I can easily tell a real Taoist from someone who is not. The differentiating factor is the feeling of harmony that the Taoist exudes at all times. The feeling that every element in the world is playing a role that complements everything else.
Chuang-Tzu presented this Taoist principle from a slightly different angle because he concentrated on the impact of the Tao (universal ethics) on the individual and society.
While Lao-Tzu had viewed harmony as an essential, eternal characteristic of nature, Chuang-Tzu had turned it into a moral commandment: We should not disturb the harmony of nature.
Chuang-Tzu enunciates the consequences of violating this key commandment. There will be suffering and decay, possibly death. If we dare to interfere in the harmony of the universe, we will be confronted with negative repercussions.
In the words of Chuang-Tzu, “large fish need deep waters.” If we place large fish in shallow waters, they will do badly, unable to move. The same outcome awaits entrepreneurial, proactive individuals who live in backward cultures. They will find it hard to achieve their full potential, unable to find any support.
Chuang-Tzu and the principle of harmony
The natural harmony of the universe constitutes one of the key ideas of the Tao Te Ching. It does not mean that everyone will automatically get along with everyone else, but that skills, talents and ambitions tend to be complementary.
Chuang-Tzu notes that nature enables large birds to fly high in the sky, but other animals possess characteristics that require them to live otherwise.
“When a cicada flies,” observes Chuang-Tzu, “it might not even reach the top of a tree.” Nature has not given it the skills, strength and ambition to go far. Cicadas are perfectly satisfied to hang around in the grass, and will perhaps say that it makes no sense for anyone to go any further.
Lao-Tzu observed in Chapter 9 of the Tao Te Ching that, if we behave in accordance with our nature, we will integrate in the universe harmoniously. On the contrary, if our actions fail to conform to the Tao, we will suffer negative consequences.
Chapter 9 of the Tao Te Ching gives examples of the bad consequences of breaking the harmony of the universe. “If we fill our cup in excess, its content will spill.”
Chuang-Tzu goes on with comparisons in other areas to the same effect. “If we pursue excessive ambitions, we will remain dissatisfied,” he observes. “And if we care too much for other people’s approval, we will lose our freedom.”
Yang-Tzu about finding the right place
The Taoist respect for harmony entails the obligation to find the right place in the world for ourselves. It will depend on our skills, talents, ambitions, background, and many other factors.
Yang-Tzu calls for each individual to follow the enlightened path according to his nature. The river can be happy flowing day in and day out. It can feel crucial and indispensable, as it carries a great deal of water from one place to another.
However, the river would lose its peace of mind if it tries to emulate the sea, Yang-Tzu points out. Nature has established differences in size and depth between the river and the sea. We should accept those differences as facts of life, and enjoy our days to the maximum.
Taoism constitutes a body of knowledge of great value that goes far beyond specific skills. Its broad, perennial insights let us perceive the world beyond superficialities. It helps us grasp the principles driving all creatures alive, also including human beings.
In chapter 33 of the Tao Te Ching, Lao-Tzu praises people who “know themselves,” in particular those who have learned to “master themselves.” Their philosophical skills place them above ignorant people. When trouble arises, knowledge of the Tao will point wise individuals in the right direction.
Lao-Tzu emphasises consistency in our respect for the Tao. The practice of Taoism automatically leads individuals to grow sharper and more effective as time goes by. Their alertness, perception and understanding become deeper. Their serenity is the result of their cumulated knowledge.
In chapter 48 of the Tao Te Ching, Lao-Tzu observes that a Taoist becomes more discerning with each passing day because he understands better when to take action and when to let go.
The latter constitutes the principle of non-action that people in Western countries find so puzzling. The intellectual heritage from Aristotle (384-322 BC), Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) and Friedrich Hegel (1770-1831) is action-prone. It prompts people to take action to address problems and find solutions.
Lao-Tzu and the principle of non-action
The Tao Te Ching simply acknowledges that many issues in life are better handled by doing nothing. Lao-Tzu encourages us to judge case by case, assessing whether it is worth it to take action, or whether we should let nature take its course.
In chapter 48 of the Tao Te Ching, the non-action principle is presented as follows: “When we do nothing, nothing is left undone.” It does not mean that we should fall into lethargy and do nothing with our time, but that we should think carefully before taking action.
Aristotle and other Western thinkers proved overoptimistic about changing individuals and society, especially in terms of mentality. They assume that every person is interested in self- development, learning, justice, fairness and so on.
Confucius (551-479 BC) and Mencius (371-289 BC) made the same assumption, and produced large numbers of rules and prescriptions, telling everybody what to do and what to avoid.
Taoism is far more realistic in this respect. It acknowledges the fact that some people prefer to be left alone, and feel happy with their station in life without the need to pursue ambitious goals or engage in self-development.
Let them be, and harmony will establish itself. Taoism calls for seeking harmony by letting each person find its own place, without pushing them against their will. Ideally, we want to see harmony in every aspect of life, so that we can enjoy our days without disruption.
Chuang-Tzu expressed this idea beautifully by saying that “when the shoes fit, we forget about our feet.” The same can be said about our clothes, profession, hobbies, friends, or spouse.
The pursuit of a smooth, harmonious life is a principle that Taoists keep in mind all the time. The respect of harmony enables us to steer away from seemingly do-good projects that intrude in other people’s lives and may end up in disaster.
If you are interested in applying effective principles to daily life in all areas, I recommend my book “Undisrupted: How highly effective people deal with disruptions.”