放下

Letting Go

Cross-tradition · practice

Part of Taoism

The art of releasing attachment — to outcomes, possessions, opinions, and the self. Found in Taoism (wu wei, pu), Buddhism (non-attachment), and Stoicism (dichotomy of control). In Taoism it appears as wu wei and the uncarved block; in Buddhism as non-attachment; in Stoicism as focusing only on what is within your control.

Across multiple wisdom traditions, from the classical Greek philosophers to the sages of ancient China, Letting Go represents a key concept that continues to inform philosophical thought and practice today.

6 wisdom cards explore this concept
4 related philosophical concepts
0 in-depth guides
9 search questions answered

What Are the Key Facts About Letting Go?

  • Tradition: Cross-tradition
  • Chinese: 放下
  • Category: Practice
  • Definition: The art of releasing attachment — to outcomes, possessions, opinions, and the self.

What Cards Are Related to Letting Go?

Knowing Enough

Know when to stop

Less Every Day

In pursuit of the Tao, drop something daily

Alone in the Crowd

The quiet one at the feast

Stop Before Spilling

A full cup overflows; a sharp blade dulls

Fish in the Drying Spring

Better to forget one another in rivers and lakes

The Fish Trap

Words are for crossing, not for keeping

What Concepts Are Related to Letting Go?

Dichotomy of Control
Parallel in
The dichotomy of control parallels the practice of letting go in Eastern traditions
 Wu Wei 无为
Related to
Letting go is the emotional dimension of wu wei
 Dichotomy of Control
Parallel in
Letting go of what we cannot control parallels the dichotomy of control
 Four Noble Truths 四圣谛
Related to
Letting go of craving (the Second Truth) is essential to ending suffering

Common Questions

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Further Reading and Sources

For authoritative academic perspectives on Letting Go, consult these external sources:

Further Reading