Treading the Sword, Asking the Heavens

When heaven and earth first took shape, all was chaos and disorder, and the laws were in disarray. Two kinds of energy existed within the chaos: one was pure yang energy, imbued with life, while the other was dark and murky yin energy, steeped in death. Yang and yin mingled and sustained each other, and gradually the chaotic energy cleared, giving rise to spiritual energy.

Spiritual energy merged with the laws, forming a brilliant golden halo. Within it, countless laws intertwined like fine threads, eventually merging into a more complete halo: the Ring of Heaven’s Way. Thus, the world was born.

As a down-and-out young man takes his first step into this vast world, an old man slowly recites, “Heaven moves with vigor; the superior man strives ceaselessly to strengthen himself. The hidden dragon should not be used; its yang lies below. The dragon appears in the field; its virtue spreads far and wide. All day long he is diligent, following the Way again and again. He may leap into the abyss; advancing brings no blame. The flying dragon is in the heavens; the great man has emerged. The overreaching dragon will have cause for regret; fullness cannot last. Use the nine; the virtue of Heaven cannot be made the leader.”