Wu wei

Liezi riding on the wind

Wuwei (无为) often translated as “non-action,” is a fundamental concept in Taoist philosophy and has an important role in the practice of Tai Chi. While it may sound like doing nothing, wuwei is actually a way of acting without forcing or interfering with natural processes. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of wuwei and its significance in Tai Chi, drawing on the works of ancient Taoist philosophers such as Liezi, Zhuangzi, and Laozi.

The paradox of doing by non-doing

At its core, wuwei is about letting go of our ego and allowing things to unfold naturally, without our intervention. It involves being in a state of awareness, so we can respond to situations appropriately without creating resistance or conflict. It’s not about being passive, but rather actively engaging with the world around us in a way that is aligned with the flow of nature.

According to Taoist philosophy, all things arise from the Tao, or the Way, which is the ultimate reality that transcends all dualities. The Tao is not something that can be described in words, but rather something that can be experienced through direct intuition. It is the source of all life and the underlying order of the universe. To live in harmony with the Tao, we must let go of our desires, judgments, and attachments, and allow ourselves to be guided by the natural order of things.

Wuwei is not just a philosophical concept, but a practical one as well. It can be seen in the way we move, breathe, and interact with others. In Tai Chi, wuwei is embodied in the practice of slow, flowing movements that follow the natural rhythms of the body and breath. The goal is not to force the movements or achieve a specific outcome, but rather to allow the movements to emerge spontaneously from within.

Wuwei in Action

To illustrate the concept of wuwei, let’s look at some stories from ancient Taoist philosophers.

Liezi

The Liezi ¹ is a Taoist text that contains many stories and parables illustrating the principle of wuwei. One such example is the story of the woodcarver, which is found in the chapter titled “The Yellow Emperor.”

A woodcarver is described as being a master of his craft. He is able to create beautiful objects out of wood, such as furniture and utensils, with great skill and precision. When asked about his technique, the woodcarver explains that he allows the natural grain and texture of the wood to guide his hand, rather than trying to force it into a particular shape or design.

He says,

“I watch my hands and follow along with the natural grain. I never try to impose my will upon it. Thus, the work is finished effortlessly, without any thought of reward.”

This story illustrates the principle of wuwei as effortless action or non-action. The woodcarver is able to create beautiful objects with ease because he allows the natural flow of the wood to guide his actions, rather than trying to force it into a particular shape or design. This is a key aspect of wuwei, which emphasizes the idea of finding harmony with the natural flow of the universe and acting in a way that is effortless and spontaneous.

Zhuangzi

In the Zhuangzi ² there is a story about a man training a fighting cockerel.

There once was a man who wanted his fighting rooster to be more ferocious. He took the rooster to a trainer. In a few weeks’ time he returned and saw that his rooster didn’t squawk as loudly.

“Not ready yet,” said the trainer. Two weeks later he saw that his rooster barely raised his neck feathers and wings.

“Not ready yet,” said the trainer. Another week passed. His rooster looked as tame and docile as a chick.

“You’ve ruined my fine fighting bird!” screamed the man at the trainer.

“Not at all,” the trainer replied, “See how calm and secure he is, how serenely strong he stands today. The other fighting birds take one look at him and they all run away!”

This story illustrates the idea of wuwei as less is more. Rather than making a fuss and drama, calmness and serenity prevails. This is a quality cultivated by the masters of martial arts above all else, to keep your head and avoid panic. To stick to your guns when facing adversity. The other birds cannot fathom the trained bird, they see only nothingness, no fear, no anger, they flee.

Laozi

An example of Wuwei in the Tao Te Ching ³ by Laozi is in Chapter 17, where it is said:

“The best leaders are those the people hardly know exist. The next best is a leader who is loved and praised. Next comes the one who is feared. The worst one is the leader that is despised.”

This passage suggests that the most effective leaders are those who act with Wuwei, or non-action, by not drawing attention to themselves or forcing their will upon others. Instead, they allow things to unfold naturally and lead by example, without seeking personal glory or control. This way of leading is seen as harmonious and beneficial for both the leader and the people they serve.

Cooking a small fish can also be an example of Wuwei in the Tao Te Ching. In Chapter 64, it is said:

“A kingdom is like a great, low-lying river, The point where all the streams and torrents in the world converge. If you can keep centered and true, The kingdom will be centered and true. With Wuwei, the whole kingdom is refreshed, Without Wuwei, the kingdom becomes weary and oppressed.

Just as a small fish should not be over-handled, The ruler must not over-manage the people with force. In this way, the Tao of Heaven is reflected in the land, And all things flourish without being commanded.”

