The meaning of Reducing in Taoism 什么是损

An essential principle and behavioral guideline for Daoist cultivation.

The Dao De Jing states: "In pursuit of learning, one increases daily; in pursuit of the Dao, one decreases daily. Decreasing and decreasing again, until one reaches non-action. Through non-action, nothing remains undone." "Loss" (sun) carries the meanings of reduction, conservation, and elimination.

The meaning of Reducing in Taoism

When one aspires to cultivate the Dao, one must reduce deliberation, conserve spiritual energy, minimize affairs, and eliminate distractions. "The five colors blind the eyes; the five sounds deafen the ears; the five flavors dull the palate." When human desires are thoroughly diminished and heavenly principles flow freely, one approaches the Dao. For every measure that material desires are reduced, one's moral character elevates; for every measure that disturbances are lessened, one's spirit transcends. As the worldly mind diminishes day by day, the heart dies while the spirit lives—one's nature stabilizes and emotions are forgotten, thus entering the realm of the True Person (Zhenren).