Philosophy | Lao Tzu | Taoism
Finding Balance in a Busy world, with the timeless pearls of wisdom of Taoism
(3000-year-old Philosophy of Lao Tzu and its power to demystify a life of Peace and Harmony)
Recently, I observed the resurgence of a millennia-old philosophy that addresses all the issues of our rapidly moving rat race of life. That philosophy is Taoism.
Taoism is a Chinese philosophical and religious tradition that has been around for thousands of years. The word “Tao” can be translated as “the way” or “the path”. It refers to the ultimate reality of the universe and the natural order that flows through all things.
Lao Tzu is credited as the founder of Taoism. He was a Chinese philosopher and writer believed to have lived in the 6th century BCE. He is the author of the famous “Tao Te Ching”, the book that serves as the philosophical foundation for the Taoist tradition. Lao Tzu is considered one of the most important philosophers in Chinese history.
Thanks to famous poet Steven Mitchell, for introducing Taoism to a wider audience. His translation of the “Tao Te Ching” is highly praised for its clarity, simplicity, and accessibility.
Here are some of the cornerstones and pearls of wisdom of this philosophy that can enrich our lives:
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” — Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching, Verse 48 (Trans. Stephen Mitchell, 1988)
The Tao: Tao is the ultimate reality and source of all existence. It is the underlying flow of the universe and cannot be defined or described, only experienced. A practical use of this principle in daily life is to align oneself with the Tao by letting go of control and ego, and flowing with the natural rhythms of life.
Yin and Yang: Yin is associated with the feminine, dark, passive, and receptive qualities, while Yang is associated with masculine, bright, active, and assertive qualities. The concept of Yin and Yang is often symbolized by the iconic Taijitu (the black and white swirl). They are complementary and interconnected forces in the universe, representing balance and harmony, and are in constant flux. A practical use of this principle in daily life is to strive for balance and harmony in our thoughts, actions, and relationships.
“Do your work, then step back. The only path to serenity.” — Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching, Verse 37 (Trans. Stephen Mitchell, 1988)
1. Effortless Action:
Remember Master Oogway from Kungfu Panda and how he always talked about Inner peace? Well, the name and the character are inspired by the Taoist concept of Wu Wei which refers to the idea of “effortless action” or “non-action. In practical terms, Wu Wei can be applied to many aspects of our lives, including our relationships, our work, and our interactions with the world around us. For example, in a relationship, we can let go of our need to control our partner and simply allow the relationship to unfold naturally.
“He who knows does not speak. He who speaks does not know.” — Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching, Verse 56 (Trans. Stephen Mitchell, 1988)
2. Humility:
It is the idea of recognizing our limitations and embracing simplicity. According to Taoism, when one lets go of materialism, power, and control and focuses on what truly matters, only then can they find true inner peace.
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” — Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching, Verse 16 (Trans. Stephen Mitchell, 1988)
3. Flexibility and Adaptability:
Flexibility and adaptability are important principles in Taoism, as the universe is constantly changing and flowing. A practical use of this principle in daily life is to be open-minded and accepting of change and to let go of rigid beliefs and opinions.
4. Balance:
Balance is also an important principle in Taoism, as it promotes harmony and stability in all aspects of life. It teaches us to strive for balance in our thoughts, emotions, actions, and relationships, and to avoid extremes or excesses.
5. Simplicity:
Simplicity is one of the cornerstones in Taoism, as it promotes humility, balance, and inner peace and teaches us to simplify our possessions, thoughts, and activities, and to focus on what is truly essential.
6. Compassion and Kindness:
Compassion and kindness are central to Taoism, as they promote harmony and balance in relationships with others. Taoism preaches treating others with kindness and respect, listening to their needs, and striving for win-win solutions in conflicts.
7. Living in the Moment:
Acceptance of the present moment is another key principle in Taoism, as it allows us to be fully present at the moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. It teaches us to be mindful and to focus on the present moment, rather than being distracted by thoughts of the past or future.
“Letting go of what you cannot keep, to find what you cannot lose.” — Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching, Verse 74 (Trans. Stephen Mitchell, 1988
8. Letting go of attachments:
This aspect of Taoism helps us to live in the present moment and to find peace and contentment. A practical use of this principle in life is to let go of materialism, status, and ego, and to focus on what truly matters in our lives.
9. Respect for nature:
In Taoism, nature is seen as the manifestation of the Tao, and all living things are considered part of a greater whole. Lao Tzu wrote in the Tao Te Ching, “The Tao is like a well: used but never used up. It is like the eternal void: filled with infinite possibilities.” This idea of the Tao as an endless source of vitality and renewal is central to Taoist beliefs about nature and the environment. Taoism tells us to practice sustainability, conserve natural resources, and appreciate the beauty and balance of the natural world.
“Be like water, which adapts its shape to the container it is in.” — Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching, Verse 8 (Trans. Stephen Mitchell, 1988)
10. Flexibility:
Flexibility is another important principle in Taoism, as it allows us to adapt to change and to flow with the natural rhythms of life. We need to be open-minded, willing to change our perspectives, and adapt to new circumstances as they arise, which cannot be more appropriate for our current world full of unprecedented changes after the pandemic, starting from work-life balances to life in general.
11. Cultivating inner wisdom:
Taoism emphasizes the importance of cultivating inner wisdom, as it allows us to live in harmony with the Tao and the world around us. A practical application of this principle in life is to meditate, practice mindfulness, and seek self-reflection and self-awareness.
12. Acceptance and non-judgement:
Acceptance and non-judgement are key principles in Taoism, as they allow us to cultivate inner peace, wisdom, and compassion. A practical application of this principle in daily life is to accept others as they are, to avoid judgement and criticism, and to cultivate compassion and understanding.
“He who speaks does not know; he who knows does not speak.” — Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching, Verse 56 (Trans. Stephen Mitchell, 1988)
In Conclusion, as we embrace the teachings of Taoism and incorporate its principles into our daily lives, we open ourselves up to a world of infinite possibilities and boundless joy. We learn to live in harmony with the world around us, to find balance in a chaotic world, and to live a life of peace and contentment. Let us embrace the teachings of Taoism and find balance in a world that often seems out of balance.
Thank you for reading. If you find this useful, spread the word with just a little clap!
Here’s to life and living in harmony!
