Philosophy, as demonstrated by
Lao Tzu in Ancient Chinese Philosophy, is a method to reveal the laws
concerning changes of things in the universe.
This is observed in the way he perceives the philosophical problem.
Before we proceed into giving a
detailed explanation of the premise, let us first clarify what is the “law”
that is going to be discussed in here.
The “law” that is being referred in here is not the “legislative law”,
or the “scientific law”, but rather the “natural law”. For
Lao Tzu, every event that happens in an individual is part of the movement of
Nature. Every change which occurs in this world all
corresponds to the movement of Nature. This change includes both pleasant, unpleasant
and other contrasting elements present in the movement of Nature. Understanding this movement of Nature or its
course, however, is not easy.
Even though such is the case, it
is not impossible to have an understanding of the “natural law”. This enlightenment can only be provided by deeply
reflecting on one’s life. By deeply reflecting
on one’s life, he can realize a great deal of things. It can make him understand the “natural laws”
operating in his life.
Understanding these “natural
laws” means letting everything flow the way it is. With this one can appreciate both the
positive and negative sides of an event.
In appreciating these contrasting elements he sees himself in that
scheme. It is in this realization of his
self that he realizes his humanity. By
realizing his humanity, he sees new and necessary things. He can know how to efficiently accomplish a
certain activity without overworking himself.
He can do this because he is
fully aware of his natural capabilities.
Being aware, on the other hand, implies that one has a grasp as to what
extent he can do something comfortably and happily. This is possible in deeply reflecting on
one’s life and nurturing it accordingly.
It is in this deep reflection in
his life that one can accomplish more. In
this way, he makes his life productive and fruitful. He preserves his humanity and integrity. As
Fung Yu-Lan stated in his book A Short
History of Chinese Philosophy, “If one understands these [natural] laws and
regulates one’s actions in conformity with them, one can then turn everything
to one’s advantage.” 1
What Fung is trying to say is
that, in understanding the course of Nature, one is properly guided to a contented
and happy life. The natural law is
actually the best pattern for one’s life. Understanding the “natural laws” of Nature can
make the individual be aware of the actions that he makes. This is how Lao Tzu demonstrates Philosophy as
a method to reveal the laws concerning the changes in the universe.
Understanding the “natural laws”
through philosophy in this context gives one a practical and moral guide to
right living. His life is in harmony
with all that are in this world. Therefore,
to shun away from the “natural law” is to cause disharmony or disorder. Without understanding the “natural laws”, an
individual can become out of tune in the course of things. He becomes misguided and fails to realize the
extent in which he can happily and comfortably do things. This is because he becomes too consumed with
his own thoughts and desires which makes deep reflection impossible. This
brings disorder, for it goes against the “natural” course in things. The moment the individual starts to desire
more, he goes against nature. He goes
against nature, for he pushes himself from his “natural” pace which makes his
action “unnatural”. This action brings “disorder” for it breeds
destruction and injury. Anything “unnatural” often results to
undesirable things. It brings harm not
only to the individual but also to his environment. It has a domino effect to everything that man
does and aspires.
It is in this light that we shall
introduce the philosophical problem. The
philosophical problem that Lao Tzu identified is about the presence of disorder
rooted from the absence of the Way or the Tao.
Firstly, let us discuss the root
of the problem. This is the absence of
the Way or the Tao. This absence
pertains to the tendency or the attitude of the individual to go against the
course of Nature. This is the
implication meant by the individual not taking his time to philosophize and understand
the “natural laws”.
This is manifested when one
assumes that he knows too much and desire too much. Knowing and desiring go hand-in-hand. When one has knowledge of something, surely
he begins to appreciate it. It can be
observed in watching a sport. If one
understands the sport, then surely he begins to appreciate it. And
with this appreciation, comes desire.
Going back to the example, the appreciation for the sport then
encourages the individual into playing it.
After many weeks of playing it, the individual then desires for
more. He desires for more speed in
playing, he desires for more techniques in playing the game, and desire for
more recognition. This desire, however,
is insatiable. It is insatiable in a
sense, for the individual, tirelessly feeds his superficial “knowledge” of
being the “best player”. He overworks himself, to the point that both
his mind and body deteriorate due to fatigue. It caused harm, instead of good results.
This is rooted in the fact that
the individual filled up his mind with too much knowledge and his heart with
too much desire. This very action
manifests the lack of understanding of the “natural laws” or the “natural”
course of things. This is because if the
said individual in the previous example has an understanding about the “natural
laws”, then he will not do such a reckless action. This is because he knows how to do things in
the most natural, comfortable manner, thus not injuring himself. If he had the slightest understanding, then he
would not have injured himself. If he
had taken a while to think and deeply reflect about his decision in playing the
sport, then the “natural law” would have been revealed to him. The
point in here is that if the individual deeply thought about his decision, then
he can surely see the most “natural” way of improving himself. If the
individual did not let himself be carried away by his knowledge and his desire,
then surely he could have accomplished more.
He could have been a good player even without overworking himself. He could have prevented himself from getting
injured.
