The Simple Way, Part 24

The Simple Way
The Life & Teachings of Zhouzi
by Scott Bradley

A concerned village chief came to Zhouzi and said, “Sir, it is reported among us that you teach that all that we do is an expression of Tao, whether good or ill. That you would have Tao the doer of ill, I do not understand, but never have I understood the subtle thought of the sages. Only I fear for my village, that licentious behavior might destroy its peace.”

“Dear Sir,” replied Zhouzi, “though I do not teach it as such, ours is a way to a behavior of the highest repute. Only we free ourselves from the tyranny of a right and a wrong that the ‘right’ might arise directly from the heart. The truly ‘good’ man is not so by way of a choice. But now I assure you, should ever this community cause a breach in your peace, then its entire mission will be its rectification. And you, Sir, are always most welcome to come as you wish, and ever will I be ready to address your concerns.”

“As for the Tao as the doer of ill,” he continued, “I would have you to know we teach no such thing. For we say that Tao does nothing at all, though it is in all things manifest. And we would no more judge its expression in man than we would declare the right of the sun or the wrong of the moon.”

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