Taoism applied to Everyday Life
"Practice not-doing and everything will fall into place" (Chapter 3). In Taoism this is the concept known as "wu wei". Wei wu wei is the practice of doing and not-doing. This concept comes from the theory of the Yin and Yang. The Yang, along with wei, is the practice of doing. The Yin, along with wu wei, is the practice of not-doing. One compliments the other, and each cannot exist alone. The Tao tells people to practice not-doing because it will bring happiness in their life. By not-doing, the Tao means not performing actions, which are unnecessary and uncalled for. People should just take things as they come in life and they will live a life full of happiness and pleasure. If you don't interfere with the Tao and let things take their natural course, everything will work out in your life (Chapter 10). "If powerful men and women could remain centered in the Tao…all people would be at peace…" (Chapter 32). If you work against your Tao, you will never find happiness. The Sage practices wu wei. He teaches without words and performs without actions (Chapter 43). He knows and therefore does not speak (Chapter 56). Many people mistake conceptual knowledge for the map to the territory.
. . .
Some common words found in the essay are:
Tao Chapter, Yang Yang, Lao Tzu's, , wu wei, References Mitchell, wei practice, practice not-doing, chapter 8, York HarperCollins, wei practice doing, wu wei practice, practice doing, children children, chapter 44, happiness life, define yourself, people hate,
Approximate Word count = 1432
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
 |
