Tao Te Ching 22

In this particular day I shall interpret a verse from the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, namely verse 22.  In A Source Book In Chinese Philosophy, Wing Tsit Chan presents the verse:

“22. To yield is to be preserved whole.

To be bent is to become straight.

To be empty is to be full.

To be worn out is to be renewed.

To have little is to possess.

To have plenty is to be perplexed.

Therefore the sage embraces the One

And becomes the model of the world.

He does not show himself; therefore he is luminous.

He does not justify himself; therefore he becomes prominent.

He does not boast himself; therefore he is given credit.

He does not brag; therefore he can endure for long.

It is precisely because he does not complete that the world

cannot compete with him.

Is the ancient saying, ‘To yield is to be preserved whole.’,

empty words?

Truly he will be preserved and (prominence, etc.) will

come to him.” ¹

Firstly, let us discuss the theme of the verse.  The theme of the verse is all about “wu wei” (non-action) and spontaneity.  This “non-action” that is being discussed in here does not imply lazing off.  For Lao Tzu, “non-action”, means that an individual must do things according to necessity and purpose.  In other words, Lao Tzu advocates not overdoing things.  Overdoing things, in a sense, causes a lot of negative results both in mind and body.  It goes against the nature of an individual. That is why “acting by not-acting” is greatly encouraged by Lao Tzu.  It does not only spare the physical aspect of an individual but also it nurtures the individual’s natural capabilities.  It also develops the value of simplicity and contentment.

Let us reflect this as we go into the verse.   Going into the verse, it can be realized that all the opposite metaphors in the verse implies the notion of “non-action”.   Not overdoing anything implies not going against the Tao.  By this “non-action”, one fashions his life by the principles of nature, which Lao Tzu believed to lead an individual into a life of simplicity, meekness, contentment, and humility.  Simplicity and contentment make one utilize what he has and what he is.  Meekness preserves one’s strength, and humility makes one safeguard from his own extremes, thus lessening the possibility of causing harm not only to himself but also to everything around him.  With “non-action”, an individual can do his responsibilities properly and efficiently,   avoiding any possibility of a casualty in the course of his job.  By acting according to necessity and purpose, that is to say, acting what is only required and not beyond it, an individual accomplishes more.  Having to accomplish more in the most natural way possible is far more fulfilling that over-doing things and be worn-out afterward. 

Doing things in ways that are “natural” to a certain person is more fulfilling in a sense that his capabilities are freely exercised.  With this free exercise of one’s capability, he becomes comfortable.  With this comfort, he becomes happy, for in what he does, he does not push himself or force himself in it.  He becomes happy for his nature is fully utilized and developed.  This is observable with people who are passionate about their jobs and people who work for the sake of earning.  People that are passionate about their jobs are happy in such.  This is because their talent and natural ability are utilized fully in the way that they like it.   They put their hearts in their jobs.  They are happy.  Every working hour is not a struggle for them, but instead it is an hour of happiness.   They are happy because they can be themselves and freely showcase their natural capabilities.

 People who work for the sake of working, however, find misery in their jobs.  This is because they force themselves into doing something that they are not accustomed to, which gives the notion of “overdoing”. Their hearts are not in their jobs.  Every hour of work is like years of suffering.   In this sense they find their everyday working hour not fulfilling, for they did not exercise their natural capabilities and they tire themselves out in the process. 

Lao Tzu gives primacy to “non-action” in the way individuals must live their lives.   This does not necessarily imply slacking off in responsibilities.  Lao Tzu wishes to emphasize that an individual must not overdo anything, for it can only bring harm to both himself and to his surroundings.  In doing things that are “natural” to a certain person, he becomes fulfilled.    In not overdoing things, a person finds fulfillment and happiness for he freely showcases his abilities, without hurting himself or anyone around him in the process.

 Doing things the “natural” way means putting one’s heart in anything that he does.  This means he must act in simplicity, meekness, contentment and humility.  By doing these, he lives his life lightly and fully without being scorned by the stresses caused by extremes.  Living becomes a realization of a value that gives one a meaningful opportunity to embrace things as they are and grow with them as they unfold.

Source:

   1.       Wing Tsit Chan, “The Natural Way of Lao Tzu”, (United States: Princeton University Press, 1963), In In A Source Book In Chinese Philosophy, 151.