The way of Chuang Tzu
by Thomas Merton
Melbourne, 2017
Ju Philosophy and the Superior Man
Ju philosophy, as reflected in the teachings of Confucius, emphasizes fulfilling the commands of nature as manifested by tradition, which fundamentally are commands of love. This philosophy nurtures a person's inner potential for love, understanding, reverence, and wisdom, cultivating what is referred to as the "Superior Man" or "Noble Minded Man."
The Four Cardinal Virtues of Ju Philosophy
Jen: This virtue represents compassionate and devoted love, imbued with deep empathy and sincerity. It enables one to empathize deeply with the joys and sorrows of others, treating their experiences as one's own. Jen is often translated as "human-heartedness."
Yi: Yi is the sense of justice, duty, and obligation to others. It is a disinterested virtue in Ju philosophy, implying that actions should not be driven by personal gain but by an unconditional moral imperative, recognizing the intrinsic value of good acts.
Li: More than just adherence to ritual correctness, Li involves using ritual forms to express outwardly the love and obligations one holds. It is about acting out of reverence and love not just towards immediate relations but also towards the cosmos and "Heaven-and-earth."
Chih: The virtue of wisdom, Chih, encompasses all other virtues, providing a mature and religious understanding that guides them towards their true fulfillment. It represents an inner obedience to Heaven, achieved through a disciplined life, echoing St. Augustine’s principle of "Love and do what you will!"
Chuang Tzu's Perspective: The Way of Tao
Chuang Tzu criticizes the Ju philosophy's focus on accumulating virtue through deliberate effort. He proposes the concept of wu wei or non-action, which is about achieving perfect action through non-interference and spontaneity, not aimed at obtaining results through deliberate efforts. This aligns with the Taoist view that true greatness comes from allowing "Tao to act without impediment," thus characterizing the "man of Tao."
The Life of Faith and Tao
The way of Tao, as advocated by Chuang Tzu, is about beginning with the innate goodness that exists simply by virtue of being. Unlike the Ju approach of self-conscious cultivation, Taoism suggests a growth that occurs quietly within the simplicity and humility of ordinary life. This approach is psychologically akin to the Christian "life of faith," focusing more on believing in the good rather than seeing it as a result of one's efforts.
Action in Harmony with the Whole
Chuang Tzu emphasizes that the true nature of wu wei is not inactivity but rather action that is in perfect harmony with the whole. It is action that seems effortless and spontaneous because it is performed in perfect accordance with one's nature and place in the cosmos. This type of action is free from force and violence and is not conditioned by personal needs or theoretical constructs.
In summary, while Ju philosophy centers on the cultivation of virtue through disciplined practice and adherence to social rituals, Chuang Tzu’s Taoism advocates for a more natural, spontaneous way of living that aligns with the fundamental principles of the universe, thus enabling a life of genuine fulfillment and harmony.