Non-Action
On this day, Laozi was in Hangu Pass, working on Chapter 48 of the Tao Te Ching, which says, 'In the pursuit of learning, every day something is acquired. In the pursuit of the Tao, every day something is dropped. Less and less is done until non-action is achieved. When nothing is done, nothing is left undone. The world is ruled by letting things take their course. It cannot be ruled by interfering.' After reading this, the official Yin Xi felt somewhat puzzled and approached Laozi for guidance.
Yin Xi asked, 'People say that one should take action, so why do you advocate non-action?'
Laozi replied, 'People are all immersed in the games of the world and cannot see the underlying principles of the Tao that govern these worldly games.'
Yin Xi inquired further, 'What do you mean by 'non-action'?'
Laozi explained, 'Non-action means that when you observe any phenomenon in the world, your mind is free from fixed beliefs and explanations. As a result, you have no preconceived notions about the nature of the phenomenon before you.'
Yin Xi asked again, 'Master, you also said, "When nothing is done, nothing is left undone." What does that mean?'
Laozi replied, 'When you face a phenomenon without a fixed belief or explanation, you can interpret it with any belief you choose. The phenomenon will then change according to your interpretation. If you can reach this state, your manifestations will be alive, and you can manifest any phenomenon you desire. This is the state of non-action where there is nothing that cannot be achieved...
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