Lao Tzu: Philosophy as a Way To Model Oneself With Nature

In this particular day, I shall discuss Philosophy as demonstrated by Lao Tzu as seen in the way he lays out the steps for the development of the sage. Philosophy, in this sense, is a way to model oneself with Nature. 

In order to solve the problem of the absence of natural harmony in the world, one needs to go back to the ways of Nature.  The first step for completing this task is molding oneself to exert effort to find the solution for absence of harmony.   This is becoming a Taoist sage.  In order to achieve such state, one must live in harmony with Nature.  And in order to live in harmony with Nature, one must know the Tao and follow it by means of non-action.  In order to achieve such things, one needs to deeply reflect about his life.

In knowing the Tao, one unlearns himself.  This unlearning does not imply reverting the self into being less intelligible but rather this implies getting rid of the unnecessary desires and the knowledge of attaining such desires in one’s mind.  Unlearning takes place when one only focuses on what is essential at a given moment.  He gets rid of other unnecessary things such as self-interest in the said activity or situation.  Overdoing of things manifests “knowing too much”, because one does not know when to stop and be contented of what one has.  And because if one “knows too much”, they make simple tasks complicated.  He injures himself and does unnecessary things.  Much worse, it could make one resort to crimes such as stealing or murder in order to satisfy personal desires.  When one has “too much” knowledge of things around him, he imposes what he wants, which brings about disorder in the community.  He violates Nature.

Unlearning is important in becoming a Taoist sage, for it makes one be aware of the natural state of things.  It makes one be aware of the essential things to be done without exerting any effort in accomplishing it.  It makes one contented about what he has and knows when to retire when he finishes his responsibility.  It makes one get rid of the attitude of being self-centered all the time or being so ego-driven, which then prevents one from being injured or harmed by others in the process.  Such is the reason why Lao Tzu gives primacy to unlearning.

After knowing, it is only foremost that the individual must have some kind of method in keeping the idea and the learning alive within him.  In terms of being able to learn and being able to know Nature, the sage-to-be must have some kind of method that can aid him in strengthening the values of Nature within him. This method is “non-action”.  “Non-action” in this sense, is not to be understood as really doing nothing.  As Fung Yu-Lan stated in his book, A Short History of Chinese Philosophy, “What it does mean is lesser activity or doing less. It also means acting without artificiality or arbitrariness.” ¹

Basing from Fung’s statement, “non-action” calls for a more responsible approach in doing things.  This is because the objective of a certain task is to have something done, and doing more than what is required can defeat the purpose of the task.   “Non-action” also implies for a “natural” way of doing things.  This implies one being able to do something without any restriction or excessive effort.  Not overdoing things is the way in which one follows the course of Nature because it does not interfere with the natural ways of things.  It does not make the individual insist on his ways.  One gets rid of any self-centered goal because he only focuses on necessary things.  Moreover, it teaches the values of humility, simplicity, and content because it makes the individual appreciate what he has by maximizing his natural skills and learning more about himself.  “Non-action” makes the individual focused on the important things, and not become swayed by the objects of desire.  Such is the reason why it is the way in order to follow the course of Nature.

Deep reflection aids one to know the Tao, unlearn things and do what is only necessary.  Without deep reflection, an individual cannot realize such wisdom.  It is in deep reflection about things that one realizes himself through the natural processes present in the daily things that he does and encounters.  He becomes more responsible in his actions and develops the virtues of simplicity, contentment, and humility. 

Source:

   1.       Fung Yu-Lan, “Lao Tzu”, (New York: The Free Press, 1948), In A Short History of Chinese Philosophy, 100.