In a world that often emphasizes control and the relentless pursuit of dominance, the philosophy of Taoism offers a refreshing perspective – the power of letting go. Rooted in ancient Chinese wisdom, Taoism encourages us to embrace the natural flow of life rather than resist it. This philosophy, as elucidated in the Tao Te Ching by the mysterious sage Lao Tzu, reminds us that true strength lies in understanding the universe’s rhythms and aligning ourselves with them.
The Control Obsession
In our modern world, the pursuit of control has become a prevailing ethos. It manifests in various facets of our lives, most notably in workplaces where employees are subjected to increasing levels of surveillance and supervision, courtesy of advancements in technology.
Additionally, governments are intensifying their efforts to monitor and track their citizens, often through extensive camera surveillance systems and the introduction of concepts like the ‘social credit system.’ It’s remarkable to note that this obsessive desire for control is in stark contrast to the principles of Taoism.
Taoism, an ancient Chinese philosophy that emerged from the same soil as some of these control-centric developments, offers a compelling counter-narrative. It emphasizes the power of letting go and encourages individuals to align themselves with the natural flow of life rather than attempting to manipulate or dominate it.
The Strength in Letting Go
At first glance, the act of letting go may seem counterintuitive, even a sign of weakness, within a society that often prizes control and dominance. However, according to Taoist philosophy, true strength lies in understanding the fundamental principles governing the universe.
By gaining this understanding, individuals can approach life with greater intelligence and efficiency. Instead of attempting to control and manipulate every aspect of their lives, they learn to surrender to the natural course of events. This approach represents a form of strength rooted in wisdom and sophistication rather than force.
Governing by Not Governing
One of the most distinctive aspects of Taoist thought, as conveyed in the Tao Te Ching, is its approach to governance. Lao Tzu, the sage behind this influential text, places a strong emphasis on governing by ‘not ruling.’ He draws a vivid analogy between governing a country and frying a small fish. Just as excessive poking and interference spoil the essence of a fish, excessive control can have detrimental effects on a nation.
Lao Tzu argues that when rulers tighten their grip on the people, it leads to negative consequences. Distrust among citizens and a tendency toward rebellion are common outcomes of an overly controlling government. Instead, Lao Tzu advocates for unobtrusive leadership, where leaders act with integrity and grant individuals the space to naturally evolve. This perspective extends beyond political governance to personal self-governance.
Letting Go in Self-Governance
The principle of letting go is not limited to ruling a state but applies to governing ourselves as well. Taoism posits that relinquishing excessive control is essential to allow nature to take its course. In this section, we delve into several aspects of self-governance where the power of letting go comes into play.
1. The Art of Non-Doing
Taoism introduces us to the concept of Wu Wei, often translated as ‘non-doing’ or ‘effortless action.’ In our daily lives, the need for control often extends to various domains. We feel compelled to exert control over our pets, children, gardens, video games, and even our future. While a certain level of control is necessary for survival and progress, the impulse to control everything can hinder the natural flow of life.
Consider a tree as an example. We can plant it, nurture it with water, fertilizer, and sunlight, but excessive intervention disrupts the natural growth process. Attraction, too, follows the principle of letting go. It cannot be forced but must develop naturally. Letting go in relationships allows space for attraction to flourish organically.
Surrendering to Nature
The Taoist philosophy teaches us to trust the inherent wisdom of nature. Just as we must let a tree grow without excessive interference, we must also allow the forces of attraction and connection to unfold naturally in our relationships. After a disagreement or conflict, anger naturally subsides with time. Trust, once breached, cannot be forced back into existence but must be nurtured to grow naturally.
In essence, letting go makes the difference between controlling and allowing. By letting go, we create room for the universe’s forces to work their magic, unencumbered by our interference.
2. Embracing Change
Taoism is acutely aware of the ever-changing nature of life, characterized by the constant interplay of opposites like yin and yang. Resisting change or clinging tenaciously to current circumstances leads to a rigid and unyielding existence. Taoists advocate flowing with life’s transformations rather than clamping onto branches in the swiftly moving river of existence.
Trusting the Universe
The central tenet of Taoism is trust in the universe and acceptance of its ever-evolving nature. Instead of stubbornly swimming against the current or rigidly resisting change, Taoism invites individuals to embrace the natural flow of life. This trust in the universe allows us to navigate life’s twists and turns with grace and ease, rather than struggling against them.
3. Not Focusing on Outcomes
Taoism shares common ground with other philosophies, such as Stoicism, in highlighting the negative consequences of fixating on future outcomes. An excessive focus on the future breeds anxiety and detracts from the richness of the present moment. The more we crave external rewards and future achievements, the less we appreciate and value the only moment we truly possess – the present.
The Archer’s Paradox
The Tao Te Ching tells the story of an archer who loses his accuracy when he fixates too intensely on the prize. This narrative illustrates how our obsession with external goals can paralyze us in the present. When our minds are perpetually focused on the future, we rob ourselves of the capacity to fully engage with the present moment.
Achieving a balance between pursuing goals and savoring the present is crucial for attaining happiness and cultivating a state of flow. In this flow state, we become so absorbed in the activity at hand that thoughts of the future recede, allowing us to experience life fully in the present.
4. Letting Go of Excess
In a society that often glorifies high status, wealth, and possessions, Taoism offers a poignant reminder of the perils of excessive ambition and attachment. The relentless pursuit of success, driven by a desire to attain the highest position or accumulate the most possessions, can lead to immense stress and constant competition.
The Tallest Trees and Excessive Effort
In Taoist wisdom, the analogy of the tallest trees catching the most wind resonates deeply. Those who strive to reach the pinnacle, whether in terms of status, wealth, or power, often find themselves battling fierce winds of competition and adversity. It requires extraordinary effort and energy to maintain such positions, as everyone seeks to displace them.
On the other extreme, intentionally seeking the absolute lowest position, akin to asceticism, may offer solitude but represents another form of attachment – an attachment to deprivation. Taoism encourages individuals to evaluate their genuine needs and relinquish excess baggage, whether material or psychological.
Conclusion: The Power of Letting Go
The philosophy of Taoism offers profound insights into the power of letting go, inviting us to harmonize with the natural flow of life and the rhythms of the universe. By practicing non-doing, embracing change, letting go of outcome fixation, and releasing excess, individuals can experience the transformative potential of Taoism. Trusting the universe and accepting its ever-changing nature grants us the true essence of strength – the power of letting go.