Simple Living | Lao Tzu (Laozi)

In this era of material abundance, our senses are stimulated constantly, but it doesn't always translate into lasting happiness. Is there a different way? Can the wisdom of Lao Tzu shed light on cultivating a more joyful life?

Ling Jin and Andy Lee present Lao Tzu, who wrote Dao De Jing. He was a librarian, known for his vast wisdom. Lao Tzu decided to leave his country to live a simple and free life in the wilderness. He was riding an ox when Yin Xi met him and asked about Lao Tzu's wisdom. He replied that books do not capture the essence of the Dao. The only way to get wisdom from books is to apply them to life. As Lao Tzu was leaving he shared important principles about cultivating the Dao. Then he got on his ox and rode off.

Dao means 'road', sometimes translated at 'the way'. But it is not usually translated. It can be understood as emptiness, the source and essence of all things, desireless, formless and supremely content. Water is a good metaphor for the Dao.

To flow with the Dao, Lao Tzu writes about living a simple life.

Chapter 12:

The five colors blind the eye.

The five tones deafen the ear.

The five flavors dull the mouth.

Racing through the field and hunting make the mind wild.

Searching for precious goods leads astray.

Therefore, the sage attends to the belly,

And not to the eyes.

He rejects the latter and chooses the former.

Ling and Andy experimented with living a simple life in their physical home environment. They also tried a vegan diet for ten days. They found clarity of mind and inner peace in the heart. Many desires fell away, resulting in contentment and fulfilment.