Watts asserts that tzu-jan (“naturalness,” “spontaneity,” or “self-so”) is the first principle of Taoism:
You can’t get outside of nature to be the master of nature. Remember that your heart beats “self-so” — and, if you give it a chance, your mind can function “self-so,” although most of us are afraid to give it a chance.
“Self-so” advocates simplicity and authenticity. We shouldn’t blindly conform to society’s expectations but should act in ways that seem true to ourselves.
Watts points out that wu wei, or effortless action, complements the idea of Tzu-jan. When one acts in accordance with tzu-jan, actions feel natural and uncontrived, arising spontaneously rather than from overthinking or manipulation.
For this reason you might say that not-forcing is the second principle of the Tao — the spontaneous or of-itself-so activity (tzu-jan) being the first. In Chinese the second principle is called wu wei, and it means literally “not doing,” but would be much better translated to give it the spirit of “not forcing” or “not obstructing.” In reference to the Tao it is the sense that the activity of nature is not self-obstructive. It all works together as a unity and does not, as it were, split apart from itself to do something to itself.
As Yoda advises, “Do or do not. There is no try.”
Wu wei is also applied to human activity, and refers to a person who does not get in his or her own way. One does not stand in one’s own light while working, and so the way of wu wei (this sounds like a pun but it isn’t) is the way of non-obstruction or noninterference. This is the preeminently practical Taoist principle of life.
Taoism says we must learn to flow with circumstance, accepting what we cannot change and adjusting our actions to the current reality. For example, if we’re stuck in traffic, instead of ranting, we should use the time to listen to an audio book or reflect.
Terms like tzu-jan and wu wei make these ideas seem quite exotic and hard to understand, but it’s easy to find examples of the same concepts in our own culture, as Watts points out.
As our own proverb says, “Easy does it.” And wu wei means easy does it. Look out for the grain of things, the way of things. Move in accord with it and work is thereby made simple.
As one who has pursued woodworking as a hobby, I can certainly appreciate the idea of not going against the grain.
Watts argues that things don’t have to be as hard as we often make them:
And so, the secret in Taoism is to get out of one’s own way, and to learn that this pushing ourselves, instead of making us more efficient, actually interferes with everything we set about to do.
Taoism emphasizes tzu-jan, or naturalness, as the first principle, advocating for simplicity and authenticity in action. Wu wei, or effortless action, complements this by encouraging individuals to act in harmony with nature, avoiding self-obstruction and embracing spontaneity. Ultimately, Taoism encourages us to align our actions with the natural flow of things, making life easier and more fulfilling.