The gamma way symbol has a new fresh appearance. This new symbol marks an important step in the continuous transformation of the gamma philosophy.
The “classic” gamma way symbol will not disappear. It stands for theory and traditions. The new Gamma Tao emphasizes practice and spontaneity.
Without theory there is no practice, so both symbols will continue to have their function.
The new symbol has a more Taoistic form. This is also reflected in the name “Gamma Tao” that I will use more and more going forward.
The Gamma Tao is set to be a perfect blend of Eastern and Western philosophies of life. Actually it aims to stand for much more than that: a basic, interfaith and open world philosophy of life.
Not only East and West. The profound wisdom of Indigenous and African traditions will continue to be a major source of inspiration.
The new Gamma Tao symbol represents spontaneity. Therefore the Greek letter γ (gamma) is now written in a single and fluent stroke, inspired by Eastern calligraphy.
The open circle hints at the Zen circle (ensō, 円相) that expresses a moment when the mind is free to let the body create. Within the Zen tradition ensō also symbolizes enlightenment, strength, elegance and emptiness.
Most versions of the Zen ensō are closed. The Gamma Tao circle however is open to emphasize that an open mind is essential to the Gamma Tao.
The hand-drawn gamma itself stands for the process of receiving and giving.
Life is a process of receiving and giving. As living human beings we need to accept what is given to us (the good and the not so good), process all this within our potentials and then transcend ourselves (and our egos) to give back the best that we can do.
In most religious traditions the need to transcend the ego plays an important role. This is never easy to do. In the Gamma Tao symbol this difficulty is expressed in the way the outgoing gamma stroke meets a closed part of the circle.
Most situations we face in our lives hit us first in our emotional side. We need to turn them around to find a human and creative response to them. Our rational side can contribute to find this response and also establish the just proportions for it.
This creative process is expressed in the loop of the gamma stroke.
The left part of the Gamma Tao symbol continues to stand for our emotional side and the right part for our rational side. The upper part of the γ refers to the spiritual qualities we may have.
The new Gamma Tao symbol represents both life as a whole as every single situation we face.
As said before, the classic gamma symbol will continue to be in use. After all, symbols are only helpful means.
The classic symbol is helpful to remind us of the Golden Gift, the Golden Rule and the Golden Mean and its values of Gratitude, Compassion and Proportion.
The new Gamma Tao symbol stresses the fact that we have to master the theory and act spontaneously in the moment.