What Does It Mean?
I’ve gotten some interesting responses to some of the posts on this site. Most are very supportive and helpful. Then, of course, there are people who like to type before they think. This must be the modern internet version of speaking before you think…
All good entertainment in any case. I really want to thank those who’ve commented and sent interesting emails. I read every one.
You might, by now, be wondering about the title of this post and where I’m going with it. Glad you asked.
By asking, “What does it mean?” I’m referring to the calligraphy you see at the top right of every page on this site. Have you noticed it before? If not, take a look at it now…
Here’s a bigger version:
Pretty, isn’t it?
I especially like the way it flows from one stroke to the other. This is taken from a calligraphy scroll I got in Shenzhen in 1996. I was there finishing my doctorate and doing hospital rounds, but in the meanwhile, a group of us went to a street market. One of the vendors there was doing custom calligraphy.
After watching his work for a while I thought that he’d do a lovely job making this, so I asked him to make a scroll of the words, “wu wei.” Wu wei, for those not familiar, is commonly translated as “not doing.” This image is a dragon form calligraphy of these words.
But even knowing that doesn’t answer the question, what does it mean?
I would love to get your thoughts on the meaning of the idea of “not doing” and how it might relate to qigong or life in general. I’m leaving the comments open for this post so feel free to chime in.
Be well,
Dr. Bruce
Diane Campbell said,
November 26, 2008 at 6:22 am
My first thought would be the Yoda quote – there is no “try” – (only do or do not)
But there is also the Zen philosophy of letting all material cares and possessions go to attain understanding and here “not doing” would be a good thing
So I would need more context to guess what it means.
Dr. Bruce said,
November 29, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Hi Diane,
Thanks for your thoughts.
I like that you brought Yoda into the picture. One of my favorite screen characters. I also appreciate the reference to Zen and letting go.
Between the two, I’d say that the second idea is closer to the mark. In this context, “not doing” is a very good thing. Not doing is the essence of pure intention.
In the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu says, (I’m paraphrasing) “By not doing nothing is left undone.” It refers to the ultimate kind of letting go. Starting with setting your intention, you release all attachment to how it will manifest. That’s the not doing part.
This is surprisingly powerful when put into action. Of course we’re all well conditioned to take action, so learning how to not take action is sometimes a stretch…
Thanks for your comments.
Dr. Bruce