Dao de Jing

A Summary of the Chinese Writing from the Dao de Jing
“The Dao de Jing, ‘The Way of Power’, is one of China’s most eloquent expressions of natural order.” (Jing 65) Written by Lao Zi, “The Old One”, the Dao de Jing, a philosophy called Daoism, does not lend itself to intellectual analysis, but is wisdom that manifests itself in knowledge that can only be known by those who live in total simplicity and harmony with nature. Through an understanding of universal and natural principles, Daoists work with the “compliments of positive and negative elements. They seek spiritual insight and cultivate tranquility, spontaneity and compassion through meditation, breath control, diet and other physical means of prolonging and enriching life.” (Jing 65) Quiet humor and paradox are used excellently in these writings, “like little stepping stones to enlightenment.” (Jing 65)
Relying on the empty space between, a wheel with hub and spokes provides the movement of your wagon. A bowl’s shape is only there to give you a space of use. When you build a house, you live in the space between the walls.
From the three lessons we learn, “What we find useful is the space created by what is present, whether natural or made by our hands.” (Jing 65)
Works Cited
Lao Zi. “Reading 1.10 From the Dao de Jing.” The Humanistic Tradition Book One. Ed. Gloria K. Fiero. New York: McGraw Hill, 2006. 65.