水
Water
Taoism · metaphorThe central metaphor in Taoism for yielding power, adaptability, and humility. Water benefits all things without competing, seeks the lowest places, and wears down stone through persistence. Water's paradoxical strength -- yielding yet irresistible, humble yet life-giving -- makes it the central metaphor for the Taoist way of living across multiple chapters of the Tao Te Ching.
According to the Tao Te Ching, the foundational text attributed to Laozi, and the Zhuangzi, the central writings of Taoist philosophy, Water represents a key concept that continues to inform philosophical thought and practice today.
What Are the Key Facts About Water?
- Tradition: Taoism
- Chinese: 水
- Category: Metaphor
- Definition: The central metaphor in Taoism for yielding power, adaptability, and humility.
What Cards Are Related to Water?
What Concepts Are Related to Water?
Wu Wei 无为Metaphor for
Water is the perfect metaphor for wu wei — yielding yet irresistible
Yin Yang 阴阳 Exemplifies
Water's adaptability embodies the dynamic balance of yin and yang
Laozi 老子 Entity Entity
Laozi used Water as the central metaphor for yielding strength
Zhuangzi 庄子 Teaches
Zhuangzi uses water and yielding as metaphors for effective action
Common Questions
水 比喻 chinese 上善若水 meaning chinese-meaning water taoism philosophy soft overcomes hard concept water taoism philosophy definition the lowland draws the river tao te ching explained explanation be like water bruce lee origin quote be like water taoism teachingFurther Reading and Sources
For authoritative academic perspectives on Water, consult these external sources: