Taoism Warning: You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you log in or create an account, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits.Anti-spam check. Do not fill this in! === Ziran === [[file:Zhangzi in front of waterfalls.jpg|thumb|[[Zhuang Zhou]] in front of a waterfall. The natural downward flow of water is a common metaphor for naturalness in Taoism.]] {{Main|Ziran}} ''Ziran'' ({{zh|labels=no|t=自然|p=zìrán|w=tzu-jan}}; lit. "self-so", "[[self-organization]]"<ref name="Zai 2015"/>) is regarded as a central concept and value in Taoism and as a way of flowing with the Tao.{{sfnp|Fowler|2005 |p=122}}{{sfnp|Kohn|2008|p=21}} It describes the "primordial state" of all things{{sfnp|Slingerland|2003|p=97}} as well as a basic character of the Tao,{{sfnp|Girardot|1988 |p=56}} and is usually associated with [[Spontaneous process|spontaneity]] and creativity.{{sfnmp|1a1=Fowler|1y=2005 |1p=121|2a1=Girardot|2y=1988 |2p=56}} According to Kohn, in the ''Zhuangzi'', ''ziran'' refers to the fact that "there is thus no ultimate cause to make things what they are. The universe exists by itself and of itself; it is existence just as it is. Nothing can be added or substracted from it; it is entirely sufficient upon itself."{{sfnp|Kohn|2008|p=30}} To attain naturalness, one has to identify with the Tao and flow with its natural rhythms as expressed in oneself.{{sfnp|Girardot|1988 |p=56}}{{sfnp|Kohn|2008|p=21, 39}} This involves freeing oneself from selfishness and desire, and appreciating simplicity.{{sfnp|Fowler|2005 |p=122}} It also involves understanding one's nature and living in accordance with it, without trying to be something one is not or [[Analysis paralysis|overthinking]] one's experience.{{sfnp|Kohn|2008|p=39}} One way of cultivating ''ziran'' found in the ''Zhuangzi'' is to practice the "fasting of the mind", a kind of [[Taoist meditation]] in which one empties the mind. It is held that this can also activate [[qi]] (vital energy).{{sfnp|Kohn|2008|p=40}} In some passages found in the ''Zhuangzi'' and in the ''Tao Te Ching'', naturalness is also associated with rejection of the state ([[anarchism]]) and a desire to return to simpler pre-technological times ([[Anarcho-primitivism|primitivism]]).{{sfnp|Kohn|2008|p=37}} An often cited metaphor for naturalness is ''[[Pu (Taoism)|pu]]'' ({{zh|labels=no|t={{linktext|樸}}|p=pǔ, pú|w=p'u|c=}}; lit. "uncut wood"), the "uncarved log", which represents the "original nature... prior to the imprint of culture" of an individual.{{sfnp|Kraemer|1986|p=286}} It is usually referred to as a state one may return to.{{sfnp|Girardot|1988 |p=70}} Summary: Please note that all contributions to Christianpedia may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. If you do not want your writing to be edited mercilessly, then do not submit it here. You are also promising us that you wrote this yourself, or copied it from a public domain or similar free resource (see Christianpedia:Copyrights for details). Do not submit copyrighted work without permission! Cancel Editing help (opens in new window) Discuss this page