This passage suggests that just as a small fish should not be over-handled when cooking, a ruler or leader should not try to control or manipulate their people too much. Instead, they should practice Wuwei by allowing things to unfold naturally and trusting in the natural order of things. By doing so, the kingdom will be refreshed and all things will flourish without the need for force or excessive intervention.

Sunzi

Weiwuwei is often associated with the military strategies of Sunzi ⁴,who believed that the best way to win a battle was to achieve one’s objectives without direct confrontation or the use of force.

In “The Art of War,” Sunzi writes,

“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”

This quote is often cited as an example of Sun Tzu’s belief in the power of wuwei or “action without action.” Sun Tzu believed that the most effective way to defeat an enemy was not to engage them in direct combat, but rather to use strategy, deception, and other indirect tactics to outmaneuver them avioding conflict.

In another quote from “The Art of War,” Sun Tzu says,

“The wise warrior avoids the battle.”

This quote further emphasizes the idea that true strength lies not in brute force, but in intelligence, strategy, and the ability to avoid unnecessary conflict. By practicing wuwei or “action without action,” Sun Tzu believed that one could achieve victory without resorting to violence or aggression. Soldiers do not want to fight having seen their friends falling in battle and attending their funerals and seeing the sorrow of their wives and children over their lost husband or father, they want to win but they do not want to die, or to have to kill the enemy soldiers of possible. Soldiers generally fight to protect themselves and their comrades and their homeland, they do not fight because they enjoy killing.

Wuwei in Tai Chi

In Tai Chi, wuwei is embodied in the practice of slow, flowing movements that follow the natural rhythms of the body and breath. Rather than trying to force the body into a specific position or movement, Tai Chi practitioners allow the movements to arise spontaneously from within. By doing so, they cultivate a deep sense of awareness and sensitivity to the natural flow of energy within the body and the environment.

Through regular practice of Tai Chi, practitioners can develop a sense of ease and relaxation in their movements, which can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being. Tai Chi has been shown to have a range of health benefits, including improving balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health, as well as reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Research ⁵ has also shown that Tai Chi can help reduce inflammation in the body, which has been linked to a range of chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. In one study, participants who practiced Tai Chi regularly for 12 weeks showed a significant reduction in levels of inflammation compared to a control group.

In addition to the physical benefits, Tai Chi also has a meditative aspect, which can help cultivate a sense of inner peace and calm. By focusing on the movements and the breath, practitioners can quiet the mind and enter a state of deep relaxation. This can be particularly beneficial for those who suffer from anxiety or stress-related disorders.

Wuwei in Daily Life

One way to incorporate wuwei into daily life is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment, without judgment or distraction. By cultivating awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, we can learn to respond to situations with greater clarity and equanimity.

Another way to cultivate wuwei is to practice surrender. Surrender involves letting go of our attachment to outcomes and allowing things to unfold as they will. Rather than trying to control every aspect of our lives, we can learn to trust in the natural order of things and allow ourselves to be guided by it.

Finally, it’s important to cultivate a sense of playfulness and curiosity in our lives. By approaching situations with a sense of openness and curiosity, we can learn to let go of our expectations and allow ourselves to be surprised by the unexpected.

Nature’s way

Wuwei is a fundamental concept in Taoist philosophy and has an important role in the practice of Tai Chi. It involves letting go of our ego and allowing things to unfold naturally, without our intervention. In Tai Chi, wuwei is embodied in the practice of slow, flowing movements that follow the natural rhythms of the body and breath.

Through regular practice of Tai Chi, practitioners can develop a deep sense of awareness and sensitivity to the natural flow of energy within the body and the environment. This can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being, as well as cultivate a sense of inner peace and calm.

While Tai Chi is a powerful practice for cultivating wuwei, the principles of non-action can be applied to all areas of our lives. By letting go of our ego and allowing things to unfold naturally, we can reduce stress and create a greater sense of harmony and balance. By practicing mindfulness, surrender, and playfulness, we can cultivate a greater sense of ease and relaxation in our lives.

References:

Liezi. Translated by A.C. Graham. New York: Columbia University Press, 1990.
Zhuangzi. Translated by Burton Watson. New York: Columbia University Press, 2003.
Laozi. Tao Te Ching. Translated by Stephen Mitchell. New York: HarperCollins
Giles, Lionel (trans.). The Art of War by Sun Tzu. Dover Publications, Inc. (1993). ISBN 978-0486275478. Page 11 (Chapter 3, verse 2) and page 18 (Chapter 3, verse 33).
A Comprehensive Review of Health Benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3085832/