無為: The Art Of Action, Without Action

Wu-Wei 無為

"Wait in the calm strength of patience - he that is strong should guard it with tenderness. One need not fear lest strong will should not prevail; the main thing is not to extend one's powers prematurely in an attempt to obtain by force something for which the time is not yet ripe."    -Bruce Lee

Wu Wei; also known as 無為, is one of the central principles of philosophy found in the humble tenets of Taoism. Known as non-doing or "doing nothing" in Chinese (Mandarin), it can seem confusing & somewhat contradictory to the average person as a pleasant form of encouragement to ease up & slack away from one's striving in life. Yet, if viewed properly, much of this philosophy's complexity can be seen with utter simplicity. 

According to the Tao Te Ching; a Chinese classical text (said to be) written in the year 600 BCE by the Taoist sage Lao Tzu, it expresses that: "The Tao undertakes no activity and yet nothing is left undone." This is the paradox of wu wei, as it does not mean not acting or not doing, but rather 'effortless action' or 'actionless action'. To strive without strife. 

In fact, some of the essence of Wu Wei can be beautifully found when we're in the state of flow. When we are at peace with ourselves despite the conflict unfolding amidst our very eyes. Despite its punishing trials, we are able to perform with the utmost of skill and efficiency, all the while with little or perceived difficulty. We are able to enjoy the (physical) action, without any (mental) provocation. 

With this in mind, one could say that Wu Wei in its purest form can be found when we achieve peace and harmony with ourselves and our environment as well. To have the calming forest of the woodlands be not only a stone's throw away, but to have it reflected & growing beautifully in our minds as well. And though many of us may not have the access or privilege to a forest reserve or a park geographically speaking; inwardly speaking, it means to make our behaviour as spontaneous and flourishing as the very process of nature itself.

We should therefore, be swimming with the current as opposed to against it. We are to be like the bamboo that bends in the wind or  the plants that grow in accord to the shape of its host tree. 

As stated by the global organization of learning, The School of Life: "Wu Wei involves letting go of ideals that we may otherwise try to force too violently onto things; it invites us instead to respond to the true demands of situations, which tend only to be noticed when we put our own ego-driven plans aside. What can follow is a loss of self-consciousness, a new unity between the self and its environment, which releases an energy that is normally held back by an overly aggressive, willful style of thinking."

An excellent example that portrays this can be found in martial arts. Let's take boxing for example. Often times, novices & amateurs who are new to the sweet science tend to develop the unconscious habit of "headhunting" when sparring with their partners. There is an over-emphasis on scoring for the knockout & without sufficient training or technical coordination at hand, this normally results with two highly exhausted, sweaty & battered human beings; none closer towards their progress as proud pugilists. 

However, for those who have worked the four corners of the ring (& quite possibly bled on it) for quite some time, experience would say otherwise. As veterans of the art would know how to relax and treat the threat of an angry man storming forward to take their heads off as nothing more than a stroll in the park; for they have mastered the intricate art of knowing (feeling) when & how to sit still, when to roll with the punches & how to counter them beautifully, as opposed to just blindly headhunting. 

It is as the Father of Modern Martial Arts, Bruce Lee would put it: "Intelligence (wu wei) is sometimes defined as the capacity of the individual to adjust himself successfully to his environment, or to adjust the environment to his needs."

Conclusion: 

Ultimately, although a good life cannot be attained with Wu Wei alone, this Taoist principle certainly imparts a wisdom that we at many a times may be in desperate need of. Perhaps we may find its grace & truly understand its gifts when we are in danger of harming ourselves through an overly excessive & unyielding devotion to ideas that no longer serves us well. 

Thanks for reading!

Yours Sincerely,

Satori Café