What is Taiji (太极)?
The 'Supreme Ultimate' or 'Great Pivot' in Chinese philosophy — the ultimate source and ground of all reality from which yin and yang arise. First articulated in the Yijing (I Ching) and systematically developed by Song dynasty Neo-Confucian philosopher Zhou Dunyi (周敦颐), Taiji is the undifferentiated unity that precedes the division into yin and yang, the 'ten thousand things,' and the entire phenomenal world. Zhou Dunyi's Taijitu (太极图 — 'Diagram of the Supreme Ultimate') visually represents this cosmology: from Nonpolar (Wuji) comes Taiji, from Taiji comes yin-yang, and from their interaction comes all existence.
Key Takeaways
- Taiji (太极) is a key concept in Chinese Philosophy philosophy.
- The 'Supreme Ultimate' or 'Great Pivot' in Chinese philosophy — the ultimate source and ground of all reality from which yin and yang arise. First articulated in the Yijing (I Ching) and systematically developed by Song dynasty Neo-Confucian philosopher Zhou Dunyi (周敦颐), Taiji is the undifferentiated unity that precedes the division into yin and yang, the 'ten thousand things,' and the entire phenomenal world. Zhou Dunyi's Taijitu (太极图 — 'Diagram of the Supreme Ultimate') visually represents this cosmology: from Nonpolar (Wuji) comes Taiji, from Taiji comes yin-yang, and from their interaction comes all existence.
Understanding Taiji
Taiji (太极) is a Chinese Philosophy concept. The 'Supreme Ultimate' or 'Great Pivot' in Chinese philosophy — the ultimate source and ground of all reality from which yin and yang arise. First articulated in the Yijing (I Ching) and systematically developed by Song dynasty Neo-Confucian philosopher Zhou Dunyi (周敦颐), Taiji is the undifferentiated unity that precedes the division into yin and yang, the 'ten thousand things,' and the entire phenomenal world. Zhou Dunyi's Taijitu (太极图 — 'Diagram of the Supreme Ultimate') visually represents this cosmology: from Nonpolar (Wuji) comes Taiji, from Taiji comes yin-yang, and from their interaction comes all existence.
In Chinese Philosophy philosophy, Taiji represents an important concept in Chinese philosophical tradition.
Related Concepts
- Yin Yang — Taiji is the undifferentiated source from which yin and yang arise
- Change (I Ching) — The I Ching's philosophy of change is grounded in the movement of Taiji
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Taiji in Chinese Philosophy?
The 'Supreme Ultimate' or 'Great Pivot' in Chinese philosophy — the ultimate source and ground of all reality from which yin and yang arise. First articulated in the Yijing (I Ching) and systematically developed by Song dynasty Neo-Confucian philosop
What does 太极 mean?
太极 (Taiji) is a Chinese Philosophy concept. The 'Supreme Ultimate' or 'Great Pivot' in Chinese philosophy — the ultimate source and ground of all reality from which yin and yang arise. First articulated in the Yijing (I Ching) and systematicall
How does Taiji fit into Chinese Philosophy philosophy?
In Chinese Philosophy, Taiji is understood as an important concept in Chinese philosophical tradition.
How is Taiji related to Yin Yang, Change (I Ching)?
Taiji is closely connected to Yin Yang, Change (I Ching) within Chinese Philosophy philosophy. Together they form a coherent framework for understanding an important concept in Chinese philosophical tradition.
Why is Taiji important?
Taiji matters because it offers a practical framework for an important concept in Chinese philosophical tradition.