The Three Qualities Of Water According To Taoism

“Be like water, my friend,”  Bruce Lee said in a famous quote. “Water can flow or it can fall.” In this quote on self-realization he summarizes the three qualities of water according to Taoism, as in the poem by Lao Tzu. The wisdom of this text is still inspiring today.

It has been more than ten years since the famous philosopher Zygmunt Bauman introduced the concept of a liquid society. With this he described a modern society of flowing values, a changing social model and social structure, a reality characterized by uncertainty. When confronted with this fluctuating picture and the difficulties of holding on to something, the only fixed value, paradoxically, is fear.

The liquid world

We live in a world where few things can be described as stable. That is why we have to react quickly and remain flexible. This allows us to adapt to the sudden changes in our work environment, politics, social demands and new relationships.

In the context of these dynamics, it  is understandable that we experience uncertainty and nervousness. In these cases, Eastern intellectuals such as Raymond Tang (Professor at the University of Guangzhou) advise us to learn a little more about Taoism.

Through Taoism  , we remain calm during the chaos. We can find security and self-control in this uncertain liquid world.

1. The qualities of water according to Taoism: modesty

The first quality of water according to Taoism is modesty. At first glance, it is difficult to see a relationship between this psychological dimension and the aquatic world. But that relationship is there, and it’s very inspiring. Water flowing calmly, peacefully and harmoniously through the river nourishes the earth around it.

When the water level is normal, it touches the shore, it feeds animals, and it helps to balance the environment so that all life can function properly. But  when the river gets irritated and greedy, everything changes. The power of the current can be very harmful. It seizes all soil, destroys habitats, and affects all living things.

We must integrate the quality of water that shows calm and modesty. A person who understands this well does not pretend to be better than he is. He will always prefer peace to violence. And although he sometimes finds conflict in his path due to external factors, he always returns to the riverbed. Everyone can choose a serene life and promote natural balance.

2. Water seizes opportunities

During difficult times there is always a small corner where you see an opportunity. It doesn’t matter what’s going on around us, what changes we’re undergoing, what pressures we’re experiencing, or what it is that has brought us to a standstill. We can also be like water. Find the crack, the weakness in our adversary, or the problem that opens up a new path – a new opportunity.

This quality of water according to Taoism reminds us of how easy this element can be. If something stops us or blocks the path, you can be sure of two things:  unrelenting strength and finding the weak spot.

We must not forget that water is an opportunist. It does not hesitate to adapt, as long as it keeps moving forward. As long as there’s only a small chance of getting where it wants to go, water will get to it.

3. Changes without fear

Few elements are as inspired by or as adapted to change as water.  Just think about this: in extreme temperatures, it can turn itself into ice or steam. Water does not hesitate to take on a different form depending on its environment. It takes the shape of a vase when placed in it and remains small when it flows through the crack in a rock. It becomes huge when it returns to the ocean, and a vital nourishment when a living being is thirsty and in need of it.

Water has power and personality. It knows and understands that nothing is more important than undergoing the necessary changes. Nature is often hostile, and what does not adapt will not survive. Adopting these qualities of water not only inspires us, but it also helps us in a number of aspects of our lives.

Albert Ellis, a psychotherapist known for developing rational-emotive therapy, once said that there is a monster that haunts us every day. A current that tries to wipe out our happiness. The idea that the world should be happy comes from within ourselves. We know it’s not true, but we still complain about every obstacle, every stone in the road, every unexpected and unintended change.

Be like water. Bruce Lee already had the answer for us, but according to Taoism, we should not just see the qualities of water as a nicely worded metaphor. Ultimately, we are also part of nature. And nature itself is an expression of Tao.