Part 1.3: The Core Theory of The Triadic Principle

IV. The Triadic Principle: ‘The Center (Jung),’ the Hub of Creation Beyond Duality

If the universe were composed merely of a simple opposing structure of Yin and Yang, its end would be either eternal conflict or mutual destruction. Yet, reality forms stable structures and continuously births new life. How, then, does the primordial ‘One’ create all things and maintain eternity?

The Cheonbu-gyeong reveals that the secret lies in the principle: “Il-Seok-Sam-Geuk-Mu-Jin-Bon” (One divides into the Three Ultimates, yet the source remains inexhaustible). This means that while the ‘One’ divides and manifests as the three ultimate realities of the cosmic phenomenal world (The Triad), ‘The Center (Jung),’ which is the root and core of this division, never runs out.

This is the Triadic Principle, the key that goes beyond simple dualism to perfect the Eastern theory of Yin and Yang. It signifies that besides the two extremes, there must exist a ‘Third Force’ that mediates, regulates, and creates a new order.

 

Walter Russell, the great Western mystic and scientist, pierced through this truth with remarkable insight. As he observed, humanity often wanders in a maze of confusion, chasing only the endless complexity of phenomena, thereby failing to see the simple truth. He articulated this singular principle powerfully:

“The universe is simple. It is a universe of ONE THING. Complexity is but a multiplicity of effects... The One Law of Balance controls all.”— The Secret of Light

What Russell identified as the “One Law of Balance” is precisely what Samgeukron, the Triadic Principle, defines as ‘The Center (Jung).’ It is not merely a static middle point, but the Dynamic Fulcrum of the universe.

 

• The Triad as Structure: Just as Pythagoras emphasized the Triangle (3) as the first perfect figure to achieve a stable ‘Plane’ beyond the Point (1) and the Line (2), the Triad is the minimum unit required for the universe to possess a realistic structure.
• The Triad as the Subject of Generation: In the Dao Te Ching’s verse “The Dao produced One; One produced Two; Two produced Three; Three produced All things,” the ‘Three’ is not merely the number 3. It signifies the subject of creation that generates all things through ‘Chung-Qi (Harmonious Energy),’ transcending the simple opposition of Yin and Yang.

Synthesizing these, the essence of the Triad can be defined as the Axis and the Field that regulates and stabilizes the relationship between Yin and Yang amidst their tensional opposition. This is the Active Balance that Russell spoke of—the invisible conductor that orchestrates the complexity of phenomena into a symphony of order.

Therefore, ‘The Center’ is the subject of ‘Self-Transformation (Ja-Hwa)’ that embraces both poles. Ultimately, ‘Li (Principle)’ in the Li-Shin-Sa framework exists in the same context as the order of this primordial ‘Center.’ ‘Li’ is the universal rationale and law inherent in all existence, presided over by ‘The Center.’ In other words, ‘The Center’ provides an unshakable pivot within the ever-changing universe and is the active force aiming for total harmony through ‘Autonomous Regulating Consciousness.’

V. The Cosmic Operating Engine: The Dynamics of Li-Shin-Sa and Human Embodiment

The specific mechanism explaining how this Triadic Structure operates dynamically within time is the Law of Li-Shin-Sa (Principle-Spirit-Affairs).

• Li (Principle): The primordial cosmic order and the Principle of Change presided over by The Center. It exists behind all phenomena as an immutable law transcending space and time.
• Shin (Spirit): The stage of divergence of Yang, Wave, and Mental Energy, unfolding first for ‘Li’ to manifest as phenomena. It is the ‘field of possibility open to the future,’ creatively reorganizing accumulated information from the past to aim for the purpose of The Center. It manifests as emergent thoughts, inspirations, and blueprints.
• Sa (Affairs): The stage of convergence of Yin, Particle, and Material Reality, where the possibilities of ‘Shin’ condense. It is the result manifested as concrete events and matter by accepting the creative intention of ‘Shin.’ Simultaneously, it is the ‘totality of objective experience and data accumulated from the past’ that can be reorganized for the next stage of creation.

The transition from ‘Shin’ to ‘Sa’—the shift from invisible possibility to visible reality—follows the principle that “Spirit always precedes Affairs.” That is, for every physical phenomenon and event (Sa), there exists a preceding action (intention, plan, blueprint) of ‘Shin’ in the dimension of the spiritual realm before its material manifestation.

Although natural changes may seem so spontaneous that we fail to recognize the subject of change, ‘The Center’—the core of the Triadic Principle—intervenes here. Specifically, there exists Consciousness, which is the ‘Orchestrator of Symmetry’ and a self-aware regulating action that recognizes the flow of cosmic Yin-Yang waves pulsating within the field of the Mind (Sim) and strives to balance them. (This aligns with the insight in quantum mechanics where the observer's consciousness collapses the wave function to determine reality.) Consciousness is not a mere byproduct of the brain but the fundamental force that maintains and tunes the waves of Spirit (Jeong-Shin) pulsating in all beings to achieve their purpose.

Therefore, when this regulating action of the Mind (Consciousness) is focused on a goal, it manifests as Intention (Ui). When that Intention is sustained in one direction, it becomes Will (Uiji). When this Willpower ripens within the appropriate environment, mental energy finally manifests into physical reality.

Ultimately, the subject of this entire creative process is the Mind. The Buddhist teaching “Il-Che-Yu-Sim-Jo” (Everything is created solely by the Mind) expounds this very principle. The pinnacle of this universal creative mechanism of the Mind appears as ‘One Mind (Ilsim)’—pure consciousness focused on a goal. One Mind is the unique and powerful force that converts invisible possibility into visible reality.

This Li-Shin-Sa framework is the universal law explaining the existence and change of all things in the universe. Its tripartite structure of ‘Li,’ ‘Shin,’ and ‘Sa’ manifests in unique aspects across three levels: ‘Personal,’ ‘Collective,’ and ‘Cosmic,’ forming a total of nine categories. These nine dimensions provide an integrated perspective for understanding the operation of Li-Shin-Sa in every realm of existence.