Concepts🌀
the Dao's content is described as vague, elusive, and indistinct, yet containing essence
What is formless (or indefinable/intangible)?
According to Laozi, the BEST rulers are barely this.
Noticed
Laozi says this element is soft, but overcomes the hard.
Water
Laozi says that one should make few their ______ in order to manifest simplicity.
Desires
"Those who have ____ will gain".
have little, have none
Ch 16: All things return to this, which is described as stillness and the root.
What is their origin (or source/the Dao)
The skillful traveler leaves none of these behind, symbolizing effortless movement
What are tracks (or traces)?
Holding to the great image brings the world to you, offering this peaceful state.
What is harmony (or safety/peace)?
When your work is done, you should ______ instead of overachieving.
Withdraw, Quit, or Stop
What you wish to shrink, you must first allow to do this.
What is expand (or grow)
Laozi claims that the Way models itself on what?
Nature or the Natural
The greatest rulers are cautious and honor what?
Words
Ch 23: Natural phenomena like wind and rain used to illustrate that even heaven and earth don't do this for long.
What is last (or endure/continue)?
Laozi names six things in chapter 19 that a person should abandon in order to achieve simplicity and the greater good. Name one
Sageliness, Wisdom
Benevolence, Righteousness
Cleverness, Profit
A way that can be followed is not this.
Hint: starts with C
Constant
This Chinese term means "non-action" or "effortless action" and describes acting in harmony with the natural flow.
What is Wu Wei?
Ch 29: The sage ruler understands that the world is this type of vessel and cannot be tampered with.
What is sacred (or divine/spiritual)?
The sage is advised to know the masculine but keep to this opposite quality
What is the feminine?
The sage never abandons this quality, which is the root of lightness, even amid distractions.
What is heaviness (or stillness/center)
Ch 24: Those who do this to themselves cannot stand long, just like standing on tiptoes.
What is display (or assert/praise) themselves?
A metaphor to describe the Dao's original, uncarved state of simplicity
What is the uncarved block (or Pu)
Ch. 37: If leaders embodied the Dao, this would happen naturally without the need for force
What is transformation (or things would transform themselves)?
Rulers are warned against trying to do this to the world, as it is sacred and cannot be controlled
What is possess, control, or manipulate it?
Ch 20: Laozi is described as being alone in his contentment with this state, unlike others who seek certainty.
What is confusion (or not-knowing/simplicity)?
Chapter 22 teaches this paradox: "Yield and" do this
What is overcome (or remain whole)?