Action That Become Actionless

One of Taoism’s most important concepts is wu wei, which is sometimes translated as “non-doing” or “non-action.” A better way to think of it, however, is as a paradoxical “Action of non-action.” Wu wei refers to the cultivation of a state of being in which our actions are quite effortlessly in alignment with the ebb and flow of the elemental cycles of the natural world. It is a kind of “going with the flow” that is characterized by great ease and awareness, in which -- without even trying -- we’re able to respond perfectly to whatever situations arise. Historically, wu wei has been practiced both within and outside of existing social and political structures.

The practice of wu wei is the expression of what in Taoism is considered to be the highest form of virtue -- one that is in no way premeditated but instead arises spontaneously.

As we find our alignment with the Tao -- with the rhythms of the elements within and outside of our bodies -- our actions are quite naturally of the highest benefit to all who we contact. At this point, we have gone beyond the need for formal religious or secular moral precepts of any sort. We have become the embodiment of wu wei, the "Action of non-action"; as well as of wu nien, the "Thought of non-thought," and wu hsin, the "Mind of non-mind." We have realized our place within the web of inter-being, within the cosmos, and, knowing our connection to all-that-is, can offer only thoughts, words, and actions that do no harm and that are spontaneously virtuous.