The Daode Jing: Manual for Cosmic Living
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document in English
humanities/philosophy
school essay
published 02/10/2007
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level : Advanced
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Summary
The Daode Jing is a manual, attributed to Laozi, suggesting that non-action (wu-wei) is a way by which one may exist in accord with the cosmic principle of Dao and thus ensure a virtuous self and society. By cultivating the individual body, the Daoist sage in turn cultivates the social body. This simultaneously self-oriented and socio-political outlook of the Daode Jing finds its roots in the chaos of the Warring States period of Chinese history. As Livia Kohn indicates, the unrest of this period caused many to yearn for a way to reclaim the serenity of the mythical Golden Age.
Table of Contents
- The Daode Jing is a manual, attributed to Laozi, suggesting that non-action (wu-wei) is a way by which one may exist in accord with the cosmic principle of Dao and thus ensure a virtuous self and society.
- The principle of non-action exemplified by the sage derives from what the Daode Jing describes as the constant nature of the Dao.
- As a socio-political text, the Daode Jing addresses the ‘sage' who has cultivated himself towards virtuous living.
- Here, Laozi criticizes the facades of virtue exhibited by aristocratic leadership, and calls for the new model of a humble sage who does not think of himself as a sage at all.
- While such socio-political interpretations of the Daode Jing might be valid, there also exists the strain of Daoists who practice self-improvement without the intention of working towards a sagely kingdom.
- The benefits of such introspection serve both the highest king and lowest peasant, and the principles of non-contention, humility and submissiveness are as valuable now as they were to the court of ancient Chinese emperors.
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