朴

Pu

Taoism · concept

Part of Taoism

Uncarved block, simplicity. The original, unformed state of being before social conditioning and artificial complexity overlay it. The uncarved block represents original simplicity before society shapes us into categories and artificial desires. Returning to pu means recovering this wholeness.

According to the Tao Te Ching, the foundational text attributed to Laozi, and the Zhuangzi, the central writings of Taoist philosophy, Pu represents a key concept that continues to inform philosophical thought and practice today.

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

What Are the Key Facts About Pu?

  • Tradition: Taoism
  • Chinese: 朴
  • Category: Concept
  • Definition: Uncarved block, simplicity.

What Cards Are Related to Pu?

Return to the Uncarved Block

See simplicity, hold to the plain

Know the Male, Keep to the Female

Become the valley of the world

Unnamed and Unmastered

A small, uncarved thing no one can control

What Concepts Are Related to Pu?

Wu Wei 无为
Related to
Wu wei requires the simplicity of the uncarved block (pu)
 Ziran 自然
Related to
Ziran and pu both express the Taoist ideal of original simplicity
 Laozi 老子
Entity Entity
Laozi used Pu as the metaphor of the uncarved block

Common Questions

朴 哲学含义 chinese 朴 meaning chinese-meaning Pu 朴 philosophy concept pu taoism definition unnamed and unmastered tao te ching explained explanation how to understand Pu how-to

Further Reading and Sources

For authoritative academic perspectives on Pu, consult these external sources:

Further Reading