What is the Wuji 无极？

Wuji (无极) refers to a state that is more primitive and ultimate than Tai Chi (太极). It is a concept used by Laozi to denote the ultimacy of "Dao" (道). Tao Te Ching (《道德经》) states: "Knowing the white, yet keeping to the black, one becomes the model of the world. Being the model of the world, one’s constant virtue never errs, and thus one returns to Wuji." This means that if one, while clearly aware of their own purity and innocence, is willing to endure humiliation, they can become a role model for all people under heaven. Once becoming a role model for the world, their constant virtue will never go astray, and in this way, they return to the boundless Dao. Therefore, the original meaning of Wuji is "Dao," indicating that Dao is inexhaustible.

This is the first occurrence of the concept of "Wuji." Later Taoist disciples all used the term "Wuji" in this sense, though the emphasis in its extension varied slightly in different contexts. For example, Zhuangzi (庄子) said in Xiao Yao You (《逍遥游》): "Beyond Wuji, there is yet another Wuji." This implies that the world is boundless; beyond the infinite, there is still the infinite. Here, "Wuji" means "infinity."

The Han Dynasty work Laozi Daodejing He Shanggong Zhangju (《老子道德经河上公章句》) holds that returning to Wuji means "living long and seeing much" (长生久视). From the Taoist perspective, only by being in harmony with Dao can one achieve longevity and prolonged vision. Thus, interpreting Wuji as Dao or as longevity and prolonged vision is consistent.