It is in this notion that the
individual did not let Nature run its course.
If the individual let Nature run its course, then he should not have
went out of his way. He should have just
stuck to the experiences he had in his games and his regular practices. If he lets Nature run its course, then he
should have just relied on his gradual improvements on every game he has.
Another way of looking at this
notion would be about the inevitable things concerning one’s life. It cannot be denied that death is
inescapable. Every human being in this
world has a limited lifespan. This is
the “natural law” of life. It must be
taken as it is and must not be disrupted.
That is why it is “unnatural” to save a person with a terminal illness
through a surgical operation when the concerned loved ones already knew that
the patient only has days to live. Instead of helping the patient, it is
lengthening his misery and agony. This
reckless action is rooted from the inability to understand the “natural
laws”. This is because the individual
did not take the time to think about unselfish things. He enclosed himself in his own “knowledge”
and “desire” in judging what to do with the dying person. He enclosed himself with thought that he
“knows” what to do, thus giving him the “desire” to lengthen the life of the
person. This reason however, causes disorder. This is due to going against the truth of
dying concerning the said illness. It
causes pain and suffering. Because he
did not deeply reflect about it, he did not see that he is injuring both
himself and the person.
It can be observed from the two
examples that both bring forth disorder because of the unwillingness of the
individual to let Nature run its course.
Going against Nature never gave any good, for it is “unnatural”. “Unnatural” things make one feel discomfort
and suffering. It yields discomfort and suffering for it
gives a superficial “knowledge” which makes the individual “desire”. With this insatiable desire, the individual
overworks himself, thus bringing harm unto his self and to everything around
him.
Going against Nature, therefore,
is a manifestation of the lack of understanding of the natural course in things
and the attitude of non-conformity to Nature. This is because if one deeply reflected about
his actions and his life, then he can see the revelation that one must fashion
his life with Nature. Thinking deeply or
philosophizing can make one appreciate the movement of Nature, for he can get
the picture of his capabilities and his nature. It can let him permit Nature to run its
course. He does not go against it. It is in this way that he can cultivate
himself without overworking or injuring himself.
Philosophy, for Lao Tzu, is a
method to reveal the laws concerning the changes of things in the universe. This is shown in the way he perceives the
philosophical problem, which is the presence of disorder. This disorder, however, is rooted from the
absence of the Way. This absence is
depicted by the inability of the individual to understand the “natural laws” or
the natural course of Nature. This
inability is then manifested by having too much knowledge and desire of
things. By having too much knowledge of
things, one begins to have the hunger to satisfy the desire that goes with this
knowledge. This brings disorder, for an
individual with too much knowledge and desire has the tendency to overdo
things. In overdoing things, one injures
himself and everything around him.
To prevent such thing from
happening, Lao Tzu then proposes the need to philosophize. It means one has to reflect, analyze, compare,
contrast, transcend, transform and translate into one’s life the lessons of
Nature. In philosophizing, one can see
the greater scheme of things. In
philosophizing, the principles of the “natural laws” are revealed to the
individual. It is “revealed” to him in a sense that the
individual is enlightened through growing from various realities encountered in
everyday life. Philosophizing enlightens the individual and makes him see that
Nature is not to be fought but to be conformed with. In fashioning one’s life with Nature, one
avoids chaos. This is because the
individual does not impose some kind of artificial remedy or an imposed
action. In fashioning one’s life in
conformity with nature, he preserves his life by freely moving along with what
is. Being in conformity with nature makes one
happy, for it makes him utilize his natural capabilities without undue effort. All of
these are possible when one takes a step back and philosophize.
Even though disorder occurs every now and then,
it does not mean that it is a fruitless endeavor to deeply reflect. The real challenge for the philosopher in
this sense is to maintain his equilibrium.
Disorder can be taken as an advantage or as a disadvantage. The task of the philosopher in this sense is
to make a synthesis out of the disadvantages and advantages of the disorder to
come up with new insights or solution.
Disorders are meant to be taken as an opportunity in which ideas can be
refined and characters can be formed. Disorders
are meant to open one’s eyes and rid oneself from ignorance. This is the true essence of
philosophizing. Philosophizing is not
only enclosed in the good part or the bad part of a situation. It deals with both things. It is in the inclusion of the two where one
can truly transcend and attain enlightenment.
This, on the other hand, is the
true essence of understanding the course of nature. Transcendence or enlightenment cannot be done
by looking at one side of the situation.
One cannot look at truth with one eye open and the other closed. One cannot see the truth in that way, rather,
he will lead himself to deception.
Understanding nature implies
philosophical approaches. This is
because understanding is an important component for the search for truth. Philosophical approaches as mentioned prior
always necessitate one’s going out of oneself and realize himself in a wider
horizon. Life is a search for truth and
the truth is one which leads to happiness and fulfillment. Truth lies in one’s continuous right
relationship with nature and everything in it.
In this way, one establishes his equilibrium and sustains it properly. He maintains his equilibrium and deepen his
insights.
