The Profundity of Tao

 

The Profundity of Tao

 

■Constant Non-Desire and Observing the Profound: Lao Tzu's Wisdom in Tao Te Ching

 

故常無欲 (Therefore Constant Non-Desire)

 

In Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching, the phrase "故常無欲 (Therefore Constant Non-Desire)" carries profound philosophical insights that transcend its surface meaning. This passage appears in Chapter 1 of the Tao Te Ching and encapsulates Lao Tzu's fundamental reflections on the nature of the Tao and human perception.

 

First, the character '故 (Therefore)' goes beyond being a simple conjunction to indicate causality and logical consequence. This shows that the passage follows from the previously mentioned "道可道非常道 (The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao)" and "名可名非常名 (The name that can be named is not the eternal name)" - essential limitations of Tao and naming. After acknowledging the epistemological limitation that language and concepts cannot fully capture the Tao, Lao Tzu nevertheless proposes '常無欲 (Constant Non-Desire)' as a means to approach the Tao.

 

'常 (Constant)' refers to a state that is not temporary or accidental, but permanent and essential. This connects to the important concepts of 'eternal Tao' and 'eternal name' in Lao Tzu's philosophy. If the eternal Tao and eternal name represent transcendent reality beyond language and concepts, then 'Constant Non-Desire' indicates the eternal and essential mental state required to approach this transcendent reality.

 

'無欲 (Non-Desire)' is not simply the absence or suppression of desire, but a free mental state liberated from attachment to and dependence on desires. Here, desire (欲) encompasses not just physiological needs but all forms of attachment and prejudice that distort human consciousness and obscure true reality. This shares similarities with Buddhist concepts of non-self (無我) and non-attachment (無執着).

 

From Lao Tzu's perspective, human desires are obstacles that prevent us from seeing things as they truly are. When we pursue specific purposes or benefits, our perception is already contaminated and distorted by those desires. In such a state, we cannot fully experience the essence of the Tao. Therefore, 'Constant Non-Desire' is not simple asceticism but an essential prerequisite for an undistorted, pure state of perception.

 

At a deeper level, 'Constant Non-Desire' is closely connected to Lao Tzu's concept of wu-wei (non-action, 無爲). Wu-wei is not laziness or inaction, but a mode of behavior freed from artificial and forced actions, following the natural order. In this context, 'Constant Non-Desire' forms the mental foundation for a life of wu-wei that follows the flow of nature rather than being driven by artificial desires and purposes.

 

Historically, this passage has generated various interpretations. In the Taoist tradition, it has been interpreted as a teaching for personal spiritual cultivation and inner peace. In the context of political philosophy, it has been interpreted as a governing philosophy where rulers should not arouse excessive desires in the people. Neo-Confucian scholars understood it as a method of cultivation to restore the purity of human nature.

 

In the modern context, 'Constant Non-Desire' presents a powerful critique of and alternative to a society dominated by consumerism and materialism. The modern lifestyle that seeks happiness through endless fulfillment of desires may actually create greater anxiety and emptiness. Lao Tzu's philosophy of non-desire offers an alternative perspective that true happiness can be found in inner peace and fulfillment rather than external conditions.

 

From a psychological perspective, 'Constant Non-Desire' connects to modern mindfulness and meditation techniques. The state of mindfulness that experiences the present moment as it is, free from desire and attachment, shares many similarities with Lao Tzu's state of non-desire. In such a state, we can transcend the limitations of the self and connect with a broader reality.

 

以觀其妙 (To Observe Its Profundity)

 

"以觀其妙 (To Observe Its Profundity)" embodies the core epistemology of Lao Tzu's philosophy and shows that the state of non-desire is not simply a goal in itself but a method for experiencing the essence of the Tao. This passage reveals Lao Tzu's unique perspective on how humans can perceive the essence of reality.

 

'以 (By means of)' indicates method or means, emphasizing that the previously mentioned state of non-desire is not simply a moral ideal but a methodological prerequisite for perceiving reality. This demonstrates the practical nature of Lao Tzu's philosophy. Non-desire is not a completed goal in itself but becomes the way (道) to experience the essence of the Tao.

 

'觀 (Observe)' means deep contemplation and insight beyond simple visual perception or conceptual understanding. This reflects the non-dualistic epistemology of Eastern philosophy that transcends the subject-object dichotomy of Western philosophy. It does not refer to a subject observing an object from the outside, but an integrated experience where the distinction between observer and observed disappears.

 

This concept of 'observation' connects to Zhuangzi's 'sitting in forgetfulness' (坐忘) or Buddhism's 'meditation' (禪定). All these refer to states of deep contemplation and insight that transcend ordinary consciousness. In this state, one experiences reality in an intuitive and holistic way, beyond the limitations of conceptual thought and analytical reason.

