文质彬彬·每日好词语｜阴阳之气

　　阴阳之气

　　阴阳属性相反的两种气。“气”是构成一切有形之物的基本材料。“气”有阴阳两种相反的属性，因而有“阴气”和“阳气”之分。“阴气”与“阳气”按照一定的规则发生交互作用，“阴阳之气”的交互作用推动万物的生成与变化。同时，事物之间也可能通过“阴阳之气”的流转，实现相互的感应与影响。

　　The Qi(Vital Force) of Yin and Yang

　　The qi(vital force) of yin and yang refers to the two types of qi–an element that constitutes all things corporeal. With opposite attributes, the qi of yin and qi of yang interact with each other in accordance with certain laws. Such interaction is a catalyst for the generation and changing of all things. In addition, the circulation of the two types of qi may actualize mutual perception and influence between the things.

　　引例

　　故天之且风，草木未动而鸟已翔矣；其且雨也，阴曀未集而鱼已噞矣：以阴阳之气相动也。（《淮南子·泰族训》）（因此天要起风，草木还未摇动但鸟已高飞；天要下雨，阴云还未聚集但鱼已在水面不停张口吸气：这是由阴气和阳气相互驱动造成的。）

　　Therefore, aware of the rising of wind, birds fly away before grass and trees start to sway. Aware of the coming of rain, fish swim to the surface to breathe before dark clouds start to gather. In both cases, the early reactions of birds and fish are caused by the interaction between the qi of yin and the qi of yang. (Huainanzi)