08 - ROUND HEAVEN and SQUARE EARTH

The Way of Heaven is characterized by roundness, and the Way of Earth by squareness; the square signifies the secluded, while the round signifies the luminous. That which is luminous exhales its vital energy, manifesting outwardly; that which is secluded harbors its vital energy, manifesting inwardly.

Thus, the Yang principle bestows, while the Yin principle transforms. The vital essence of Yang is termed Shen (Spirit), and the vital essence of Yin is termed Ling (Numen). Together, Shen and Ling constitute the root of all things, the source of ritual, music, benevolence, and righteousness, and the origin from which good and evil, order and chaos, arise.