 

In '其妙 (Its Profundity)', '妙 (Profound)' refers not simply to something mysterious or strange, but to the profound essence of the Tao that cannot be fully captured in language and concepts. In the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu states "玄妙玄妙 衆有門 (Profound and mysterious, it is the gateway to the manifold secrets)," showing that '妙 (Profound)' is not simply a mystical experience but a concept related to the ontological origin of all things.

 

'其 (Its)' is a pronoun referring to the previously mentioned Tao, clearly indicating that the object of contemplation is none other than the essence of the Tao. It is noteworthy that Lao Tzu does not explain the Tao through direct conceptualization or definition, but presents it as something that can be indirectly experienced through contemplation in a state of non-desire.

 

This epistemology of Lao Tzu fundamentally differs from traditional Western epistemology. While Western philosophy often attempts to approach the essence of reality through analytical reason and logical inference, Lao Tzu sees that such conceptual approaches may actually distort the essence of the Tao. Instead, he argues that the profundity of the Tao can be directly experienced through intuitive contemplation in a state of non-desire.

 

At a practical level, "以觀其妙 (To Observe Its Profundity)" presents not simply a theory but a way of life. It means maintaining a state of non-desire in everyday life and contemplating all phenomena as they are. Such contemplation is not a special consciousness or ritual but a continuous practice that occurs naturally in daily life.

 

In the modern context, "以觀其妙 (To Observe Its Profundity)" holds important meaning in an age where it is difficult to gain true insight amid a flood of information. Rather than endless consumption and analysis of information, we can approach the essence beyond the surface of phenomena through deep contemplation in inner quietude. This can be a solution to the information fatigue and cognitive overload of modern people.

 

The Interrelationship and Modern Application

 

"故常無欲 (Therefore Constant Non-Desire)" and "以觀其妙 (To Observe Its Profundity)" are not separate concepts but form an integrated philosophical system. The relationship between these two concepts well demonstrates the inseparability of theory and practice, ontology and epistemology, method and purpose in Lao Tzu's philosophy.

 

Non-desire is the prerequisite for contemplation, and contemplation is the natural result of non-desire. When free from desire and attachment, we can naturally contemplate the essence of phenomena as they are. Conversely, this experience of contemplation makes us realize the fictitiousness and temporariness of desire, leading to a deeper state of non-desire. This is a circular and mutually reinforcing relationship that well demonstrates the dynamic nature of Lao Tzu's philosophy.

 

This circular relationship becomes clearer through contrast with the next passage in the Tao Te Ching: "常有欲以觀其徼 (With constant desire, one observes only its boundary)." While in a state of desire, one can only see the superficial boundaries or limitations (徼) of the Tao, but in a state of non-desire, one can experience the profound essence (妙) of the Tao. This shows that human perception cannot be separated from one's state of being.

 

These insights of Lao Tzu connect with discoveries in modern cognitive science and phenomenology. Modern cognitive science shows that human perception is not an objective and neutral process but an embodied process deeply influenced by our physical conditions, emotional states, cultural backgrounds, and personal experiences. This is similar to Lao Tzu's insight that a state of non-desire is an essential condition for perception.

 

The application of these two concepts in modern society can occur in various dimensions. At the individual level, non-desire and contemplation become practical wisdom for the mental health and inner peace of modern people. Escaping from the endless pursuit of desire and achievement-oriented life, fully experiencing the present moment and finding inner quietude offers a solution to the anxiety and stress of modern people.

 

At the social level, these concepts provide a critical perspective on modern society's consumerism and materialism. The paradigm of modern society that seeks happiness through endless economic growth and consumption expansion not only causes environmental destruction and social inequality but also fails to contribute to individual psychological fulfillment. Lao Tzu's philosophy of non-desire presents an alternative lifestyle that finds true fulfillment in the richness of being and experience rather than possession and consumption.

 

At the environmental level, the philosophy of non-desire becomes a philosophical response to the ecological crisis. The perspective of viewing nature not as an object to be conquered and exploited, but as a whole where humans live in harmony as part of it, provides important insights for modern environmental ethics and sustainable development discussions. The harmonious relationship with nature realized in a state of non-desire becomes a philosophical foundation for ecological transformation.

 

At the educational level, the insights of "故常無欲 (Therefore Constant Non-Desire)" and "以觀其妙 (To Observe Its Profundity)" present an educational paradigm centered on the development of wisdom rather than the accumulation of knowledge. While modern education often emphasizes competition and achievement and focuses on instrumental knowledge acquisition, Lao Tzu's perspective emphasizes intuitive insight and holistic understanding that occur in inner quietude. This connects to the new direction of modern education that emphasizes creativity and integrated thinking.

