Tao - A New Way of Thinking by Chang Chung-yuan

Author:Chang, Chung-yuan [Chung-yuan Chang]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780857011534
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Published: 2013-11-27T16:00:00+00:00

Commentary

This chapter concentrates on the cultivation of the mind in order to free it from all attachments. Buddhists call this state of mind ta tzu tsai, or great freedom achieved through self-liberation. Ordinarily, when things are accomplished, one is proud of one’s self and claims to have superior power. When one boasts about one’s achievements, one is not free from attachments and is ruined by them.

The word kuo has been interpreted in many ways. In Te-ching’s work, it is rendered “outcome.” When victory in a military operation is conceived of as merely an outcome, one’s mind is free from egoism. One may have to engage in combat for self-defense, but when the military operation is over, there is no reason for one to be proud or hostile or regretful. One simply could not help engaging in the war. When the war is over and one’s task is accomplished, one must be free from it. As Te-ching says: “One must see worldly affairs and human feelings through and through, then one will deal with the world with an empty mind. There will be nothing in front of him to hinder him. Then he will see the transcendental bliss that was enjoyed by Lao Tzu. This will make his mind boundless and absolutely free, just as the man of Tao is liberated from any attachments. He simply cannot help dealing with worldly affairs. Thus, he does not make any effort, but quietly deals with the world through wu-wei.”1 According to Te-ching, this cultivation of wu-wei is no different from the teaching of Buddha. As he comments: “When one thoroughly understands the teaching of the refutation of attachments maintained by our Buddha, one will be immune to the confusion of words.”2

In order to grasp the depth of meaning in this chapter, one must adequately discipline and awaken one’s mind. When this discipline is thorough and ripe, one’s mind will penetrate to the invisible and minute. Then, one will realize the severity of Lao Tzu’s effort and hardship.

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