03-20-2012, 12:00 AM
Wu wei
Main article: Wu wei
Wu wei (simplified Chinese: 无为; traditional Chinese: 無爲; pinyin: wúwéi or Chinese: 無為) is a central concept in Taoism. Wei refers to any intentional or deliberated action, and wu is the negation that means "there is no . . ." or "lacking, without". Thus the literal meaning of wu wei is "without (conscious or purposeful) action". It is often expressed by the paradox wei wu wei, often rendered as "action without action" or "effortless doing".[48] The practice and efficacy of wu wei are fundamental in Taoist thought, most prominently emphasized in philosophical Taoism. The goal of wu wei is alignment with Tao, revealing the soft and invisible power within all things. It is believed by Taoists that masters of wu wei can observe and follow this invisible potential, the innate in-action of the Way.[49]
In ancient Taoist texts, wu wei is associated with water through its yielding nature.[50]
Taoist philosophy proposes that the universe works harmoniously
according to its own ways. When someone exerts their will against the
world, they disrupt that harmony. Taoism does not identify one's will as
the root problem. Rather, it asserts that one must place their will in
harmony with the natural universe.[51] Thus, a potentially harmful interference is to be avoided, and in this way, goals can be achieved effortlessly.[52][53]
From : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism
Main article: Wu wei
Wu wei (simplified Chinese: 无为; traditional Chinese: 無爲; pinyin: wúwéi or Chinese: 無為) is a central concept in Taoism. Wei refers to any intentional or deliberated action, and wu is the negation that means "there is no . . ." or "lacking, without". Thus the literal meaning of wu wei is "without (conscious or purposeful) action". It is often expressed by the paradox wei wu wei, often rendered as "action without action" or "effortless doing".[48] The practice and efficacy of wu wei are fundamental in Taoist thought, most prominently emphasized in philosophical Taoism. The goal of wu wei is alignment with Tao, revealing the soft and invisible power within all things. It is believed by Taoists that masters of wu wei can observe and follow this invisible potential, the innate in-action of the Way.[49]
In ancient Taoist texts, wu wei is associated with water through its yielding nature.[50]
Taoist philosophy proposes that the universe works harmoniously
according to its own ways. When someone exerts their will against the
world, they disrupt that harmony. Taoism does not identify one's will as
the root problem. Rather, it asserts that one must place their will in
harmony with the natural universe.[51] Thus, a potentially harmful interference is to be avoided, and in this way, goals can be achieved effortlessly.[52][53]
From : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism