Naturalness and simplicity
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Flip to reveal answersWhat does ziran mean?
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All 8 Flashcards — Naturalness and simplicity
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Question
What does ziran mean?
Answer
'Self-so' — being naturally what you are, of your own accord, without forcing or pretending.
Question
The uncarved block?
Answer
An image of natural simplicity — a self whole and full of possibility before ambition chisels it into a fixed shape.
Question
Why keep the block 'uncarved'?
Answer
Carve it into something clever and you gain one shape but lose the whole — the deep simplicity the Way prizes.
Question
Returning to simplicity?
Answer
Fewer desires, less chasing — loosening the grip of endless wanting and settling back into the natural Way.
Question
'He who knows he has enough is rich'?
Answer
Real wealth is contentment, not endless getting — the person who knows they have enough is already rich.
Question
Is ziran the same as 'nature' (trees, mountains)?
Answer
No — it's the quality of being unforced, doing what you do of your own accord, not scenery.
Question
Does 'fewer desires' mean giving up all ambition? (Go further)
Answer
No — it targets restless craving that's never satisfied, not every purpose; a quieter life can still act.
Question
How do ziran, the block and fewer desires connect?
Answer
One idea seen three ways: be natural (ziran), stay whole (uncarved block), want less (return to simplicity).
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Full study notes for Naturalness and simplicity
Topic 10.10 hub
Tao Te Ching — Lao Tzu
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