 

These concepts also provide important insights in the dimension of leadership and organizational management. Wu-wei leadership means a leadership style that respects the autonomy and creativity of members rather than excessive control and intervention. This is receiving attention as a more effective leadership method in the complex and uncertain modern society.

 

The relationship between non-desire and contemplation also holds important meaning in the realm of art and creativity. Many artists and creators say they experience the purest inspiration and creative insight in a state of deep contemplation, free from desire and intention. This is similar to experiencing the profundity of the Tao in a state of non-desire as Lao Tzu describes.

 

Transcendental Wisdom's Modern Application

 

"故常無欲 (Therefore Constant Non-Desire)" and "以觀其妙 (To Observe Its Profundity)" are insights Lao Tzu left 2,500 years ago, but they still hold deep meaning and applicability for our lives and society today. These concepts are not simply ancient thoughts but contain living wisdom that can respond to various crises and challenges of the modern era.

 

Lao Tzu's teaching of contemplating reality as it is, free from desire and attachment, provides wisdom for finding inner center to modern people who easily lose direction in a flood of information and stimuli. Lao Tzu's perspective of finding true happiness in inner peace and fulfillment rather than external achievement and possession presents an alternative value system to modern society experiencing the limitations of consumerism and materialism.

 

Above all, the complementary relationship between non-desire and contemplation presented by "故常無欲 (Therefore Constant Non-Desire)" and "以觀其妙 (To Observe Its Profundity)" contains deep insight into the fundamental condition and possibility of human existence. Humans are beings capable of directly experiencing the essence of reality, free from the fetters of desire and attachment, and this experience has the potential to fundamentally change our lives and consciousness.

 

These insights of Lao Tzu are not simply theory or ideas but living wisdom that can be steadily practiced and experienced in daily life. If we can find inner quietude and cultivate the habit of contemplating all phenomena as they are, even amid the busyness of daily life and the whirlwind of desires, it will be possible to experience the profundity of the Tao that Lao Tzu speaks of.

 

Through such practice, we can reach a new understanding of self and world, and discover a deeper sense of fulfillment and harmonious way of life. This is precisely the core of the eternal wisdom that Lao Tzu encapsulated in the concise passages "故常無欲 (Therefore Constant Non-Desire)" and "以觀其妙 (To Observe Its Profundity)" 2,500 years ago.

 

 

 

 

 

■Constant Non-Desire, Observe The Profound (常無欲觀妙)

 

A tranquil mind freed from the nets of desire

Reflecting all things like an empty mirror

When dwelling forever in the place of non-desire

The profundity of the Way reveals itself

 

Though countless names exist in this world

The true essence vanishes the moment we name it

Whenever the mist of craving arises

The mystery of the Way grows ever more distant

 

When constantly observing without desire

Quietly contemplating the beginning of heaven and earth

Beyond the boundaries of nothingness and existence

The profound depths of the Way unfold before your eyes

 

To observe is to see without seeing

To penetrate essence with the mind's eye

Transcending knowledge that analyzes and divides

Wisdom that embraces the whole in a single moment

 

Constancy is the unchanging principle of nature

Never ceasing, like flowing water

Just as it is, without artificial effort

Meeting the Way in the realm of non-action

 

As moonlight gently settles

Upon a lake where waves of desire have calmed

When viewing the world with a spirit of non-desire

The mother of all things, the Way, becomes visible

 

Those who walk the path of observing the profound

Quietly dissolve the boundaries of self

Subject and object distinctions disappear

Observer and observed become one

 

Endless yearning amid modern noise

Never fulfilled even by possessing more

Following the teaching of constant non-desire

Inner peace naturally blossoms

 

The profundity of the Way cannot be expressed in words

Revealing itself only in silence

Only when reflected in the mirror of non-desire

Is the source of heaven and earth finally seen

 

Lao Tzu's wisdom, passed down through twenty-five centuries

Still speaks to us today

A life of letting go of desire and contemplation

This is the path to the profound mystery of the Way

 

 

 

In this poem, "Constant Non-Desire, Observe The Profound," we encounter a profound exploration of Lao Tzu's philosophical concepts from the Tao Te Ching, specifically the phrase "故常無欲以觀其妙" (gù cháng wú yù yǐ guān qí miào). This ancient wisdom, over two millennia old, continues to offer transformative insights into our contemporary existence.

 

The poem begins by establishing the fundamental condition for perceiving the Tao – a mind freed from desire's entanglements. This is not merely an aesthetic or moral choice but an epistemological necessity. Just as a clouded mirror cannot accurately reflect what stands before it, a mind clouded by desire cannot perceive reality as it truly is. The image of the empty mirror in the first stanza brilliantly captures the Taoist ideal of emptiness (xu) not as nothingness but as receptive potential.

