The sage knows that the Way is the source of all things and seeks to be in harmony with it. They do so through effortless action, simplicity, emptiness, nature, and contentment.
The Way
The Way is the true source of all things.
“The master abides in the fruit and not in the husk.“
Dao De Jing, Chapter 38
The sage reaches harmony with the Way by blending themselves with it.
“They reach harmony by blending with the vital breath.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 42
When in harmony with the Way all things take care of themselves and one becomes interconnected with existence.
“If a ruler abides by its principles, then her people will willingly follow. Heaven would then reign on earth, like sweet rain falling on paradise. People would have no need for laws, because the law would be written on their hearts.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 32
They no longer fear injury or death because they see everything as part of the Way.
“I have heard that those who celebrate life walk safely among the wild animals. When they go into battle, they remain unharmed. The animals find no place to attack them and the weapons are unable to harm them. Why? Because they can find no place for death in them.“
Dao De Jing, Chapter 50
Effortless Action
One way to seek harmony with the Way is through effortless action. The sage never forces something to happen just because they want it to. They take action only when it feels natural and flows with the Way.
“The master understands that when something reaches its prime it will soon begin to decline. Changing the natural is against the way of the Dao. Those who do it will come to an early end.“
Dao De Jing, Chapter 55
Simplicity
Another way to seek harmony is to simplify life and focus on the essentials. The sage doesn’t value wealth, reputation, or power.
“Embrace simplicity. Put others first. Desire little.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 19
They become like an uncarved block and enter a child like state which is full of potential.
“If you embrace the world, the Dao will never leave you and you become as a little child…If you embrace the world with compassion, then your virtue will return you to the uncarved block. The block of wood is carved into utensils by carving void into the wood. The Master uses the utensils, yet prefers to keep to the block because of its limitless possibilities. Great works do not involve discarding substance.“
Dao De Jing, Chapter 28
Emptiness
The sage seeks harmony with the Way through emptiness. This is a centered state where one is connected with creation. They reach emptiness through reflection and mediation. They find peace and contentment and are unburdened by thoughts or desires.
“Without opening your door, you can know the whole world. Without looking out your window, you can understand the way of the Dao. The more knowledge you seek, the less you will understand.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 47
Nature
The sage spends time outdoors to help them become grounded, calm, and in harmony. Nature provides examples of humility and compassion.
“All things end in the Dao just as the small streams and the largest rivers flow through valleys to the sea.“
Dao De Jing, Chapter 32
Contentment
They reach harmony by finding contentment in the present moment. They realize that desires and knowledge can be distractions. Instead they engage in moderation and compassion.
“Forget about knowledge and wisdom, and people will be a hundred times better off. Throw away charity and righteousness, and people will return to brotherly love. Throw away profit and greed, and there won’t be any thieves.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 19
Summary
The sage seeks to be in harmony with the Way. They engage in effortless action by not forcing things. They simplify their life and return to a child like state. The sage reflects to enter a state of emptiness where they are unburdened by thoughts or desires. They spend time in nature to become more grounded. They seek contentment in the present moment using moderation and compassion.
Resource:
Tao Te Ching, Laozi, A Translation for the Public Domain by J.H. Mcdonald, 1996.
