vô vi
Definition
Noun (Philosophy):
- Wu Wei (Non-action): A core Taoist philosophical concept advocating for natural, effortless action and spontaneous harmony with the flow of the universe, rather than forceful or willful interference.
Adjective (General):
- Inactive / Doing nothing: Describing a state of passivity, idleness, or lack of purposeful activity. This usage is more literal and less philosophical.
Usage Examples
Noun (Philosophy):
- Đạo gia chủ trương "vô vi". (Taoism advocates for "Wu Wei".)
- "Vô vi" không có nghĩa là không làm gì cả, mà là hành động thuận theo tự nhiên. ("Wu Wei" does not mean doing nothing, but acting in accordance with nature.)
Adjective (General):
- Ông ấy sống một cuộc đời vô vi, chẳng quan tâm đến việc đời. (He lives an inactive life, unconcerned with worldly matters.)
Advanced Usage
- "Vô vi nhi trị": Governing through non-action (a classical political ideal from Taoist thought).
- Triết lý "vô vi nhi trị" của Lão Tử ảnh hưởng đến nhiều nhà cai trị. (Lao Tzu's philosophy of "governing through non-action" influenced many rulers.)
Variants and Related Words
- Vô vi pháp (n): The principle or method of Wu Wei.
- Thái độ vô vi (n): An attitude of non-action or passivity.
Synonyms
- Non-action / Effortless action (Philosophical).
- Passivity / Inactivity (General).
- Spontaneity / Naturalness.
Related Idioms
- "Vô vi nhi vô bất vi": Through non-action, nothing is left undone. This phrase encapsulates the paradoxical power of Wu Wei.
- Đạo Đức Kinh dạy: "Vô vi nhi vô bất vi". (The Tao Te Ching teaches: "Through non-action, nothing is left undone.")