapter. (Figure 3.3-1)
Figure 3.3-1
From the base position to observe time, while the upper arms remain vertical (Yang), extend the '2' index fingers forward (Yang), such that the forearms form a ninety degree angle with the upper arms. Thus, while the bones of the forearm are still fairly vertical (Yang), the hands are rotated slightly outward (Yang). The wrists which are fully flexed (Yang) relax (Yin), such that the wrists are in line with the forearms. The index finger is the most upward (Yang) and the most outward (Yang) of the fingers. The thumbs remain at rest (Yin) on the middle fingers. The right (Yang) index finger points to the area in the sky of the north, and the left (Yin) index finger points to the area in the sky of the east. (Photo 3.3-4)
Photo 3.3-4
The hands are now positioned to observe time. When looking forward vertically (Yang), across the sky to the area of the northeast, the eyes can take time to look down at the hands, enabling a delayed awareness of observing time in the sky, in order to recognize patterns between the sky and the hands.
The time in the heavens is subdivided into '2' halves by the '2' hands. The right (Yang) index finger orients to the half of the sky that is Yin, where there is darkness (Yin). The left (Yin) index finger orients to the half of the sky that is Yang, where there is light (Yang).
Let us follow the flow of Yang and Yin through the bones of the '2' index fingers to observe time in the '3' dimensional cycle of nature. Because time is Yang, observation of time begins with the right (Yang) hand.
When the index fingers touch the chest, both are flexed (Yang). Once they move outward (Yang) into time, one index finger will always be Yang to the Yin of the other index finger; in other words, each index finger will always be as active (Yang) as the other index finger is still (Yin).
The point of orientation to time in English is the area of the northeast in the sky at 'dawn', when darkness (Yin) is at its maximum (Yang) and light (Yang) is at its minimum (Yin). As the right (Yang) index finger is active (Yang) '1'st (Yang) to observe time (Yang), the right (Yang) index finger begins fully extended (Yang) in the '1'st (Yang) half of the cycle. The index finger is fully extended (Yang), such that it points upward (Yang) and outward (Yang), toward the far (Yang) sky (Yang) and away from (Yang to) the near (Yin) center of the chest. Extension (Yang) upwards (Yang) symbolizes motion (Yang), and extension (Yang) of the right (Yang) index finger symbolizes that darkness (Yin) is in motion (Yang); in other words, it is dark. The right index finger is maximally extended (Yang), which symbolizes that darkness (Yin) is at its maximum at the point of 'dawn'. At this time, the left (Yin) index finger is still (Yin), and it rests (Yin) on top of the relaxed (Yin) thumb, pointing rearward (Yin) toward the center of the chest (Yin), the point of the 'self'. This symbolizes that light (Yang) is at rest (Yin), and that it is now not light. The left index finger is maximally relaxed (Yin), which symbolizes that light (Yang) is at its minimum at the point of 'dawn'. The '2' index fingers are now parallel, but they face in opposite directions. (Photo 3.3-5)
Photo 3.3-5
As darkness (Yin) begins to decrease (Yin), the motion (Yang) of the right index finger begins to still (Yin). As the same time, as the sun begins to rise (Yang), and as light (Yang) begins to increase (Yang), the stillness (Yin) of the left index finger begins in motion (Yang). The right index finger begins to relax (Yin) and the left index finger begins to become active (Yang). When the left index finger points to the area of 'morning', the '2' index fingers are level with each other, and point in opposite directions. (Photo 3.3-6)
Photo 3.3-6
As light (Yang) continues to increase (Yang), the left (Yin) index finger continues to extend (Yang), such that it points upward (Yang) and outward (Yang), symbolizing that light (Yang) is in full motion (Yang). The left index finger is maximally extended (Yang), which symbolizes that light (Yang) is at its maximum (Yang) at the area of 'noon'. At the same time, the right (Yang) index finger continues to relax (Yin), such that it points downward (Yin) and rearward (Yin) toward (Yin) the center of the chest. This symbolizes that darkness (Yin) is still (Yin), and that it is not dark now. The right index finger is maximally relaxed (Yin), which symbolizes that darkness (Yin) is at its minimum (Yin) at the point of 'noon'. (Photo 3.3-7)
Photo 3.3-7
As light (Yang) begins to decrease (Yin), the motion (Yang) of the left index finger begins to still (Yin). As the same time, as darkness (Yin) begins to increase (Yang), the stillness (Yin) of the right index finger begins in motion (Yang). The left index finger begins to relax (Yin) and the right index finger begins in motion (Yang). When the right index finger points to the area of 'dusk', the '2' index fingers are level with each other, and point in opposite directions. (Photo 3.3-8)
Photo 3.3-8
Notice that when an index finger is extended (Yang), it symbolizes a straight (Yang) segment, and when an index finger is relaxed (Yin), it symbolizes a curved (Yin) segment.
In order to position the hands to orient to space, return the hands to the base position to orient to time and space, where the index fingers touch the center of the chest, the 'I'. In English, time is '1'st (Yang), and this '1'st (Yang) hand position is the proper orientation to observe time. The flow of motion from the position of the two dimensional body to the position to observe three dimensional time now continues in the same direction of motion, until it reaches the position to observe space.
