Chapter 45 of the Dao De Jing reveals the philosophical essence of “ultimate simplicity in the Dao” through a dialectical lens. By exploring the unity of opposites between appearance and essence, it emphasizes “tranquility and non-action” as the fundamental principle for self-cultivation and governance.
Who thinks his great achievements poor
Shall find his vigour long endure.
Of greatest fulness, deemed a void,
Exhaustion never shall stem the tide.
Do thou what’s straight still crooked deem;
Thy greatest art still stupid seem,
And eloquence a stammering scream.Constant action overcomes cold; being still overcomes heat. Purity and stillness give the correct law to all under heaven.
Paradoxical Contrasts: Essence Beyond Appearances
Laozi uses paradoxical statements to illustrate how the essence often manifests through seemingly contradictory outward forms.
Humility and Strategic Restraint
The text advocates modesty and understated strength as life strategies. By embracing imperfection and yielding outwardly, one cultivates inner resilience and avoids conflict. This aligns with the Daoist ideal of “softness overcoming hardness”, where flexibility and humility ultimately prevail.
Tranquility as the Foundation of Action
Maintaining the purity of the mind is the first step in all spiritual practices.
Laozi posits that inner stillness, free from excessive desire or interference, aligns individuals and rulers with the natural order. By practicing non-action (wu wei), one avoids distorting reality through forced efforts, allowing the Dao’s inherent harmony to unfold.
Important Tips
It is important to clarify that the ” Great stillness or tranquility overcomes restlessness” highlights the power of inner calm. The “Great stillness or tranquility” described here refers to a dynamic inner state that harmonizes both Yin and Yang — capable of embracing activity and stillness while maintaining self-mastery. It is not a state of pure Yin, nor one where Yin perpetually dominates, and certainly not a lifeless stagnation devoid of vitality. Rather, it embodies a balanced, self-regulated equilibrium where opposing forces coexist fluidly, allowing adaptability and inner aliveness to thrive.
Leave a Reply