3 Self-Cultivation
University of Toronto Press eBooks December 31, 2022 DOI: 10.3138/9781487551568-005 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that Taoist self-cultivation, particularly quietude and silence, supports holistic education by showing that words cannot express the Way and that teaching can occur without words. The author connects this to embodied learning and to Huxley's 'nonverbal humanities' curriculum, concluding that education should rely less on verbal and written instruction. |
Abstract
Central to Taoism is self-cultivation or self-mastery.It is important for people to master themselves; they need to practise humility and patience.True power comes from self-mastery (Lao-Tzu, Tao Te Ching, chapter 33).There are several ways to attain self-cultivation described in Taoist texts. SilenceOne is quietude and silence.Words cannot explain the Way.Taoist texts continually remind us of these words.People who talk do not know, while the wise one keeps silent (Lao-Tzu, Tao Te Ching, chapter 56).In Wen-tzu we find, "So facial expressions can reach where talk cannot" (Cleary 2003c, 179).I find these lines important since today we are learning more about embodied learning and this understanding was being articulated two thousand years ago.Holistic education recovers and applies the wisdom of the ancients to modern-day issues and concerns.The implications of this emphasis on silence and embodiment for education are that there should be less stress on verbal communication and the written word.The master teaches without words (Lao-Tzu, Tao Te Ching, chapter 43).According to Nakagawa (2002), Aldous Huxley argued that in elementary schools there should be "nonverbal" methods of education used to the develop the whole child.Nakagawa writes that Huxley "presents a unique curriculum, called 'nonverbal humanities, ' that embraces diverse methods developed in psychology, psychotherapy, body-mind training, and contemplative traditions" (143).Huxley (1956) defines humans as C h a p t e r T h r e e Self-Cultivation May I be well, happy, and peaceful.May my family be well, happy, and peaceful.May my friends be well, happy, and peaceful.May my neighbours be well, happy, and peaceful.May my colleagues be well, happy, and peaceful.May all people that I meet be well, happy, and peaceful.May all people that I am having difficulty or feel anger towards be well, happy, and peaceful.May all beings on this planet be well, happy, and peaceful.May all beings in this universe be well, happy,