Wu Wei

Renee Lehman

(4/2019) Taoism (pronounced Daoism) does not refer to a formalized religious practice but rather to a deep spiritual practice of understanding and following the way of Tao (pronounced Dao), the way of Nature, sometimes called simply, “the Way.” In other words, Taoism teaches us that the natural way for people to live their lives is in harmony with the Tao (the Way of Nature).
 
Often the saying, “Go with the flow,” or the metaphor of water flowing around "obstacles" in a stream are often used. The stream is the “Stream of Life” and, as water flows, there are really no obstacles.
 
The great Taoist classic, the Tao Te Ching (pronounced Dao Day Ching), written by Lao Tzu around 600 B.C., first articulated the idea of Wu Wei (pronounced ewh way). Wu Wei, one of the most famous Taoist concepts, is repeatedly discussed in the Tao Te Ching. It is the primary concept in Chapters 2, 3, 11, 29, 37, 43, 47, 48, 63, and 64. So what is Wu Wei?
 
Wu Wei has no exact English translation; however, it is often described as non-action. The Tao Te Ching explains, “Do that which consists in taking no action and order will prevail.”

For example, Chapter 43 (as translated by Stephen Mitchell):

The gentlest thing in the world
overcomes the hardest thing in the world.
That which has no substance
enters where there is no space.
This shows the value of non-action.

Teaching without words,
performing without actions:
that is the Master's way.

As a translation for Wu Wei, I prefer the term “not-forcing.” The idea is that we should stop trying to force action and get comfortable doing less. Then, when we do move, our actions are natural, energetic, and accomplish the desired results.
 
As Grand Master Nan Lu states, “Ancient wisdom has taught us to observe and embrace Nature as it transitions from one season to the next. Each season has its own purpose and its own consciousness. As a part of the Universal picture, we are connected to this continual cycle.”
 
The Tao Te Ching recommends cultivating non-action by observing the natural world. The skies don’t always storm; nor are birds always in flight. Stillness preserves us for action when necessary. The Taoist storyteller Chuang Tzu explains the idea in more detail around 350 B.C.: “From the sage’s emptiness, stillness arises. From stillness, action. From action, attainment.”
 
Viewing the situations in our lives as obstacles, just shows that we are manifesting an attitude of judgment. When we live our lives from the perspective of Wu Wei, then we go with the flow like water. Our attitude is one of not-judging and not-forcing.

The following parable demonstrates this concept:

The Crowded Alley

A Parable by Chuang Tzu

There was a somewhat wild horse tied up and left by its owner in a narrow alleyway. All who came upon it pondered and debated how to pass without getting kicked. One tried running past and was subsequently tumbled to the ground, still not able to get beyond. Another tried jumping over the horse's legs as it kicked wildly and derived the same result. Yet another attempted to pass through the horse's legs but got trampled by the down kicks of the horse's hooves. Meanwhile a crowd assembled and debated vociferously as to how to go about passing by the horse with many theories being postured and no one else having the courage to take any action.

Finally, a young girl toward the back of the crowd noticed Master Kung on his ox riding up to the alley from the main street. She hollered to the crowd, "Here is Master Kung: he'll know how to get past!"

Master Kung peered down at the crowd and the horse from the corner, assessed the situation, smiled slightly, and then rode down to the next alley to continue on his way.

In Taoist tradition Master Kung’s action is known as Wu Wei. His action did not disturb the Natural order of things. Master Kung went with the flow instead of swimming against the current. Now, don’t misunderstand, this does not mean to turn the cheek by becoming a doormat as a reaction to events. Wu Wei means being proactive in Life, following the Natural order of the Universe, and solving problems by not creating them in the first place. In other words, in relation to the above parable, by not forcing one's way past the horse!
 
I believe that the concept of Wu Wei is crucial for learning to live a good life but is very difficult for Americans to understand. In our action-oriented culture, doing nothing sounds like laziness, idleness, and a little bit crazy.
 
However, when we learn to live and reframe our lives from a Wu Wei perspective, we learn to wait and observe. We see the external world more clearly, make wiser choices, and stop making waves in our own lives! This concept helps us to manage the realities of living in this 21st century, modern-day life.
 
By not-acting, by not-making-waves, we can conserve our Qi (Universal Lifeforce) so that we can expend it when the moment is right. Wu wei is NOT about being a doormat or being slothful. It is about self-preservation and being ready for the proper moment to act!

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 37

The Tao never does anything,
yet through it all things are done.

If powerful men and women
could center themselves in it,
the whole world would be transformed
by itself, in its natural rhythms.
People would be content
with their simple, everyday lives,
in harmony, and free of desire.

When there is no desire,
all things are at peace.

Renee Lehman is a licensed acupuncturist, physical therapist, with over 30 years of health care experience. Her office is located at 249B York Street in Gettysburg. She can be reached at 717-752-5728.