Taoism applied to Everyday Life
"Practice not-doing and everything will fall into place" (Chapter 3). In Taoism this is the concept known as "wu wei". Wei wu wei is the practice of doing and not-doing. This concept comes from the theory of the Yin and Yang. The Yang, along with wei, is the practice of doing. The Yin, along with wu wei, is the practice of not-doing. One compliments the other, and each cannot exist alone. The Tao tells people to practice not-doing because it will bring happiness in their life. By not-doing, the Tao means not performing actions, which are unnecessary and uncalled for. People should just take things as they come in life and they will live a life full of happiness and pleasure. If you don't interfere with the Tao and let things take their natural course, everything will work out in your life (Chapter 10). "If powerful men and women could remain centered in the Tao...all people would be at peace..." (Chapter 32). If you work against your Tao, you will never find happiness. The Sage practices wu wei. He teaches without words and performs without actions (Chapter 43). He knows and therefore does not speak (Chapter 56). Many people mistake conceptual knowledge for the map to the territ
If a man defines himself as a doctor, he is limiting himself to science. He has defined one car as "good" and the rest are "bad". You must govern a country with moderation for the best results (Chapter 59). As a leader, you must not be bossy and try to have all the power because the people will hate you and will not obey you. If you define something as "good" then its opposite is defined as "bad", when in reality it might not be (Chapter 2). You must "be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are" (Chapter 44). This is an extreme suggestion however, it is the only way for society to come together as a whole and have no one steal from others. In personal life, you should never define yourself. If parents cannot have this connection with their children, there is a guarantee of failure in the family. Let it be present in your family and your family will flourish. When a man is about to buy a car, he will want to buy a company with a "good name". "Because (the Sage) has nothing to prove, people can trust his words" (Chapter 22). If one follows these beliefs he is guaranteed happiness in his life. You should be completely present for the rest of your family, this way other members can talk to you whenever necessary.
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