How to teach sans teaching

When it comes to good governance, morality and spiritual life, we are reminded of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle who laid the foundation for western philosophy. While they were seeking stability in a constantly changing world and trying to unravel the mystery of the cosmos, Chinese philosophers were more concerned with morality and ethics rather than the nature of the universe. It is ironic that western and eastern philosophies were evolving at the same time ie. the 6th century BCE.

As the ruling Zhou dynasty disintegrated, China was plunged into a state of internal warfare. When a country is in turmoil wise people try to come up with solutions. The same process took place in China. A new social class of administrators and magistrates took upon themselves the task of devising strategies to run the country effectively. They mulled over various theories and finally came up with a large body of ideas which came to be known as the Hundred Schools of Thought.

One of the most prominent ideas contained in the Hundred Schools of Thought was the Daode jing (the Way and its Power). It was one of the first attempts to formulate a theory of just rule, based on de (virtue). Dao (the Way) is the source of all existence. It is also the root of all entities seen and unseen. Dao is achieved through Wu wei (non-action). It does not mean doing nothing. On the contrary, non-action means acting thoughtfully but not impulsively.

On the other hand, Wu wei means a solitary life of meditation and reflection. Living in peace, simplicity and tranquillity was also an integral part of non-action. Finally Wu wei insists that we should act and live in harmony with nature.

Ethical government

Under the Zhou Dynasty political decisions were justified on the mandate of heaven (god-given authority). As a result, the people had to obey the rulers without questioning them. However, with the disintegration of the Zhou dynasty, the situation began to change. In the 5th century BC the eminent Chinese philosopher Confucius set out his rules for personal development and ethical government.

Daode jing has been attributed to Laozi (Lao Tzu). He is a mythical figure because we do not know very much about him. According to some sources, Daode jing was compiled by a number of scholars. However, there is historical evidence to say that Laozi lived during the Zhou Dynasty. In fact, he was known as the Old Master.

Some scholars say that he was an archivist at the Zhou court. Even Confucius reportedly consulted him on matters relating to rituals and ceremonies. Legend says that he left the court in search of solitude when Zhou dynasty lost its ruling power. It is said that he wrote Daode jing on a request by a border guard who requested him to leave a record of his wisdom.

Daoism

According to Daode jing, man has to live in harmony with nature.To lead a well-balanced life, he should not over-exploit natural resources. For instance, man should avoid over-fishing in the lake to maintain the ecological balance. Gradually, Daode jing led to the formation of the philosophy known as Daoism.

We find it difficult to draw a parallel between Daoism and western philosophy. For the ancient Chinese, changes in the world were cyclical. Seasons came and went, day was followed by night. Western philosophers saw cyclical change in a different perspective. They said everything is in a flux; nothing remains the same. According to Daoism, the cyclical changes are complementary properties that make up a whole. The world, in fact, is a product of complementary properties that had undergone various changes over a long period of time.

Laozi said human are one of the manifestations of change. He said man has no special status in comparison to other natural creations. However, because of man’s desire and free will, he can stay away from Dao and disturb the ecological balance of nature. By doing so, he does not lead a virtuous life. In other words, when man fails to live in harmony with nature, he will have to face the consequences.

Human experience

When we consider the whole gamut of western and eastern philosophies, we find that philosophers are struggling to formulate ways that do justice to human experience. Even western philosophers such as Heraclitus, Soren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche grappled with the problem of language. For them language was inadequate to express lofty ideas.

Laozi had the same problem. As a result, we find it difficult to understand what he says. According to him, the good and the bad exist in an everlasting exchange. For instance, rain is good in times of drought; bad in times of floods. Similarly, great size might be good on the football field, but bad when you are trying to squeeze through a tiny window opening during a fire. The good and the bad are relative opposites. Strangely, things become good or bad according to our reactions. They are not fixed states.

Laozi used to pick up trash while he was taking his morning walk without asking others to save the environment. Similarly, he hobnobbed with everybody sometimes walking away when somebody told him a racist joke. Thus the sage preached without preaching and taught without teaching. In that respect, he is a unique philosopher.