Category: Oriental Philosophy

Lao Tzu was an ancient Chinese philosopher and the founder of Taoism, a religion and philosophy that emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao, or the natural way of the universe. One of the central principles of Taoism is Wu Wei, which roughly translates to “non-action” or “effortless action.” In this essay, we will explore the concept of Wu Wei and its implications for daily life.

At its core, Wu Wei is about living in a state of effortless action, where we flow with the natural rhythms of the universe rather than resisting or fighting against them. It is not about laziness or inaction, but rather about finding the most efficient and effective way to achieve our goals by working in harmony with the natural order of things.

Wu Wei is often associated with water, which is fluid, flexible, and adapts to its environment. Water does not try to force its way through obstacles but instead finds the path of least resistance. In the same way, Wu Wei encourages us to let go of our attachment to specific outcomes and instead focus on the process of achieving our goals. By doing so, we can be more responsive to the world around us and find creative solutions to challenges that may arise.

In Taoist philosophy, the universe is seen as a dynamic and ever-changing system that operates according to the principles of Yin and Yang. Yin represents the passive, feminine, and receptive aspects of nature, while Yang represents the active, masculine, and creative aspects. In order to live in harmony with the Tao, we must balance these opposing forces and find a middle way.

Wu Wei can be seen as a way of embodying this balance by allowing us to act in a way that is both active and passive at the same time. By surrendering to the natural flow of the universe, we can be both receptive to new opportunities and creative in our response to them. This allows us to achieve our goals in a way that is effortless and spontaneous, rather than rigid and forced.

One of the challenges of Wu Wei is that it requires us to let go of our attachment to specific outcomes. This can be difficult for those of us who are used to being in control and want to achieve our goals in a specific way. However, by letting go of our attachment to specific outcomes, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and can find solutions that we may not have considered otherwise.

Another challenge of Wu Wei is that it requires us to be present in the moment and aware of the world around us. It is easy to get caught up in our own thoughts and desires, but by being present and aware, we can respond more effectively to the world around us. This requires a certain level of mindfulness and self-awareness, which can be developed through practices such as meditation and mindfulness.

Wu Wei is not just a concept for individuals, but it can also be applied to organizations and societies. In Taoist philosophy, the ideal society is one that operates in harmony with the natural way of things, rather than trying to impose its will on the world. This requires a certain level of humility and willingness to adapt to changing circumstances, which can be difficult for organizations and societies that are used to being in control.

In conclusion, Wu Wei is a concept that encourages us to live in harmony with the natural way of the universe. It is about finding the most efficient and effective way to achieve our goals by working in harmony with the natural order of things. By surrendering to the natural flow of the universe and letting go of our attachment to specific outcomes, we can be more responsive to the world around us and find creative solutions to challenges that may arise. While Wu Wei can be challenging, it offers a way of living that is both effortless and spontaneous, and can lead to greater fulfillment and happiness in life.

It is a good idea to know the characteristics of Indian philosophy if one wants to fully appreciate the nature and dynamics of Indian philosophy. Thus, these very short notes on Indian philosophy will present the major characteristics of Indian philosophy.

First, Indian philosophy in general concentrates on the spiritual.

Except for Charvaka and related doctrines, Indian philosophy conceives man to be spiritual in nature, interested primarily in his spiritual destiny, and relates him in one way or another to a universe which is also spiritual in essence (see A Source Book in Indian Philosophy, eds. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Charles Moore. New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1957, p. xix).

In Indian philosophy, both man and the universe are looked upon as metaphysical in character, and material welfare is never recognized as the goal of human life, except by the Charvaka. Also, philosophy and religion are intimately related since philosophy itself is regarded as a spiritual adventure.

Second, Indian philosophy believed in the ultimate relationship between philosophy and life.

Philosophy in India has never been considered a mere intellectual exercise. The close relationship between theory and practice, doctrine and life, has always been outstanding in Indian thought. Every Indian philosophy seeks the truth, not as an “academic knowledge for its own sake”, but to learn the truth which shall make them free (see Source Book in Indian Philosophy, p. xxii).

In India, philosophy is for life; it is to be lived. Thus, the goal of the Indian philosopher is not just to know the ultimate truth but also to realize it. This might sound a bit pragmatic, but it should not be viewed from the vantage point of American pragmatism. According to scholars, Indian pragmatism is much larger and deeper than American pragmatism.

Third, Indian philosophy is characterized by the introspective attitude and introspective approach to reality.

In the Indian tradition, philosophy is thought of as knowledge of the self (atmavidya). In its pursuit of the truth, Indian philosophy has always bee strongly dominated by concerns with the inner life and self of man rather than the external world of physical nature (see Source Book in Indian Philosophy, p. xxii). For the Indian, therefore, the self is the path towards the ultimate truth.

Fourth, Indian philosophy is idealistic.

Indian philosophy seeks the ideal. This is described as monistic idealism. Monistic idealism holds the belief that “reality” is ultimately one and ultimately spiritual. However, it must be noted that Indian idealism does not disregard materialism. Only, it goes beyond the material. The “idea” of the ultimate “one reality” is the ideal of Indian philosophy.

Fifth, Indian philosophy uses intuition as the only method through which the ultimate is known.

For the Indian thinkers, reason or intellectual knowledge is not enough. But it must be noted that for the Indian thinkers, reason is not useless or fallacious. It is just that it is insufficient. This is because for the Indian thinkers, reason cannot discover or reach the truth. It can only demonstrate the truth. For this reason, the Indians rely on intuition, that is, direct insight on something, in knowing the truth.

Sixth, Indian philosophy accepts the legitimacy of “authority”.

Reverence for ancient Indian texts is one of the important characteristics of Indian philosophy. For example, the Vedas and the Upanishads had permeated Indian thought. As it is claimed, the later Indian schools were basically commentaries on the ancient Indian sacred texts.

Seventh, Indian philosophy is holistic.

Indian philosophy always thinks of the whole. Unlike the Westerners, Indian philosophy does cut off reality into pieces. For example, metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, religion, and values are not cut off from each other, but treated in their natural unity as aspects of one life and experience or of single comprehensive reality (see Source Book in Indian Philosophy, p. xxvi).

The Value of Studying Indian Philosophy

Studying Indian philosophy is important historically, philosophically, and politically.

Historically, Indian philosophy forms the foundation of modern philosophy inasmuch as philosophy is understood as a progression of thoughts. Indian philosophy has been considered as landmark of human thought. Any study of philosophy at present, therefore, should begin with the past. And to this end, Indian philosophy has much to contribute.

Philosophically, the study of Indian philosophy is important in the search for the truth. Philosophy must include all insights and all experiences in its purview, and, again, Indian philosophy has much to contribute here.

Lastly, political insights always presuppose philosophical understanding. Since it is claimed that social and political conditions depend upon the philosophical and spiritual thoughts and ideals of the people of the world, Indian philosophy, then, is politically relevant.