Dao: The Way to Live

‘I believe I understand how you are telling me to act. I have seen how society is filled with advertisements with slogans made to run our world. Yet, it is the actions of a few which ring out the loudest such as the silent sit-ins, led by Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. which shook our nation to bring equal rights to all races. By showing me relation to nature and by acting naturally I leave this up to interpretation of others.’

‘You are correct in seeing this advantage. Through wu, nothing, there is creation of a space in which productive, creative though can take place. Do you now know how you will go about spreading your new found insight?’

‘I will first do as you do and learn from nature under this great tree. I will then embody nature and others will observe me as I observed nature. From this they will be granted the opportunity to explore nature for themselves. But sir, are there others that have this wisdom and how did they obtain such insight?’

‘One such man I knew had a different nature than you or I. He was not aware of this yet he was specially able to float in the water. He said, “I have no way. I began with what I was used to, grew up with my nature, and let things come to completion with fate. I go under with the swirls and come out with the eddies, following along the way the water goes and never thinking about myself (Zhuangzi 128).”’

‘This man found his nature in the same manner you are suggesting to me. What makes this method so special?’

‘You must first understand what it is he has learned. I have given you the information you need to encourage humanity to become more natural. What this man learned was his own nature. Do you believe that everyone could learn his nature of swimming? No, the skill which defines his nature is a path that he followed. This is what he learned by observing the nature he was in. Not all will be able to learn directly from nature though they will learn to be more natural all the same. Some will learn to be more natural through their own actions. At first they will just be going through the motions, as you will when you begin to imitate nature. It will then become like a second nature and they will no longer realize they are acting, as will also happen to you if you are diligent. Unlike you though they will accept this as themselves and will no longer be acting but only being. It is at this point they become a sage.’

‘I do no mean to be rude sir, but why do you say I will not be able to reach this state?’

‘Do you believe it is possible given what you have learned from me?’

‘To finally become a sage, it is necessary, once nature has been embodied, to forget this and just be. If by just being you mean living naturally in society with out becoming attached, then yes, it is possible. There is the ability to be present in a moment yet not being attached to it. One could do all the things you have taught me to become more natural and remain in society and its constructs. If by doing this it means others would be able to observe me acting naturally this may be my Dao. I must first follow your instructions to see which path I am led to. Thank you so much for your wisdom. You have shown me how to learn from nature, where this may lead me, and how I can encourage humanity to follow me. Your services will never go unmentioned.’

‘Thank you for your gratitude though it is not necessary. I am just following Dao.’