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Seth Koller
In Taoist thought, the concept of wu-wei is a crucial part in living in sync with the Tao.
Wu-wei, or action less action, says that in order to live a balanced life, one must not do
anything to throw off the balance of the universe. Wu-wei is often compared to water in the
sense that water takes the form of whatever container it is in. Water never resists or fights the
path that it is taking. In Taoist thought, this is essential in living a perfectly balanced life.
Personally, I believe that this is a good mindset to help someone achieve a morally good,
Earthly life. Keeping the universe in complete balance includes not allowing Earthly pleasures
take control of your life. Although this is a good mindset to have in your life, it would be very
difficult to keep your life in complete balance. This idea of yin-yang would be difficult because
as humans, we all struggle with some sort of immorality in our lives. Some of us are able to
keep these completely under control, but some others have a very difficult time with immoral
actions. I would somewhat compare this to Hindu and Buddhist religion in the sense that you
must let go and live. In Hindu and Buddhist culture, you must let go of any attachments that
may be hindering you from achieving nirvana. In Taoist thought, you must let go of taking
action and literally go with the flow of life. All in all, the concept of wu-wei is one that will
certainly take plenty of practice, but once you are able to let go and simply live, then you will be
in perfect balance with the Tao.
