What is The Baopu 抱朴？

The term "Baopu" (抱朴) originates from Tao Te Ching: "Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity (baopu), reduce selfishness, and have few desires."Here,"Bao"(抱) means to uphold and never lose, while"Pu"(朴) refers to being simple and sincere."Baopu" thus signifies clinging to one's true nature, not being tempted by material desires, and not being troubled by worldly affairs.

As a Taoist outlook on life, "baopu" requires those who cultivate the Dao to preserve their innate nature and true essence, not covet glory and profit, and keep away from material desires, thereby achieving the state of returning to one's original simplicity. Laozi's concept of "baopu" has both social and political significance, as in "If I have no desires, the people will naturally be simple," and also personal cultivation significance. Later, "baopu" gradually became a life attitude pursued by Taoist practitioners.