What is Letting Go (放下)?

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.

Key Takeaways

  • Letting Go (放下) is a key concept in Cross-tradition philosophy.
  • 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.

Understanding Letting Go

Letting Go (放下) is a Cross-tradition concept. 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.

In Cross-tradition philosophy, Letting Go represents a significant philosophical concept.

How to Practice Letting Go

  1. Understand Letting Go — 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 a
  2. Knowing Enough — Know when to stop
  3. Less Every Day — In pursuit of the Tao, drop something daily
  4. Alone in the Crowd — The quiet one at the feast

Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Letting Go in Cross-tradition?

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 no

What does 放下 mean?

放下 (Letting Go) is a Cross-tradition concept. 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 a

How does Letting Go fit into Cross-tradition philosophy?

In Cross-tradition, Letting Go is understood as a significant philosophical concept.

Why is Letting Go important?

Letting Go matters because it offers a practical framework for a significant philosophical concept.

Part of the Oriens guide to Cross-tradition philosophy. Last updated July 22, 2026.