Wu Wei and Spontaneity

老子

九

~What does Lao Tzu mean by “acting by not-acting?” In what way is this an approximation of the movement of the Tao? What is such an approximation important in Lao Tzu’s philosophy? 

~How is wu-wei expressed in human action? How is it different from common human movements?

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“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”

Wu-wei or non-doing is important in the Taoist philosophy. However, this state of non-action or non-doing does not mean laziness or passivity. Then how will Lao Tzu take the story of Juan Tamad (Lazy John) who decided to lie down on the ground with his mouth open and wait for the fruit to drop? 

Wu-wei or non-action can be expressed as “going with the flow” of nature, and not forcibly doing things against what should be. Wu-wei requires us to do nothing so that we can do something. It calls for a natural, spontaneous and effortless actions. And because the action is done effortlessly, naturally, and spontaneously, it arises only in the need of the moment, with sincerity in the act it itself, and it is forgotten when it is done. For example, in raising a child, you do not force the child to grow up, physically and mentally. You have to wait for the child to grow, naturally. You cannot just pull your child from head to toe just so he or she will grow taller. You have to wait for time and allow the child’s natural physiological development to kick in and do its work. 

Non-action is directed to cultivating one’s mind and actions by aligning it to the flow of nature, effortlessly. Non-action does not really mean not to do anything but rather, it means that one should not do what is unnatural. Tai Chi, for examples, tells us that it can be used for self defense and street fighting. But how can such a graceful and slow-paced, dance-like activity be used for something intense and powerful? The art of Tai Chi would teach us not to block and forcefully go against the opponent but rather to receive their hits and give it back to them- their own force will return to them and knock them out. Altruism can also be seen as an act of wu-wei basically because altruistic actions are done with one’s own accord, without any intention behind the action, and it is done without seeking nor expecting for anything in return. Coercion is not the way of the Taoist non-action but instead, it highlight actions that are intrinsically motivated. 

Sometimes little bursts of energy would drive us to do rash things- rash things that are contrary to nature and which sometimes lead us to our own demise. There are certain physical movements or quirks that signifies one’s need to realise and release such drives. Pacing back and forth, the twitching of one’s fingers, or the simple act of rocking on your toes and the balls of your feet connotes the great need to exhaust this right away, impulsively. The Tao, however, tells us to do things. Although this can be called as spontaneous, there still lies a big difference between it being natural and the other as something rash or uncalled for. Sometimes we want to grow up to fast and do things that we should not be doing at all. We would wish that time would move forward and so we miss the simple and little joys that we should be experiencing every single day. Lao Tzu would say that living the fast life is a very bad idea. 

Do what you can and wait. Wait and allow nature to do its work for it will be done in the right time and in the right manner. Follow and respect the flow of nature.

Tao Te Ching, 24

He who stands in tiptoe is not ready.

He who strides forward does not go.

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