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Wu-wei is a special category of Taoism, which implies non-interference in the natural course of things. This philosophy is also called the art of contemplative passivity, “doing nothing” or “doing nothing”. How can its principles help a person in modern life?
According to Lao Tzu, “If anyone wants to take over the world and manipulate it, he will fail. For the world is a sacred vessel that cannot be manipulated. If anyone wants to appropriate it, he will lose it.” This phrase contains the whole essence of wu-wei philosophy.
Such views fundamentally contradict the Western philosophy of success, which calls for being more active, acting against everything, conquering the world and always striving for more. However, as we know, this approach often causes depression and stress, while wu-wei helps to overcome a difficult life period. It is only important to be imbued with the basic postulates and secrets of this philosophy.
1. Inactivity does not mean that nothing is happening.
Wu-wei is translated from Chinese as “non-action” or “action without action”. It is living in harmony with the natural course of events, as opposed to actively pursuing goals and forcing them. At the same time, wu-wei should not be confused with idleness. Following the philosophy of wu-wei is not a reason to sit on the sidelines, idly observing life and criticizing other people.
Wu-wei is the inspired state of a person who is filled with vital energy and dedicates his actions only to a higher goal. This person does not waste energy on trifles and acts only when the best time comes for this. And then the whole world supports him.
Wu-wei can be described through the well-known Yin-Yang symbol. On the one hand, it is an active male energy, which implies the expansion of oneself into the world. On the other hand, passive female energy, which symbolizes inner knowledge.
All Chinese medicine, martial arts, gymnastics and acupuncture are designed to help balance male and female energy, that is, to act and not to act at the same time. This is wu-wei.
2. The universe is not working against you.
We do not live between heaven and earth, we ourselves are heaven and earth. To practice wu-wei, you must first realize that you are part of the universe. You need to feel a close connection and unity with all that exists. Only in this way can one find inner freedom and stop living in a struggle with the outside world.
Lao Tzu wrote about it this way: “Man depends on the Earth, the Earth – on the Cosmos, the Cosmos – on the Tao, but the Tao does not depend on anything.” Accordingly, a person who knows the Tao does not depend on anything. For him, all the events of life pass before his eyes, like a movie on the screen.
3. Physical action is not the only one
Even when our body is at rest, our restless mind continues to fuss. We are experiencing, scrolling through different situations in our heads, planning future battles. According to wu-wei, it is important to calm not only the body, but also the brain. Otherwise, it is impossible to understand whether we are acting in accordance with the design of the universe or indulging our ego.
Even in the practice of meditation, one should not try too hard. Lao Tzu advises us to be calm and attentive, learn to listen to both our own inner voices and the voices of the environment. This requires a calm and penetrating mind.
4. You need to learn to accept change
Everything in nature is subject to constant metamorphosis. These changes are governed by higher laws that we cannot understand. Therefore, it is useless to resist them or try to fight change. It doesn’t occur to you to stop the natural change of seasons or the sunrise over the horizon?
When you stop fighting against change, you will be able to see only the positive aspects of it.
5. Learn aimless movement
The Chinese philosopher Chuang Tzu advised a lifestyle he called aimless movement. Today, the absence of a goal is considered almost a mortal sin. At the same time, the rhythm and way of modern life does not contribute to either harmony or balance.
In his treatises, Chuang Tzu wrote: “Imagine an artist or a skilled craftsman. A talented wood carver or an excellent blacksmith does not think and reason logically in the course of his action. He does it instinctively and spontaneously, not knowing why he succeeds. His skill has become so much a part of himself that he simply trusts his movements and does not think about the reasons. It is this state that one should strive to achieve with the help of wu-wei.
Source: themindunleashed.com