Simplicity and ziran

In Liu Xiaogan's essay called, "An Inquiry into the Core Value of Laozi's Philosophy", he asserts that ziran(naturalness) is the core principle or value of the Dao De Jing. Achieving this state places one in tuned with the Dao. This value is achieved through Laozi's unique leadership approach base on the concept of wu wei(nonaction/uncontrived action).

Throughout Laozi's text we find many lines that revolve around ziran. One term used, which represents this ideal state is p'u. P'u is translated to literally mean "uncarved block", which is a metaphor for simplicity. An uncarved block is genuine, plain, and has no fixed form - rather it possesses an endless potential for many forms. Laozi instructs us in chapter 28 to, "be a block of wood again".

a block of wood can split to make tools

sages make it their chief official

a master tailer doesn't cut.

Tao Te Ching, Ch 28, translated by Red Pine

Here, I understand these words to have a two fold meaning. The first meaning represents the sage as flexible in action by keeping themselves whole. They don't split themselves into limited utilities so are able to become leaders who can employ a diversity of means. The second meaning I relate to society - the sage promotes connectiveness throughout the whole.

To become learned, gain daily
To obtain Tao, reduce daily

Tao Te Ching, Ch 48, translated by Jonathan Star

Many of us tend to complicate our lives to a point where it can seem unmanageable some days. Here, the obtainment of Dao involves the practice of shedding all the unnecessary aspects of our daily life until we reach a state of simplicity. Now, the reference to learning can be viewed that Laozi frowns on obtaining knowledge. To me, this is not the case. I think that Laozi is warning us not to become attached to knowledge. Attachment leads to closed mindedness, which greatly inhibits our ability to evolve auspiciously. Once you have practical knowledge you no longer need to think about it - let it go and your actions will be more consistent. This keeps your mind empty and open, which in turn allows your capacity to learn to become endless.

To conclude for now, we find that Laozi viewed simplicity as a characteristic of the sage who has obtained ziran. When dealing with a complex world the Dao De Jing promotes simplicity and from the perspective of complexity theory, this is also considered an effective prescription. Afterall, complexity is made up of the simple.

More on this topic will be explored in the future. As well, I will be discussing the practical approach to achieving ziran, called wu wei.