The term means to observe and maintain the natural state of things. This notion first appeared in the book Laozi. The original meaning of su (素) is undyed silk; pu (朴) is unworked wood or timber. Laozi used these terms as analogies for people and objects in their natural untouched state. He believed that those in power should not try to influence …
Literally, this term means pivot of Dao. It first appeared in Zhuangzi written by the ancient Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi (369?-286 BC). It is pointed out in Zhuangzi that people tend to look at others from their own perspectives or standards, but such different views or standards often give rise to confrontation and disagreement. Therefore, Zhuan…
The term first described the original state of everything, which is profound and mysterious. Laozi used it to describe dao and virtue as being in a profound and mysterious state, calling dao “a mystery within a mystery,” and advocating “inconspicuous virtue.” Ancient Chinese thinkers like Yang Xiong (53 BC-AD 18) and Ge Hong (281?-341) went a …