Tao Te Ching · Question
How does Tao Te Ching develop the theme of Return to Origins and Stillness?
Answer
Tao Te Ching by Laozi develops Return to Origins and Stillness across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
A major theme is the cyclical return to one's root or original state, characterized by stillness and vacancy, which is seen as the path to enduring life, wisdom, and alignment with the Tao.
The preface touches on the cultivation of the Tao as a rule of life favorable to longevity, reflecting a return to original simplicity.
The chapter describes an early paradisiacal state where the Tao was realized, and people lived in happy innocence without awareness of rulers.
The advice to withdraw into obscurity after work is done reflects a return to stillness and the natural way.
Evidence in the book
- Preface by James Legge
The preface touches on the cultivation of the Tao as a rule of life favorable to longevity, reflecting a return to original simplicity.
- Was Taoism Older Than Laozi?
The chapter describes an early paradisiacal state where the Tao was realized, and people lived in happy innocence without awareness of rulers.
- IX
The advice to withdraw into obscurity after work is done reflects a return to stillness and the natural way.
- XIV
The Tao 'returns and becomes nothing,' emphasizing a return to the formless origin.
- XVI
The chapter describes all things returning to their root, which is stillness and the fulfillment of their appointed end.
- XVII
The highest antiquity represents a return to a state of simplicity and natural order, where rulers are barely noticed.
- Chapter XVIII
The loss of the Great Tao is contrasted with the artificial virtues that arise, suggesting a need to return to the original state of harmony.
- Chapter XXI
The Tao is described as the enduring origin from which things arise and in which they remain, never decaying.
