What is the Non-contention 不争？

Non-contention means that all things in heaven and earth, as well as human conduct, should conform to the "natural principles" and not be forced. Laozi's Tao Te Ching mentions "non-contention" in several places, stating that "The way of heaven is beneficial and not harmful; the way of the sage is to act without contending." "The way of heaven conquers without contending." "It is precisely because one does not contend that one has no faults."

Taoism inherited and evolved the concept of "non-contention", making it a part of Taoist precepts. It stipulates that one should "tolerate the wrong and endure the temperamental", regardless of right or wrong, and that "the sage does not contend with ordinary people; when there is contention, he avoids it by withdrawing to a high place—how can ordinary people contend with him?" It holds that contending with others leads to destruction, while not contending prevents harm and enables one to be invincible.

Later Taoist inner alchemists linked non-contention with cultivation, believing that those who pursue longevity should not overtax their spirit, seek official positions, covet wealth, and "not contend with the world".