The meaning of Supreme Stability in Taoism 什么是泰定

The meaning of Supreme Stability in Taoism

"Tai Ding" (泰定, "Supreme Stability") is one of the cultivation methods proposed by Sima Chengzhen.

It refers to the realm immediately preceding "attaining the Dao" in the cultivation process. Zuowang Lun states: "Without intention toward stability, yet nothing is unstable — this is called supreme stability." It holds that when one reaches the realm of "supreme stability," one is "like withered wood, like dead ashes, without feeling or seeking, utterly tranquil." The wisdom inherent in human nature naturally becomes clear. Because "the mind is the vessel of the Dao," if one is tranquil and indifferent, "then the Dao dwells and wisdom arises."

The meaning of Supreme Stability in Taoism

"Once wisdom has arisen, treasure and preserve it; do not use much knowledge to harm stability." It opposes inappropriate use of wisdom, emphasizing "tranquility in awaiting things," "causing wisdom and tranquility to mutually nourish each other." Because "wisdom can know the Dao, but is not itself attaining the Dao," one cannot use knowledge to harm tranquility or use wisdom to harm the Dao. Rather, one should achieve "stable yet unmoving, wise yet unused, virtuous yet not relying on it," thus being able to "deeply verify the constant Dao."

Sima Chengzhen pointed out that generating wisdom is not difficult; what is difficult is "wisdom unused." "Since ancient times, many have forgotten their form; few have forgotten their name. Wisdom unused is forgetting the name — rarely achieved in the world, therefore it is difficult." He emphasized that attaining the Dao is not a process of gradually knowing and becoming wise, but a process of gradually forgetting and diminishing.