Lighting the Dual Lamps

The Lighting Ritual is to light 3 lamps: the Eternal Lamp (upper altar) and the Dual Lamps (lower altar). The Dual Lamps are placed on the lower altar. The First Lamp to light represents Yang which symbolizes sun, morning, brightness, positivity, and energy. The Second Lamp to light represents Ying which symbolizes moon, evening, darkness, and negativity. The Dual lamps represent yin and yang which symbolizes the following:

One gave birth to all things (yin and Yang), and all things were originated from one (the source).
Yin and yang complement and support each other in a harmonious relationship
They belong to the same source yet each has its own character.

So what does the Dual Lamps have to do with us? The Dual Lamps symbolize the nature, the Tao, and all the creations, such as sun, moon, mountain, flower, plants, fishes, and all living being. However, our bodies also have Yin and Yang, too. Yin and Yang manifest thru our breath, energy, behaviors, and attitudes. For example, when we inhale, we breath in the energy of Yang and exhale the chi of Yin. When we are in the positive mood, we are experience the spirit of yang. Likewise, when we are in a mental distress of frustration, depression or anger, we are doomed by the energy of yin. As we wake up each day, we experience the state Yin or Yang thru our driving in traffic condition, workload in work space, handling in peer pressure, and handling personal and family decision. Life comes with many challenges and difficulties(Yin), we need to be able to joggle to survive and thrive (yang). Thus, it is important to bring our mind to a positive (Yang) mental state after a long day at work, such as chat with favorite person, doing a yoga, take a bubble bath, listening to relax music, take a walk with nature, or doing a holy prayer, etc.
Lighting the Dual Lamp reminds us that we are the lotus born in the muddy water, root and stem remain in the mud, but it rises above the soil.

Written by Joanna Lin
10/05/2017