41. The Principles of TCM. 7. The Great ultimate

In the cosmology of Oriental studies, Wuji (無極) refers to the state in which only energy is concentrated before the creation of all things. Taiji means that a wave is finally born from such a Wuji state. In other words, Taegeuk means the phenomenal world in a state where energies are expressed and harmonized in the Wuji and is understood as the manager of the origin of the universe. While Wuji is extremely static, in the state of Taiji, it finally changes to a dynamic state. The representative Taiji is Korea’s national plag, Taegeukgi, and the Chinese are said to be very sad that we were the first to use Taegeukgi as Korea national flag.

French priest Gheorghiu praised Taegeukgi as follows during his visit to Korea in 1974: “Korea’s Taegeukgi is a flag facing the universe. The national flag of Korea is unique. It does not resemble the flag of any country. There is engraved on it something like a summary of all the philosophies of the world. Taegeukgi is cool. There are lines and dots representing heaven and earth, the four directions, day and night, and the four seasons.” It is truly surprising that a Western priest has such an accurate understanding of our Taegeukgi.

Taegeukgi expresses the harmony of yin and yang and contains heaven, earth, fire, and water, the source of life. It not only explains the harmony of the universe but also contains the truth of physiological and pathological changes as a code for our human body, a microcosm.

We can enter the world of no polarity through deep awareness or deep, slow breathing. The Wuji world is an existence with no ego at all, so thoughts and emotions are cut off. So, just by simply existing, you can experience extreme peace and freedom, making true rest and return to nature possible. As time allows, let’s enjoy the world of no polarity, the world of no thought, the other side, awakening, and oneness with nature or the Holy Spirit.

I believe that if you return to the state of Taiji, which is this world, the material world or the phenomenal world, and find true joy in helping others without your right hand knowing what your left hand is doing and forgetting about it, physical health will naturally follow.
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Dr. Jin-man Kim, director of Peace Oriental Clinic