What is the Rou Ruo 柔弱 in Taoism?

Rou Ruo (柔弱，softness and weakness) is a fundamental doctrine in Taoism regarding self-cultivation and attitudes toward life. Taoism holds that softness and weakness are among the important characteristics of Dao. Through observing, reflecting on, and analyzing nature, Laozi profoundly expounded such ideas as "Weakness overcomes strength; softness overcomes hardness," "The softest thing in the world can penetrate the hardest," "The strong and powerful occupy a lowly position, while the soft and weak occupy a noble position," and "Nothing in the world is softer and weaker than water, yet nothing can surpass it in overcoming the strong and hard."

Literally, the term "rou ruo" (softness and weakness) may seem to imply fragility and lack of vitality, but in Taoist doctrine, it carries more than its literal meaning. Its spiritual essence is mainly reflected in two aspects:

Firstly, softness and weakness contain the spiritual essence of the existence and continuity of life. All living things in nature can exhibit their respective forms of softness because they have life, and this is even more true for human beings. Those who are dead, whether humans or things, show rigidity and hardness. Hence, Tao Te Ching states: "When a person is alive, they are soft and weak; when they die, they become rigid and hard. When plants and trees are alive, they are soft and tender; when they die, they become withered and dry. Therefore, the rigid and hard belong to the realm of death, while the soft and weak belong to the realm of life." It teaches people to practice Dao, maintain the softness of life, and pursue longevity. In inheriting and carrying forward this doctrine, Taoism requires people to attach importance to the cultivation of softness and weakness, and always practice "zhuan qi zhi rou" (专气致柔，concentrating vital energy to achieve softness). This means regulating breathing to be harmonious, smooth, and subtle; keeping the body and spirit calm and peaceful in dealing with affairs; softening one's vital energy; and nurturing the body and spirit.

Secondly, softness and weakness contain a positive philosophy of life. Taoism emphasizes the application of softness and weakness, advocating that one should not be overly rigid and strong in all actions—for the rigid are prone to be broken first, and the strong are prone to be attacked first. Practicing Dao should involve staying calm to await movement, maintaining softness and weakness without acting rashly, thereby broadening one's tolerance. One should learn from water, which, though soft and weak, can overcome the strong and hard, and adopt a positive attitude toward life in dealing with people and things to nurture the body and spirit.