In today's video we focus on the idea of flow and specifically it's application as learnt
from Chinese Philosopher Lao Tzu and most famously exemplified in his work, the Tao
Te Ching.
After the Bible, the Tao Te Ching is the most widely translated book in the world and in
my opinion a must read for anyone and everyone, teaching us about a way of life which will
lead to greater harmony and less conflict.
Interestingly, Lao Tzu, or Laozi or Lao Tze, may not have been a real figure in history
at all, with many scholars suggesting that he himself was nothing more than a legendary
character and the Tao Te Ching is a compilation work of various writers.
Whether he was real or not though, the principle ideas of the Tao Te Ching are very much real
and provide incredible value and insight into how we can live life in flow with the way.
So, let's not waste time, and instead understand a little more about flow as taught in the
Tao Te Ching...
What is Tao?
In Taoism the central tenet is the concept of Tao, which signifies "way", "route" or
"path".
In Eastern philosophy, Tao is identified as the natural order of the universe, where as
individuals we must discern it in order to realise the potential for individual wisdom.
The Tao is eternally nameless, separate to the named things that act as manifestations
of the Tao.
What this means is the Tao goes beyond what we sense or feel, with those things being
the manifestations of the Tao.
Therefore, Tao is often thought as being the natural flow of the Universe, which fundamentally
maintains balance and order.
So now that we have an idea of the Tao being the way, how do our actions fit with this?
Wu Wei The idea behind Wu Wei is one of effortless
action, and stems from Confucianism and the Spring and Autumn Period in Chinese history.
The point about Wu Wei is the use energy in flow with Tao, so to work in harmony rather
than conflict.
Lao Tzu in this regard describes it as returning to the primordial Mother, not forcing change
in life but rather becoming like uncarved wood, formed naturally and in flow with nature.
And this is a key concept in the Tao Te Ching and with the idea of flow, that we need to
work in harmony with the Tao in order to live life in a way where we use our energy in the
most efficient and effective way to yield the greatest results.
This concept is commonly understood in various ways, whether we talk about Karmic law or
even New Age ideas such as Law of Vibration and Law of Attraction.
The Flow Of Water Now that we understand a fundamental concept
behind Taoism and the principle idea of Wu Wei, how can we better understand what it
means to be in flow with the way?
Well, Taoist teachings often use the example of water, as beyond it's serene nature, it
is in flow at all times, adapting and taking the form or shape of the space it inhabits.
This idea is where the infamous quote from Bruce Lee came from when he said...
"You must be shapeless, formless, like water.
When you pour water in a cup, it becomes the cup.
When you pour water in a bottle, it becomes the bottle.
When you pour water in a teapot, it becomes the teapot.
Water can drip and it can crash.
Become like water my friend."
This example goes beyond just flowing like water, rather we can also use the example
of water in a way which exemplifies what it's like to be in flow or against the flow of
Tao.
Imagine being out at sea and you're swimming, what is the most efficient use of energy?
Obviously, to swim against the current rather than with it is more exhausting and you'll
travel a shorter distance too.
To flow with the current in this regard is likely to move you the greatest distance with
the least effort.
That's how it is with Tao.
In the modern world we often admire those who seemingly fight against all odds to achieve
results, what we don't realise is that many of them actually apply the principles discussed.
Applying Wu Wei As previously mentioned, we often think that
people don't apply flow and rather use confrontation to achieve success, which would be to only
view the surface level energy behind the motivations of the individuals.
Take Gary Vaynerchuk, one of the most successful online entrepreneurs today and famous the
world over.
Many know his story, he came from an immigrant background and struggled in school when young.
People would describe his story as one where he overcame his challenges to achieve his
success.
However, when you look past what you see and understand his mindset, the story is quite
different.
He struggled in school, but he admits he's always felt to be an entrepreneur at heart,
with it being his natural state of comfort and pleasure.
He also ascribes to the idea of self aware, that by knowing yourself and who you are,
you're more likely to find pleasure in life.
This is a critical point to understand, to understand the application of Wu Wei means
to understand your resonance to Tao, being in flow with your nature and using it to live
life in a way that's in harmony with nature, both physical and spiritual.
Instead, where most of us fail is our understanding of life is that we must adhere to certain
principles to achieve what is deemed as success.
We must get an education in a subject we don't care for in order to get a desk job working
9 to 5...if you're lucky...usually with unpaid hours of work to avoid falling behind, all
so that we can earn just that little extra to pay for a nice house and car to show the
world we're happy, when the reality is that inside we detest how we live and act it out
in ways that are to the detriment of those we love.
The harsh reality is that this is truly when you're trying to fight the way, or the flow
of Tao.
This is to swim against the current, rather than identifying who you are and your being,
and thus work in harmony with nature.
Knowing When To Act, And When Not So, with all that's said about understand
Tao, and the principle of Wu Wei, how do we apply it in our lives.
Well, the key is in knowing when to act, but also how to act.
You see, this whole principle isn't to say you shouldn't take action to just "go with
the flow".
Rather, you should take action, even massive action, but it's got to be in line with Tao,
with who you are, and with the natural flow of energy in the world around you.
When you act, it's because you love the action and know it's value, without necessarily acting
with the desire of what you might get in return.
Alan Watts has explained this extremely well in some of his talks.
He says that we should do what we love without focusing on money, because it's in doing what
you love that you'll take the time and have the attention to eventually master it.
When you become a master, you can soon learn to monetise what you are skilled in.
Sure it might not earn you the living Gary Vee has in digital marketing, but to be able
to do what you love and find meaningful, surely it's a compromise that's worth making right?
So, follow the ideas of the Tao Te Ching, understand the Tao and using Wu Wei to live
life in harmony with nature.
After all, the following passage from the Tao Te Ching really explains why you should:
The Sage is occupied with the unspoken and acts without effort.
Teaching without verbosity, producing without possessing,
creating without regard to result, claiming nothing,
the Sage has nothing to lose.
Have you read the Tao Te Ching?
Let me know in the comments below.
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