自然

Ziran

Taoism · concept

Part of Taoism

Self-so, spontaneity, what-is-of-itself. The Taoist ideal of acting according to one's own nature without external imposition. Ziran describes being so completely oneself that no external force shapes one's actions. It is closely related to wu wei: when natural (ziran), actions are spontaneously right (wu wei).

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

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

What Are the Key Facts About Ziran?

  • Tradition: Taoism
  • Chinese: 自然
  • Category: Concept
  • Definition: Self-so, spontaneity, what-is-of-itself.

What Cards Are Related to Ziran?

What Is of Itself

The Tao has no outside

The Best Leader Is Barely Known

When the work is done, they say: we did it ourselves

A Thousand Miles Begins Here

Grasping leads to losing

What Concepts Are Related to Ziran?

Wu Wei 无为
Related to
Wu wei is acting in accordance with ziran (natural spontaneity)
 Pu 朴
Related to
Ziran and pu both express the Taoist ideal of original simplicity
 Piping of Heaven 天籁
Expresses
The piping of heaven is the natural expression of ziran
 Laozi 老子
Entity Entity
Laozi taught Ziran as the principle of spontaneity and naturalness
 Zhuangzi 庄子
Teaches
Zhuangzi's philosophy centers on ziran (spontaneous self-so-ness)

Common Questions

自然 含义 chinese 道法自然 meaning chinese-meaning Ziran 自然 philosophy concept ziran meaning definition a thousand miles begins here tao te ching explained explanation how to understand Ziran how-to

Further Reading and Sources

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

Further Reading