PU

The Chinese character pu means simplicity and plainness. In the Tao, it is a principle of cultivation represented by a plain piece of wood.

What can be simpler than a plain piece of wood? It is something anyone can come across out in the wilderness. It is completely natural, and it has a certain power and beauty in its simplicity. These attributes are all connected to one another.

Many of us have drifted away from this principle. We become increasingly distant from its beauty. The more complex our lives become, the more overwhelmed we feel. We need to reverse course and get back to the pu principle. We must reconnect with nature to once again appreciate its beauty. We must also simplify our lives to regain the clarity we once had.

The Tao Today

The more you go back to the basic and elemental level of life, the more powerful you become. This is true for a plain piece of wood, and it is also true in every aspect of life. Complexity reduces your effectiveness; simplicity increases it. Apply the pu principle to your environment and discard your clutter. Apply it to your day and streamline your activities. In the Tao, less is more.

The Tao of Joy Every Day

~ Derek Lin