Yin and Yang

음양 · 陰陽

The two tempers each element comes in — yang is outward and forceful, yin is inward and persistent.

Five elements times two tempers gives the ten heavenly stems. Yang Wood is a standing tree; Yin Wood is a vine. Same element, opposite strategy.

Yang is not stronger than yin. Yang acts directly and visibly and spends itself doing so. Yin acts obliquely and lasts. A vine outlives most trees.