Class requirement 8

 The Tao is adhered to a life that follows nature. The life of a Taoist consists of detachment to the physical world’s concerns. And thus, a model of this life is called a Taoist sage. In Thomas Merton’s translation of Chuang Tzu, the parable ‘The Man of Tao’ offers us a glimpse if not the entire picture of the way of a Taoist Sage.

It speaks of the Taoist Sage’s character. The Taoist sage does not interfere. The Taoist sage does not harm others by his actions. And the Taoist sage does not classify himself as kind or gentle. The Taoist sage does not concern himself with doing things in order to achieve a certain end. The Taoist sage is one who lives a life that does not aim to abide nor disrupt the things around him. The Taoist sage neither swims against the current nor swims eagerly with the current. The Taoist sage is one who lets the waves lead him and he follows. And the Taoist sage is one who is not prejudice to those who does not live life like he does. Contrary to other religions, the Taoists are not known for their strict rituals or practices. Instead, they follow life as it is.

The parable mentions that: “He does not struggle to make money and does not make a virtue out of poverty. He goes his way without relying on others and does not pride himself on walking alone.

While he does not follow the crowd he won’t complain of those who do.”

Unlike Confucianism’s focus on state and governance or Christians’ value for being poor, the Taoist sage does not care about all these. The life of a Taoist sage is not living in the illusory of the world. He detaches himself to everything in this world. He sees this world as artificial. His life is one that is closer to the original state of nature. He does not concern himself to the trivialities that men created and at the same time, he does not detest those who do. And others do not detest him as well. It is because the Taoist sage is not seen as a hindrance to the goals of man. He is not seen as a rival. Sometimes, he is not even seen. He is not recognized because first and foremost, he does not seek to be recognized.

The way of the sage according to Tao Te Ching 16, the Taoist sage is one who must be in accord with nature. Therefore, must be in accord with the Eternal which makes him everlasting. And for all his lifetime, he will be free from danger and he is in peace.