Lao Tzu's View Of Daoism

Like with most religions or philosophies, Daoism is a teaching of truth, an ideology that one wishes to define themselves by. However, the Dao is essentially undefinable, rather it is a teaching for one to discover on their own terms. Lao Tzu was a Chinese Philosopher attributed for the writing of the Daodejing, as well as the patron of Daoism. Daoism is the belief that human existence is continually influenced by alternative forces. Based on the teachings of the Daodejing, Lao Tzu encouraged to understand the laws of nature. He emphasized the aspect of simplicity as a key to all truth. He believed that desire was the root of all evil and the only manner to understand the Dao, or the Way, was to not act on one’s desire, thus, eliminating it
completely. Some of Lao Tzu’s most significant teachings from the Daodejing are his opinions on governing and how to fulfill the purpose of the Way.
“Being the valley of the world, eternal virtue will be full in you, and you return to the state of uncarved wood.” Moeller, Hans-Georg, and Laozi. Twenty-Eight. Daodejing (Laozi): A Complete Translation and Commentary. Lao Tzu is keen on the image of uncarved wood. We see this metaphor brought up several times in the text as a symbol of simplicity. A piece of wood is in its most uncomplicated state, yet, it consists of so many possibilities. It can become anything you hope, but will not surpass its natural state without the intention or effort. Like the uncarved wood, our human existence is rudimentary and uncomplicated. In chapter twelve, the five senses are brought to our attention. Our senses are there for our benefit. We must use them
accordingly, but never overindulge. For example, “Goods that are difficult to obtain, obstruct one’s way’s.” Moeller, Hans-Georg, and Laozi. Twelve. Daodejing (Laozi): A Complete Translation and Commentary. In other words, waiting for unnecessary material objects is a misuse of one’s energy. Lao Tzu suggests that an enlightened person would not desire anything more than what is necessary to survive. As humans, we make things more complex than they need to be. We trouble our reality with material things that are only distractions. The greatest prophets in history have taught us that our lives would be infinitely more meaningful if we realized that life experiences are more profound than transitory material indulgences. Yet, we remain suffocated in a sea of unnecessary clutter. One will not be entirely happy until one stops looking for more and, instead, appreciates what they already have.
“Supreme good is like water.
Water greatly benefits all things, without conflict. It flows through places that people loathe. Thereby it is close to the Way.” Moeller, Hans-Georg, and Laozi. Eight. Daodejing (Laozi): A Complete Translation and Commentary. In this metaphor, Lao Tzu uses the example of water. Water is a basic element of nature, yet, it is essential to our existence. The significance of water in chapter eight, is that water does not act against its nature. It naturally flows downward and takes any form that it is placed into and nourishes anything it comes into contact with. It will nourish the rose the same way it’ll nourish the weed. Often, we perform actions in the hopes to receive praise or acknowledgment. We put in conscious effort, where we should let actions flow naturally. This is called virtue. Good actions should occur naturally when following the Way. According to the Daodejing, a humble person avoids attracting attention of others. They are mindful, therefore, do not need to advertise themselves to be open to growth. One will be truly humble when they realize their own insignificance. Like water, one must submit to kindness without contention. They understand when to keep the “I” silent so that they may hear the
“Thou.”
The eighty-one chapters of the Daodejing were written with the intention to improve one’s spirit. In the text, Lao Tzu also takes an honest stance at how a ruler should lead his people. He argues that “the best of all ruler’s, people will only know that he exists. The next best, they will praise with affection. The next best, they will fear. The worst, will be ridiculed.” Moeller, Hans-Georg, and Laozi. Seventeen. Daodejing (Laozi): A Complete Translation and Commentary. Inevitably, a good leader holds some amount of power over his following. This power should never be coercive or do harm, instead, it should make a positive impact on the surrounding community and should inspire others to have the same impact. The Daoist Sage is not bound by any law or his own ego, he does what he believes is necessary. He is uncomplicated, direct, and sincere, he does not have ulterior motives clouding his mind. His patience is pure and without ego. He has a naturally flowing wisdom acquired from detachment. His actions come from his true self, therefore, he can bring true peace to those around him.
Without a doubt, Lao Tzu expresses a powerful message in the contemplative Daodejing. The Way, or the Dao, is the central concept of Daoism. The path of the Dao is to observe the world while promoting humanness. Lao Tzu’s texts contain very deep content that promote innate kindness. He provided followers with a guide to accepting themselves. To understand the Dao, you must first start within yourself. Daoism and the Dao, aside from being a philosophy, is a system of beliefs and practices to understanding a person’s own nature. Live your life and discover yourself along the way, this is the Dao.