In English, space is horizontal (Yin). Therefore, the elbows rotate outward (Yang), until they are horizontal (Yin). The upper arms are horizontal (Yin) to the forearms, the '2' bones of the forearms are horizontal (Yin) to each other, and the two hands are horizontal (Yin). The index fingers, which were back to back vertically (Yang), are now positioned side to side horizontally (Yin). The '2' index fingers continue to touch the center of the chest. This is the 'base' position for the hands and arms to observe space for the third dimension and all subsequent dimensions. (Photo 3.3-9)
Photo 3.3-9
From this position, extend the '2' index fingers forward (Yang), such that the forearms form a ninety degree angle with the upper arms. Thus, while the bones of the forearm are still fairly horizontal (Yin), the hands are rotated slightly outward (Yang). The wrists are in line with the forearms, and are not rotated relative to the forearms. The index finger is the most upward (Yang) and the most outward (Yang) of the fingers. The thumbs rest (Yin) on the middle fingers. (Photo 3.3-10)
Photo 3.3-10
The hands are now positioned to observe space. When looking forward horizontally (Yin), across the earth to the area of the east, the direction of orientation to space, the eyes can take time to look down at the hands, enabling a delayed awareness of observing space on the earth, in order to recognize patterns between the earth and the hands.
Let us follow the flow of Yang and Yin through the bones of the '2' index fingers to observe space in the '3' dimensional cycle of nature. Because space is Yin, observation of space begins with the left (Yin) hand.
When the index fingers touch the chest, both are flexed (Yang). Once they move outward (Yang) into space, one index finger will always be Yang to the Yin of the other index finger; in other words, each index finger will always be as active (Yang) as the other index finger is still (Yin).
The area of orientation to space is the area of the east. As 'I' look to the east before me, awareness of motion (Yang) is at its maximum (Yang) and stillness (Yin) is at its minimum (Yin). As the left (Yin) index finger is active (Yang) '1'st (Yang) to observe space (Yin), the left (Yin) index finger begins fully extended (Yang) in the '1'st (Yang) half of the cycle. The index finger is fully extended (Yang), such that it points upward (Yang) and outward (Yang), toward the far (Yang) horizon and away from the near (Yin) center of the chest. Extension (Yang) upwards (Yang) symbolizes motion (Yang), and extension (Yang) of the left (Yin) index finger symbolizes that there is maximum awareness of motion (Yang). The left index finger is maximally extended (Yang), which symbolizes that the awareness of motion on the earth is at its maximum at the area of the east. At this time, the right (Yang) index finger is still (Yin), and it rests (Yin) lying rearward (Yin) on the relaxed thumb. This symbolizes that there is minimum awareness of stillness (Yin). The right index finger is maximally relaxed (Yin), which symbolizes that the stillness on the earth is at its minimum at the area of the east. The '2' index fingers are now parallel, but they face in opposite directions. The extended (Yang) index finger points upward (Yang) and outward (Yang). The relaxed (Yin) index finger points rearward (Yin), directly toward the center of the chest, the point of the 'self'. (Photo 3.3-11)
Photo 3.3-11
As the motion of objects on the earth moves off to my right, my awareness of their motion (Yang) begins to decrease (Yin). As well, the motion (Yang) of the left index finger begins to still (Yin). At the same time, as awareness of stillness (Yin) begins to increase (Yang), the stillness (Yin) of the right index finger begins in motion (Yang). The left index finger begins to relax (Yin) and the right index finger begins in motion (Yang). When the left index finger points to the area of the south, the '2' index fingers are level with each other and point in opposite directions. (Photo 3.3-12)
Photo 3.3-12
As the awareness of stillness (Yin) continues to increase (Yang), the right (Yang) index finger continues to extend (Yang), such that it points upward (Yang) and outward (Yang), symbolizing that stillness (Yin) is in full motion (Yang), and that the motion of the objects that 'I' saw before me in the east is now still. The right index finger is maximally extended (Yang), which symbolizes that stillness (Yin) is at its maximum (Yang). At the same time, the left (Yang) index finger continues to relax (Yin), such that it points rearward (Yin) toward the center of the chest. This symbolizes that motion (Yang) is still (Yin), and that there is no awareness of motion of these objects now. The left index finger is maximally relaxed (Yin), which symbolizes that awareness of motion (Yang) is at its minimum (Yin) at the area of the west, behind me where my eyes cannot see. (Photo 3.3-13)
Photo 3.3-13
As motion increases from the left, awareness of motion (Yang) of objects on the earth begins to increase (Yang). As well, the motion (Yang) of the left index finger begins to increase (Yang). At the same time, as stillness (Yin) begins to decrease (Yin), as awareness of motion (Yang) begins to increase (Yang), the motion (Yang) of the right index finger begins to still (Yin). The right index finger begins to relax (Yin) and the left index finger begins in motion (Yang). When the right index finger points to the area of the north, the '2' index fingers are level with each other and point in opposite directions. (Photo 3.3-14)
Photo 3.3-14