Introduction

The Daodejing is a poem, a collection of aphorisms, that talks about the natural design of life, the Dao, and the way we humans can live in accordance with this design rather than oppose it. It celebrates simplicity and spontaneity, naturalness and freedom. Above all, perhaps, it shows us the way to a wholeness of vision.

Just what is the Dao?
It is yin on my shoulders
And yang in my arms. (42)

Dao is a single presence that can be viewed two ways. Look within to see the yin, your own faceless awareness. Look outward to see the yang, all that appears in this awareness. These two aspects of Dao are meant to be seen, not merely named and discussed. You can point to them with your finger. Point at your own face. What do you see? Certainly, you don't see a face. Isn't it more like a faceless openness to all that appears. The Daodejing often calls it emptiness, wu. But it's a living emptiness, aware of itself as empty, and as full of ten thousand things. Dao is your own faceless embrace of the living world. Dao is emptiness (wu) embracing appearance (you).

What is de? De is the power and harmony and flow that comes into a life in touch with its inner nature, and therefore with the Dao. When you see both sides of your natural presence, you are whole and fully present in the here and now. This is deeply satisfying. This is de, the wholeness of life.

These two views of the Dao are in no way separate or divided. They represent a single presence. They live together. They are complements. The Daodejing uses the umbrella terms yin and yang only once. More often it uses the demonstratives this and that, words that actually tell you where to look. Look in at this simple faceless capacity to embrace the world. Look out at that world of spontaneous appearances and happenings. Dao is both simple and spontaneous. Here the Dao does nothing and is nothing, and there all is done.

This view of Daoist wholeness translates into the two prime and inseparable Daoist values of simplicity and spontaneity. Natural life is designed around these two views and values.

Simplicity. The Daodejing uses things in the natural world to symbolize simplicity. Pu is the uncarved block of wood. It is a symbol for simplicity, our natural state before we learn the rigid "ways" other people expect us to be and behave. Simple living, fewness of desires, and knowing when enough is enough are prime Daoist values. The infant and the child also suggest simplicity. They live from their own natures, not from what they have been told by others.

Spontaneity. The Dao does nothing and all is done. Water is a natural symbol for spontaneity. It does nothing (wu wei) but what is natural for it to do. It follows its own nature. Humans can do the same when they yield to their own natures (zi ran) and allow others to do the same.

Wholeness. There is no division between yin and yang or wu and you or this and that. They are complementary views of a single presence, of the Dao. Dao is both one and whole.