Michael Sternbach Posted October 7, 2014 Just a reminder; I'm not really totally at ease with my understandings regarding these two concepts. The basics are fine but I'm sure the words will still change a number of times before I have said it in a manner where I feel comfortable with what I have said. Ack. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dawei Posted October 7, 2014 I don't think he was saying "practice non-action", but rather "to action, there is no action" Then later on this phrase, 為无為 , came to represent the entire meaning of the chapter: become one with action This is how I have experienced it... it is not that we get out of the way, but we ride the way... become one with it so they are indistinguishable. IMO, these are about complementary whole ideas. Action vs Non-Action {merged} Affairs vs Non-Affairs {merged} Not vs Non-Not {merged} Even if it means flavor doesn't change the base idea of opposite negation/compliment. As the GD has this chapter and uses 未, I looked at another ancient Chu writing often using this and it seems to be the same usage... of 'Not'. I would say it is more important we get the idea instead of the perfect wording. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dust Posted October 8, 2014 (edited) This is how I have experienced it... it is not that we get out of the way, but we ride the way... become one with it so they are indistinguishable. IMO, these are about complementary whole ideas. Action vs Non-Action {merged} Affairs vs Non-Affairs {merged} Not vs Non-Not {merged} Even if it means flavor doesn't change the base idea of opposite negation/compliment. Yes, yes yes As the GD has this chapter and uses 未, I looked at another ancient Chu writing often using this and it seems to be the same usage... of 'Not'. I was meaning to do the very same, but have been distracted. Interesting to know, thanks I would say it is more important we get the idea instead of the perfect wording. Indeed. The meaning is the important thing, and the chapter's meaning doesn't change either way. But still, I'm very much enjoying the linguistic aspect of it all... Edited October 8, 2014 by dustybeijing 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
