Are the teachings of Lao Tzu on non-journeying contradictory to his sutras of practice?
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definition
"True practice is not about doing, but about dissolving the doer; in ceasing to try, we awaken to the reality that has always been within us."
According to Osho, Lao Tzu’s ‘non-journeying’ isn’t contradicted by his sutras of practice; the contradiction is linguistic. True practice is a negative device—like counting to fall asleep—that bores the doer, dissolves the ‘how,’ and lets non-action happen. The center already exists; practices only dispel illusions so that, in ceasing to try, one awakens to what is.
Lao Tzu’s “practices” just tire out your trying, so effort drops and what’s already true shows itself.
Why this matters practically
- Use simple, boring routines to calm the mind instead of forcing results.
- Shift from achieving to allowing; drop the ‘how’ and rest in non-doing.
- Trust your natural center; practice only to remove obstacles.
- Shift from achieving to allowing; drop the ‘how’ and rest in non-doing.
- Trust your natural center; practice only to remove obstacles.
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