 

The second stanza addresses the limitations of language and conceptualization, a theme that opens the Tao Te Ching: "The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao; the name that can be named is not the eternal name." Here, the poem illustrates how our compulsion to name and categorize paradoxically distances us from direct experience of reality. The "mist of craving" not only refers to material desire but also to our intellectual craving for definition and certainty, which often obscures rather than reveals truth.

 

As the poem progresses through the third and fourth stanzas, it deepens its exploration of Taoist epistemology. The act of observation (guan) in Taoism differs fundamentally from Western empirical observation. It is not an active process of analysis and categorization but a receptive state of being that allows reality to reveal itself. This form of knowing transcends the dichotomy between subject and object, offering a non-dualistic approach to knowledge that resonates with phenomenological traditions in Western philosophy and various contemplative practices.

 

The fifth stanza beautifully articulates the concept of constancy (chang) in Taoism. Unlike the Western notion of permanence as static unchangeability, Taoist constancy is paradoxically expressed through continuous flow and transformation. The water metaphor perfectly captures this dynamic constancy – water is ever-changing in its movement yet consistent in its nature. This reflects the Taoist understanding of constancy as the unchanging principle of change itself.

 

In the sixth and seventh stanzas, the poem explores the relationship between non-desire and perception at both metaphorical and existential levels. The calm lake reflecting moonlight serves as a perfect metaphor for the still mind that can reflect reality without distortion. The dissolution of boundaries between observer and observed points to a profound state of unity that transcends ordinary dualistic perception – a state reminiscent of what some mystical traditions call "non-dual awareness."

 

The eighth stanza brings Lao Tzu's ancient wisdom into direct dialogue with our contemporary condition. Modern existence is characterized by "endless yearning amid modern noise" – a powerful description of our consumer culture's promise of fulfillment through acquisition, which ultimately leaves us empty. The poem suggests that the Taoist practice of non-desire offers an alternative path to genuine contentment through inner cultivation rather than external accumulation.

 

The ninth stanza acknowledges the paradoxical ineffability of the Tao – that which is most fundamental to existence cannot be captured in language. This reflects the Taoist recognition of the limits of discursive thought and verbal expression. Truth reveals itself in silence and direct experience rather than through intellectual analysis or verbal description. The mirror metaphor returns here, reinforcing the idea that only a mind free from desire can reflect reality without distortion.

 

The final stanza affirms the enduring relevance of Lao Tzu's teachings across millennia. Despite the vast technological and social changes that separate us from ancient China, the fundamental human condition – our tendencies toward desire, attachment, and the suffering they create – remains remarkably consistent. The path of "letting go of desire and contemplation" offers a timeless approach to human flourishing that transcends historical and cultural boundaries.

 

This poem not only translates Taoist concepts into accessible imagery but also demonstrates their continued relevance in addressing contemporary challenges. The Taoist emphasis on non-desire offers a powerful counter-narrative to consumer capitalism's endless stimulation of want. Its non-dualistic epistemology provides an alternative to the subject-object split that has characterized much of Western philosophy and contributed to our sense of alienation from nature. And its emphasis on natural spontaneity (ziran) and non-action (wuwei) offers a corrective to our culture's obsession with control, effort, and achievement.

 

In a world increasingly characterized by complexity, information overload, and environmental crisis, the ancient wisdom of "constant non-desire" and contemplative observation may offer not just personal solace but ecological and social wisdom. The poem reminds us that sometimes the most progressive path forward lies in rediscovering ancient wisdom that we have forgotten in our rush toward what we call progress.

 

 

 

■The Profundity of Tao

 

Breaking free from the web of desires

Finding a tranquil mind within

Reflecting the world like an empty mirror

Dwelling in the place of non-desire

 

The profundity of Tao reveals itself

Its secret beyond all words

Appearing only in silence

When viewed with a mind free of desire

 

Though countless names exist

The true essence remains hidden

Whenever the mist of craving rises

The mystery of Tao grows distant

 

The profundity of Tao reveals itself

Its secret beyond all words

Appearing only in silence

When viewed with a mind free of desire

 

To contemplate is to see without seeing

To perceive essence with the mind's eye

Transcending analytical knowledge

Wisdom that embraces the whole in an instant

 

The principle of nature flows without ceasing

Beauty in things just as they are

Meeting the Tao in the realm of non-action

Observer and observed becoming one

 

Amidst modern noise and endless yearning

Letting go of hearts that cannot be filled

Through Lao Tzu's wisdom, twenty-five centuries old

Finding inner peace within

 

The profundity of Tao reveals itself

Its secret beyond all words

Appearing only in silence

When viewed with a mind free of desire

 

Letting go of desire (letting go)

A life of contemplation (contemplation)

The path to the profundity of Tao

We shall walk this path together