Philosophy, as demonstrated by Lao Tzu in Ancient Chinese Philosophy,
is a way to live in harmony with Nature. This is observed in the way he characterizes
the sage. The root of the problem of the
absence of natural harmony is the insistence of man to pursue his own way and
detach himself from Nature. Such
insistence brings forth chaos and disharmony, which becomes worse when left
unsolved.
In order to solve such dilemma, one must go back to Nature. In relation to this, one must fashion himself
towards harmony. This solution is for
one to become a sage. This can only be
done when one deeply reflects and lives his life in harmony or in accordance
with Nature. Living in accordance with
Nature teaches the individual to get rid of unnecessary knowledge that would
drive him into desire. These are the
“knowledge” concerning the ways of getting the objects of desire such as wealth
and power. When one lives with Nature,
he learns how to temper himself and focus only to the things that he has. He also learns to preserve these things and
not lose them. When one lives with
nature, he learns how to do only what is necessary of a situation. He gets to see as to in what degree he can do
things comfortably without injuring himself.
In living in accordance with
Nature, one becomes more careful not only in his own well-being, but also to
everything around him. In this sense the
individual becomes more effective and efficient in what he does. Moreover, he does not evoke any negative
thoughts towards the other people around him, which can lessen the possibility
of disorder. Another point to consider
is that when one lives in accordance with Nature, he becomes humble. He knows himself deeply, lives in it simply
and nurtures his natural capability. As
Fung Yu-Lan stated in his book, A Short
History of Chinese Philosophy: “Humility is a contrary sign that limit is
far from reached.” 1
Fung’s statement implies that in being humble, one can see as to where
he would stop whenever he does something, as he deeply reflects about his
actions in accordance to Nature. This
prevents him from injuring himself in the process. In this way he can do things without forcing
himself to satisfy his ego, and can do things without any restrictions. In being humble, one does not only spare
himself from being egoistic and injured, he also becomes happy and contented in
his life.
In developing such sage-like attitudes, one lives in harmony with
Nature. He lives in such harmony with it
because he does not interfere in its course with his attitude of only doing
what is necessary of the situation and not being self-centered. He lives in harmony with Nature because of
these characteristics because he does not impose his ways on it or venture to
overcome it. He lets things be and goes
along with it.
Disharmony and chaos occur because of man’s insistence on his own
ways. He strays from Nature, which
really does not solve anything. Much worse, values are being forgotten and the
necessary things are being overlooked because of the priority of satisfying
one’s desire. Desires and other
self-centered goals cannot bring happiness in one’s life, or order in one’s
community. It is in being content and
getting rid of selfishness that can make such happiness and order
possible. This can only be done when one
deeply reflects and realizes his part in this objective. This is developing himself into a sage.
A solution, no matter how deep it is thought about or no matter how
carefully it is planned, it cannot show its results unless there is someone
manifesting such solution. The values
learned in deeply reflecting about things must not remain in one’s mind, rather
it must also manifest in one’s attitude towards his self and towards others.
A person who has fully integrated philosophy in his life becomes truer
to himself, more united with his fellowmen and more attuned with the natural
scheme of things. He does what is essential and lives without excesses.
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