Taking this realization and fitting this in these modern times, it
cannot be denied that the daily challenges of life drive one to a corner. This is true especially in adults and
youths. The advantage of the adults
however, is that being advanced in years, they knew better. It makes
them jump up to their feet and face their problems. The youths however, lack the experience. With this lack of experience, the sudden
changes in nature break them easily. The
transition from triumphs to sudden failures put them in despair, and the slightest
betrayal makes them miserable. Because
of the lack of experience, youths cannot comprehend how Nature operates. They become enslaved in their loneliness,
thus locking themselves in their shells and wallowing in their self-pity. To
them the world is never kinder and life is never fair to anybody. Indeed,
nature is incomprehensible when one is young.
It is impossible to comprehend as to why one needs to go to school. It is impossible to comprehend why there are
so much expectations and responsibilities needed to be taken note in growing.
Although such is the case, it does not mean that being young implied
being incapable of growing up. Yes, it
is true that there are some aspects of life that one cannot understand at a
young age. But this does not mean that
he is prohibited from gradually understanding it. Understanding nature and its course is not
something that is instant.
What Lao Tzu wishes us to understand is the significance of Philosophy
as a method that will lead one to understand the principles present in all
things. These principles include those that are related to permanence and
change, good and bad, positive and negative, earthly and heavenly, existence
and eternity, simplicity and complexity, freedom and choice, triumphs and
failures, happiness and sadness and so on.
This means that Lao Tzu’s consideration of the significance of
philosophy in man’s goal of happiness and fulfillment allows opportunities for
him to be deeply engrossed in the natural flow of things without any attempt to
go against it or disobey its process. In
all the contradictions of life and in whatever realities one encounters, there
is purpose in them. And this purpose is
something that is beneficial to one’s search for truth and happiness. Truth and happiness can only be realized and
understood when one becomes united with nature and others. Philosophy helps man to find the best ways to
be in unity with nature. Everything happens with a purpose. That is why one has to conform to what is
there. This is because it just reveals
some purposes that man needs to understand and live with faithfully. At the
end, philosophy just reveals in man the very purpose of his life, which is the
unity with nature and with all the things and realities in it. Philosophy frees one from the slavery of
selfishness and disobedience to nature.
Thus, it solves the problem of chaos and disunity among men and other
beings.
Lao Tzu’s way of placing Philosophy
as a method to lead us to understand life and nature reveals inspiring principles on patience, obedience, care, love, sympathy,
concern, unity and simplicity. In short,
such speaks of good values related to harmonious living with nature. As a student, these concepts challenge my
attitudes towards success and failure, pain and joy, hope and despair, strength
and weakness and good and evil. The
challenges referred here mean that through those realities, Philosophy has
taught me to be more resilient in times of trials, persevering in times of
failures, being hopeful in times of despair, being optimistic in times of discouragement
in many failures such as low grades and personal or family problems. I realized that as a student, I am more
important than all the pleasant and unpleasant events in my life. These things are part of growing. Teenage life and student life are chapters in
my life that will guide me to my balance. But of course, this is easier said than
done. However, this is the very
challenge Lao Tzu places in my path as a struggling student. Uniting with nature means letting the processes
involved in growing flow without disturbance.
I have to let them be and not become bitter with them. Through them, I will discover better ways to
enrich my thoughts, realize my dreams and deepen my aspirations. It takes time and right attitude to become
united with nature. It is not easy to
accept failures and start again. But the
good thing is that there is always an opportunity to be happy despite the not
so pleasant events in my student life. I am, indeed, “bigger” than all of those.
Being so inclined into making good records makes one be unable to
cherish an important moment with friends and family. It makes one forget that there are more
important things others than grades, such as a happy life, a lasting friendship
and a happy life with one’s family. It
makes one forget that having a happy, fulfilled life cannot be accomplished by
being the most intelligent student. There is something more important than all
that surrounds us and all that we encounter daily. This “something” being referred in here is me
being alive and at peace with my environment and others.
Philosophy or philosophizing in this context, gives me a meaningful
reason to find my worth and live it as a simple student. I do what is to be done and what is expected
of me. I analyze, criticize, compare,
contrast, affirm, and negate things and experiences as student. I reflect on those and gradually realize the
necessary things in life. There are a
lot of lessons learned and worthy of keeping. Then, there is this discovery that no matter
what comes along in life, the nature around us and the people we meet every day
are our sources of happiness and contentment.
Reflecting on conflicts of realities and later being transformed by them
are the gains of philosophizing.
There is only one life to care and be concern about. If it is lost or abused, it cannot be
re-created. One must not waste his life
in doing things that are unnecessary. Rather, one must focus on what he already has. In order to do this, one must not push
himself too hard. He must not overdo
things. If one needs to have a good
life, to be a good student or to be a good person, he must just do what he can
and be contented in it. In being
contented with what one has and does, in appreciating new learning and
insights, and in living simply are enough to have the best of everything. Philosophizing
is not all about the realizations, rather, it is how one makes the most of life
out of these realizations. Thus, Philosophy
reveals to one how to live life more fully and to
continually make it a spring of flowing values.
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