Tao Te Ching

The big question, What is the meaning of life? has a different meaning among
different people. The most one can do is present an idea with a substantial amount of proof so
that one day, this idea will pick up followers. With approximately 30% of Chinas population
being Taoist, it is evident that Lao-Tzus Tao Te Ching has provided a huge influence on religion.
Within Tao Te Ching, Lao-Tzu emphasizes that with humility, one must find their own answer to
life from within by living in harmony with this world that is run by super-naturals. Using 81
verses, Lao-Tzu defines the Way to show insight on life and effectively explains how to live life
using metaphors including the profoundly wise man, otherwise referred to as the Sage.
Therefore, the wise man embraces the One, and becomes the model for all under
heaven; does not make himself seen, and therefore is as bright as the sun and moon. (37)
According to Lao-Tzu, a hero does not have to brag about his or her own accomplishments. The
key here is that the work that has been done speaks louder than anything else. This way, there
is no room for disappointment because no verbal promises have been made. If the world were
to work this way, humans would have no choice but to have an immense amount of trust in
each other, which is something that lacks today. Also, to be humble means showing a modest
estimate of ones own importance. The quote, The knowing do not speak, those speaking do
not know, (101) explains that one must be a good listener in order to make advancements.
The point is that you cant talk and listen at the same time, so one either chooses to take in
information by listening to others speak, or vent about their own knowledge without the
opportunity to gain. When it comes to knowledge, it must be approached with a mindset that is
willing to process everything that is heard, no matter how great or horrible the material is. This
is more for the individual, to teach how and what they should filter out or remember. Leave
off studying with your head in your hands, and you will not be obsessed about what to do
next. (32) In other words, abandon knowledge and you will manage the worlds affairs with
arms outstretched.
When it comes to answering questions, people usually look for one, single, universal
answer so that there is no confusion. From the way Lao-Tzu explains it, everyone is going to live
life differently: The Way is hidden and without an identifying name. (73) Therefore, everyone
is going to have a different answer as to what the meaning of life is. It seems like a very logical
answer because in todays world, there are people that sit in front of a computer all day for
their job, people who are currently backpacking the world, as well as people who are living on
the street. For the person in front of the computer, life might be about just supporting the
family and putting food on the table. For the person backpacking, life might be about
maximizing happiness and living in the moment. For the homeless person, life might be about
simply finding shelter and gathering enough change for a hot cup of coffee. Either way, each
person must be honest with themselves and avoid lying or listening to lies to make a situation
seem better. Sure, it might seem like a good idea at the time, but it will eventually come back to
haunt. In other words, try seeing the entire picture instead of focusing on a specific segment of
it - He who knows others may have knowledge enough to predict the rain, but he who knows
himself will see with the clarity of the sun and moon. (57) Once this has been accomplished,
they must learn to be genuine in a way where they are able to, Do the job without putting
your hand to it. Experience the delicious without tasting. (115) This forces the brain to act
without thinking, revealing true character and excluding variables in the way of finding this
answer. For example, one day a bully that has teased younger students for the past 3 months
comes to school and decides that hes going to finally be nice. A kid drops his iPhone and after
much thought, he convinces himself to return the phone. Therefore, hes not being honest with
himself and trying to be someone he clearly isnt. His answer to life can be the total opposite
when compared to the next person, but that doesnt matter; it is up to the individual to realize.
Within the Tao Te Ching, the idea of heaven and super natural life is used as a target as
to where people should aim for when they die. Lao-Tzu explains that this world is run by super-
naturals, meaning we must live life according to how they set it up for us: The world is an
instrument regulated by the gods and cannot be fabricated into something else. He who tries to
do this will damage it. He who tries to grasp it will lose it. (49) Simply, instead of trying to
assert power and take control (which will end in total failure), we should try to live in harmony
with what is already here and cut with the grain instead of cut against the grain. While living in
harmony with the patterns of the universe, Lao-Tzu reminds people that, Directing the flow of
affairs of a large country is like cooking a small fresh fish. (109) The less you do, the better;
complex does not mean it is automatically superior. By keeping it simple, there is less worry
about objects that provide temporary happiness but bring stress and depression in return. Only
then will, the man who does not do things with life in mind, will have abundant respect for
life itself. (136) Again, this is very important because the goal is to ultimately eliminate the
extras so that there can be a strict focus on finding this answer to life from within.
All in all, Tao Te Ching is just one of the many philosophical texts out there that can get
the mind working on other levels. Though they all offer something different, Lao-Tzu really got
his point across about just how important humility is when trying to find this answer to life. Not
everyone has to have the same answer, but they all must follow the same basic principles in
order to do it for themselves. By keeping the mouth shut and the ears sharp, one will realize
the humility that comes along with it and hopefully be one step closer to becoming genuine.
Once past the genuine stage, live in harmony with the world and eventually an answer will be
available.

By: Adam Vuong