And which type of peace?
Have you ever thought about the meaning of the word harmony? More deeply than the sugar-coated definitions? It implies a balance between forces. A very precise adjustment of existing tensions. This concept is worth unpacking.
Harmony implies peace. But not just any peace. Not a peace due to all tension having vanished. Not the peace between two dead fish, for example. Yes, there is ‘peace’ between two dead fish, but only because all tension is impossible.
So we can say there are two types of peace. One of life, and one of death. That of harmony, resulting from preserving the tension of life while keeping it in balance. And that of entropy, of energy dissipating to the point where nothing further is possible because there is no more movement, no more life. Just like two dead fish, or the end-of-life state of the universe according to science, when all dynamic force and tension has dissipated through entropy. No more life, no more tension, but also no harmony.
Look at the yin-yang symbol. If it were completely merged (and without tension or contrasts), it would be a gray circle. Black and white would have melted together. Instead, in the yin-yang, each area is clearly defined, with just a small, dynamic dot of the opposite color at its core. The tension and force that seek to unite them remain—life is present.
Punchline: Harmony isn’t about complete union or fusion, because that implies a dissipation of force.
Same thing for electricity. You don’t want the two poles to touch. Otherwise, short circuit—and bye-bye electric current. A short circuit stops the flow of energy. It is the second peace, the peace of death.
Harmony is the peace of life, of juggling dynamic poles held in balanced tension
Which peace do you think modern society and human tendencies typically strive for? The tendency is toward comfort. Comfort seeks the extinction of all tension. But extinguishing all tension is a current of non-life, of non-harmony, because you cannot harmonize what is dead.
This is one of the great lessons to be read in the open book of the universe and its balance of polarised energies.
If you know how to read this book, you learn how to harness this great dynamic force that is desire, rather than allowing it to lead you around by the nose.
If you know how to read this book, you will also grasp one of the reasons behind the intimate practices that advise keeping desire active between lovers. This tension allows you to maintain an enlivening peace. From this magnificent dynamic balance of complementary forces arises creative romantic tension!
So I wish for you never to be completely satisfied! I wish you to know how to experience a harmonious advantage from this desirable state of being. Be the dynamic force of yin and the yang at the same time—and not a gray smudge.
