Editor’s Note :
Chinese culture lives not only in grand narratives, but also in carved words, calligraphy, painting, and music—where its spirit and beauty quietly endure.
Cultural Express launches its new Culture column to rediscover the warmth and elegance of Chinese culture in everyday life.
In this issue, 92-year-old Professor Teresa Sun reflects on twelve woodcarved classical inscriptions by her late husband,
Terry Sun, revealing the warmth and beauty of Chinese culture.
The Chinese philosophers Laozi and Confucius played a crucial role in shaping a cosmic and worldview, as well as moral and social orders, for the Chinese over two thousand years ago.
Both the Confucian "Dao (Way) of Heaven" and the Daoist "Dao of Nature" are recognized as absolute and supreme realities in their own right.
But none of them present an image of a "Creator. “ Their values have had a significant influence on China, impacting society both at that time and for thousands of years afterward.
Dao and Order
A little earlier than Confucius, Lao Zi (571-470BC?) master minded a school of Daoism. The Daoist philosophy realized the existence of a Dao, the "nature's law or way," which contains a self-generating life course and is an "all-enfolding harmony of impersonal cosmic function."
The concept of Daoism is so vast and encompassing that Daoist philosophers have been cautious about losing sight of the “totality and infiniteness” of Dao, as any attempt to define it could lead to “misinterpretation.”
The very first sentence of the Dao De Jing states, “The Dao that can be defined is not the real Dao.” Yet, the sun, moon, and stars always rise and set as expected. The four seasons change on schedule, one following the next.
This movement is supported by an eternal power, which demonstrates the existence of the Dao of Nature.
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De and Stillness
The Dao of Daoism is revealed through the virtues of the “Law of Nature,” known as "de 德," which exemplify how humans should behave, none-action and not to claim credit.
Daoism teaches that individuals should align themselves with the "law of nature" and nurture their true nature accordingly, not to act against the spirit of Dao.
Although Daoist philosophy is profoundly respected among intellectuals, it is not typically taught publicly or applied for social purposes.
Rather, it is often practiced privately to cultivate individual lives and attain mental tranquility.
Daoism's non-secular approach and its abstract interpretation of the "Law of Nature" made its concept of the Dao less accessible. As a result, it had to yield to Confucianism.
World and Refuge
However, Daoism, although submerged, has existed as a powerful philosophical attitude in Chinese life and profound influence in arts.
The Chinese landscape has been the main trend in painting depicting mainly the philosophical realm of Daoism.
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People occupy not the center of the painting, but are figures wandering among the mountains and rivers, appreciating nature's tranquility.
They are an essential part of the Dao, just like everything else in nature.
Many intellectuals have long dreamed of cherishing nature and living a hermetic lifestyle in search of peace of mind.
This desire to escape the secular world and find refuge in the promised land of nature serves as a sanctuary for those who have faced challenges in their political careers or encountered hardships in life.
Hills and Peace
Among the famous officials, Su Shi (蘇軾) wished to escape to the sea in a small boat, while Wang Wei (王维) sought refuge in the mountains, and Liu Zong yuan (柳宗元) preferred to fish alone by the snowy riverbank.
Lao zi's philosophy presented a worldview that contrasted with Confucianism.
However, it offers comfort to people in the world of secular-minded Confucianism, as the needs of human nature are a concern. ( Article 4 of 12 )
Click to Read
Article 1 of 12—May Flowers Bloom, the Moon Stay Full, and Life Be Long
Article 2 of 12—Heaven Moves, Man Strives
Article 3 of 12—The Confucian Way
About the Author :
Teresa Sun
Teresa Sun received her bachelor’s degree in Chinese literature from Taiwan Normal University, an M.A. in education from UCLA, and a doctorate from Seton Hall University.
She taught Chinese language and culture at California State universities and Whittier College for nearly 25 years, and was active in Chinese language education, cultural promotion, and community service. She has published papers and four books.
Terry Sun
Terry Sun graduated from National Taiwan University in mechanical engineering and continued his studies at USC. An outstanding HVAC engineer, he was named a Fellow of ASHRAE.
After retirement, he developed a unique artistic style combining wood carving and Chinese calligraphy, and his works were exhibited in museums and institutions.